Friday, July 31, 2009 Sue asks

Q: Can you take Forteo for another 2 years?

I am 58 year old woman who has been off Forteo for 1 year. I lost 8% during that 1 year. I gained 16% during the 2 years. I am taking 1200 calicum and multivitamin, and have been on Evista about 8 or 9 years. My doctor wants me to take the Forteo again, but I thought there was a limit of 2 years. My mother died at 62 of colon cancer, my sister, 27, had breast cancer. and I have had several 1st cousins on my mother's side to die of cancer. I know I can't keep losing 8% each year. Is Forteo's benefits, worth the risk.

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Answers (2)

Taape

8/ 1/09 12:16am

HI Sue,

I am on my second round of treatment with Forteo. I gained alot of bone density the first time but lost it all within 6 months because I didn't want to switch to bisphosphonate medication.

I also have family members with a cancer history but none with bone cancer so I decided to take the medication again. I don't think the bisphosphonates are worth the risk from what I've heard from patients and read but I do think the Forteo is because it does grow bone.

Were you on the Evista at the same time as Forteo? I had a hard time deciding what to do but my bone density is so low that I needed to take some medication. I just hope there's an alternative to bisphosphonates after these 2 years are finished.

Taape

8/ 1/09 12:18am

I forgot to add that I have 3 spinal fractures that I'm hoping will heal so that also entered into my decision to take the risk of treatment with Forteo for another 2 years.

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Q: Can you take Forteo for another 2 years?

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