Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
What experience do people have with the medications for osteoporosis? PCP wants me on bisphosphonate. Also eyeing rheumy in January, def going to discuss with her. Anyone taking any pills, injections, infusions?
Seeing Rheumy, lol, not eyeing
Hi
. While I can't personally speak to this issue, you certainly are not alone in potentially dealing with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Those with RA, particularly women, are significantly more susceptible to it. Our editorial team wrote this article on the topic: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/osteoporosis-and-risk-of-fracture. Kat wrote and her experience here (and I know she took a bisphosphonate): https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/osteoporotic-fracture and Monica here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/osteoporosis-lower-spine. Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences. Please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and hope your appointment goes well. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
, I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in my early 50's. It runs in my family - mom, sister, aunt, cousin.
I started on fosamax. That didn't do much for me. I am currently on Prolia injections. My dexa scan numbers still aren't great so my GP and rheumatologist recommended a daily injection of a drug similar to Forteo. Both my mom and cousin used Forteo.
At this time, I don't have the mental energy to start on a new drug in addition to methotrexate and a biologic. My understanding GP is allowing me to remain on Prolia for now.
I am adding in some weight bearing exercise as well. I wish I liked milk. Or cheese. Or ice cream. I've been taking a calcium supplement and D3 for years. Kudos to you for staying on top of this and asking questions. Good luck!How is the Prolia? My PCP said (just like with RA) you have to fail the oral medications now before injection/infusions are approved by insurance. Classic.
Ah yes, the silly insurance games. They are so tiresome.
I get the Prolia injections at the clinic, which I find slightly amusing because I've done home injections for over a decade. That said, these go into my arm which might be hard to give myself. The nurse giving the injection always asks how I'm tolerating the drug. I just smile and say, "I have RA. If I'm having a side effect to this I haven't noticed."
I had a severe fracture in 2023 while on Prolia. I smashed my femur into 2 pieces. It was what I'd call a perfect storm of a fall while out for lunch. My eyes were still dilated from an exam, my ankle was in a leather gauntlet brace and I was foolishly carrying a heavy bag.
I know I need to be on something for the osteoporosis. I don't blame a Prolia failure for the break. I wasn't diligent enough after my osteoporosis diagnosis. I should have reminded my doctors to do dexa scans at more regular intervals. Doctors are busy people so I absolutely have to be an advocate for my care.
