I also take Evista, Calcium, and Glucosome, One Dr. told me that was enough as Evista does the same as Boniva and to quit taking Boniva. another Dr told me to stay on all of them. I read so much negative stuff about boniva and am going to quit taking it. I am 76. Would love to hear from others on this subject. I've never had side effects from any that I know of.
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4/11/09 5:40pm
Hi Mary: Isn't it so frustrating when you have two Dr.'s and both have different opinions? Since the final decision would be your's, you should do what you think is best.
If you were to just take Evista, I would ask the Dr to do a bone marker test before you stop the Boniva and then a couple of months later, if you are only on the Evista, and see how you are doing with the one medication.
Boniva and Evista are both osteoporosis medications that do similar things but they aren't the same type of medication. Some people find that Boniva works faster to slow bone loss, but if your t-scores have improved and you aren't at a high risk for fracture Evista may be enough. The problem is we all react differently to these meds so you would want to know how your bones are doing if you decide to take just one.
I take Evista, but I started it after finishing Forteo and after gaining a tremendous amount of bone density.
Here's an article on the test I mentioned above (bone marker test) that you can read and see if the Dr will order a baseline test and then a follow up one to see how the Evista does alone. You can always change your mind, later on, if you need to about taking just the Evista. The Boniva should continue to work for some time after you stop it, so hopefully you can get along without it, if that's what you decide to do.
If you have the bone marker test and it shows that the Evista isn't doing as well as the two meds combined you can then decide what to do at that point. I don't know if you are on Medicare, but if so, they do pay for this test which is a urine or blood test to measure components of bone in either the blood or urine. By measuring these, you can tell if a medication is working to slow bone loss.
Just make sure you consider all the pros and cons and make an informed decision.
Good luck and I hope you do well!
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By Mary— Last Modified: 11/16/10, First Published: 04/11/09
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thanks for your input. I wondered about my internist - she has me on Calcium +
Vit D which is needed with the taking of Boniva. Now I noticed this month - not only am I buying the Boniva, she has prescribed Evista. I fractured a vertebrae in my lower back this fall while lifting a slate pool table. I think I'm Tarzan. I also have high chlorestral and had two stints put in 8 years ago. I'm just wondering what your doctor said about taking the Evista and Boniva work together.