Osteoporosis

Evenity® is a monoclonal antibody that blocks sclerostin. By doing so, Evenity increases bone formation while also decreasing bone breakdown. It is FDA approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture, defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, or multiple risk factors for fracture; or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy.

Dosing and Administration

Evenity® is a subcutaneous injection that should be administered by a healthcare professional. The recommended dose for Evenity is 210 mg every month for a total of 12 doses. Patients are encouraged to take supplemental calcium and Vitamin D while on treatment.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Evenity® include joint pain and headache.

Description

Forteo® is a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone, which helps to regulate calcium at the bone. It also stimulates formation of new bone while preventing reducing bone turnover. It is FDA approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, for the treatment of men and women with osteoporosis associated with sustained systemic glucocorticoid therapy at high risk for fracture, as well as to increase  bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. In all situations, patients must have failed or be intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy prior to starting Forteo.

 Dosing and Administration

Forteo® is a subcutaneous injection which is recommended at a dose of 20 mg once daily. Patients are encouraged to take supplemental calcium and Vitamin D while on treatment. Treatment with Forteo is only recommended for up to 2 years during a patient’s lifetime.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Forteo® include joint pain and nausea.

Description

Prolia® is a monoclonal antibody that blocks receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-beta ligand (RANKL). In doing so, Prolia blocks osteoclasts which break down bone. It is FDA approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, as well as to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer, and women at high risk for fracture receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.

Dosing and Administration

Prolia® is a subcutaneous injection that must be administered by a healthcare professional. The recommended dose for Prolia is 60 mg every six months. Patients are encouraged to take supplemental calcium and Vitamin D while on treatment.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Prolia® include back pain, pain in extremities, and increases in cholesterol.

Description

Tymlos® is an analog form of parathyroid hormone, which helps to regulate calcium at the bone. It also stimulates formation of new bone while preventing reducing bone turnover. It is FDA approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.

Dosing and Administration

Tymlos® is a subcutaneous injection which is recommended at a dose of 80 mg once daily. Patients are encouraged to take supplemental calcium and Vitamin D while on treatment. Treatment with Tymlos is only recommended for up to 2 years during a patient’s lifetime.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tymlos® include dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain.