Osteoporosis Support Group

I'm 52, my doctor called me yesterday with my bone density scan results. She said the area on my spine where I have OsteoArthritis is showing weakness. She prescribed Evista to me, it's 60 MG, and I'm to take it once a day. I did talk to the nurse this morning, due to I had a lot of concerns, pertaining to the risks. All the doctors I go to have a list of the medications I'm on, as well as the reasons I'm on them, and the amount I take a day. I already have Edema in my legs and feet, my family history is stroke, as well as heart problems. I have high blood pressure, which is under control. I have asthma, it's under control, which I want to keep it that way. I also had to make sure the medication is Gluten Free, due to I have Celiac Disease as well as Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Skin version of CD). The medication is GF, but even after talking to the nurse, I'm still not willing to take the medication, due to risk of blood clots. I do exercise, and have lost weight since I seen my doctor, which I did mention to the nurse this morning when I was talking to her.

Has anybody taken this medication for their bones, and have you had any problems with it. I sure need more info on how others have done with it. I have no desire to take a medication that is going to bring more health issues to me, I have more than I want already. Thank you, Donna Evans

Hello Donna,

Sorry, but I'm unfamiliar with Evista. I just looked around on-line and saw what concerns you -- blood clots. Is the prescribing doctor well aware of your edema, family stroke history, and heart problems? If there is any doubt about that, perhaps you can ask him/her specifically about these things and whether they place you at significantly higher risk.

Unfortunately, as with most drugs, it often comes down to weighing the side effects and risks of the drug against the benefits. Also, unfortunately, osteoporosis usually gradually worsens if untreated, and possible future fractures are a risk too. Personally, I carefully weighed the risks and benefits of Forteo before starting it. It carries a very small risk of causing bone cancer, which would be very serious. But I accepted that risk because the thought of disabling fractures is even more unappealing.

My only suggestion is to take your time and research the drug. Hopefully there is somebody else in the group who has first hand experience with the drug.

By the way, that's a nice bunny picture

Regards,

mmsd

Thank you, mmsd. I have talked to my doctor about the concern as well. It does scare me. Especially the blood clots and stroke. She's also aware of me having edema. I'm going to research Boniva, and see if it'd be the better way to go. I know a lot of meds have all those precautions, but never had one mention blood clots and stroke, especially stroke death as that one does.

Thank you, he's my buck, name is Oreo. I have six rabbits, due to I into pet rabbitry. I have four in the house now, due to how hot it is outside. I still have two out there, but they seem to be managing the heat okay, the two bucks I have in the house, including him, even with me bringing ice bottles out to them, they were starting to worry me. It's a hobby, something I enjoy working. In Regards, Donna