Quote from newbones:

Yes, this is a problem many of us are facing - what to do next? I have been on Forteo for about 18 months. My doctor told me in the beginning that I could only be on it for 2 years (and everything I've read supports this) and then I would need to go on something else (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, etc.). And I've read, as some others have posted, that you really need to take something to prevent losing any gains from the Forteo and to hopefully continue to increase the bone density. I took Actonel before without any problems so I would probably opt for that although I would prefer to not have to take anything.

Hi Newbones: I like your username, very positive outlook...

I've talked to another patient on forteo, who took it for 2 1/2 years but was then put on Aredia (pamidronate). This patient has a severe allergy to biophosphonates so her Endo had to find something that she could tolerate. So far she hasn't had any problems with Aredia I too have heard that you must continue on some medical therapy after forteo, so you don't loose any more bone. What I've read about Aredia, is that it is not just used for osteo... and as of yet I don't know if the patient I'm referring to has any other med problems that would indicate the use of Aredia, still waiting to hear if that's the case. Aredia is an IV infused med and she is getting it every 3 months, but if you read about it, there are other ways of receiving it like: daily, monthly, etc.

I guess it would depend on what your t-score is at the end of forteo to determine which option to choose, but I too was told I would probably return to Actonel, but we'll see;) I don't particularly like the stabbing pains, and stomach problems it causes.

All the best...

Pam

I am new to this health board and thought it would be good to jump in here.
I have been on Forteo for 15 months and am also wondering what I will do after the 2 years. I have never been on any bisphosphonates, just went right on Forteo after I was diagnosed with severe osteo. Before I make a decision I want to know and research ALL my options. Since my osteo was caused by a calcium absorption problem, I wonder if my being on a diuretic along with calcium, vitamin d, and exercise would be enough after the Forteo. I would like to know more about the Aredia option and also what is the difference in the afterlife of Fosomax and Actonel? I assumed since they are both the same kind of drug that it would be the same. Is the difference due to the way it is taken or just that Actonel hasn't been out and studied for as long as Fosomax? Has anyone heard any recent information about strontium ranelate? I think it was just talked about at the International Osteo Conference this past June, but I don't think it is available in the US yet. Also, once you have been on Forteo, can you move on to that or would it be considered the same kind of drug?

Quote from trail:

I am new to this health board and thought it would be good to jump in here.
I have been on Forteo for 15 months and am also wondering what I will do after the 2 years. I have never been on any bisphosphonates, just went right on Forteo after I was diagnosed with severe osteo. Before I make a decision I want to know and research ALL my options. Since my osteo was caused by a calcium absorption problem, I wonder if my being on a diuretic along with calcium, vitamin d, and exercise would be enough after the Forteo. I would like to know more about the Aredia option and also what is the difference in the afterlife of Fosomax and Actonel? I assumed since they are both the same kind of drug that it would be the same. Is the difference due to the way it is taken or just that Actonel hasn't been out and studied for as long as Fosomax? Has anyone heard any recent information about strontium ranelate? I think it was just talked about at the International Osteo Conference this past June, but I don't think it is available in the US yet. Also, once you have been on Forteo, can you move on to that or would it be considered the same kind of drug?

Hi: From what I've read (as of 6-06) Strontium Ranelate is not available in the U.S. yet. It is similar to the Bisphosphonate category. If you Google it you'll find articles on it, and see if it helps any. Strontium Ranelate, is not the same as Forteo which is PTH (para thyroid hormone).

Your best bet is to read as much as you can and discuss the options with your dr to see what you can switch to after forteo. I'm still in the process of figuring out what the differences are in meds myself, hopefully someone with more info will jump in...Sorry :dizzy:

I was hoping the PTH nasal spray would be FDA approved, I think it's in Stage 3 Clinical Trials. What is Aredia, I haven't heard of that before.

Hi Taape: hPTH (PTH nasal spray) won't be available unitl 2008, when forteo reaches it's patent protection limit.

As far as Aredia goes, Google the word "Pamidronate" to get further info. I would like to post a URL, but it may not be allowed to be posted, and possibly deleted by the Moder. As I mentioned before, Pamidronate is used for other med problems as well as osteo...and is an iv infused drug.

Best of Wishes...

Pam