Is Evenity (Romosozumab) the HOLY GRAIL of Osteoporosis Drugs? Not So Fast...

Is Evenity (Romosozumab) the HOLY GRAIL of Osteoporosis Drugs? Not So Fast...In this video we will delve into the controversy surrounding Evenity. Is this the answer? Maybe not and here's why... Watch this video to learn more on improving your bone health and lifespan.
Watch and Enjoy! Dr. Doug Lucas Key Moments in this Episode
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00:00 Intro and summary
2:50 Evaluating Drugs
3:20 Study 1
4:00 How does this drug work?
11:24 Cardiovascular Risks
12:53 Masterclass Registration Link
13:15 Patient Treatment Plan
18:22 Closing Summary
Study 1:
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27641...
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SIGN UP FOR MY FREE MASTERCLASS USING THE LINK BELOW!
Click here: www.optimalhumanhealth.com/bu...
Masterclass details: Hosted by Doug Lucas, DO, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Anti-Aging Specialist, you'll gain insight into the lifestyle, nutrition, testing, and medical solutions for Osteoporosis management and yes, possibly, even reversal.
HEALTH SPAN NATION: www.optimalhumanhealth.com/pr...
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Purchase the hardcopy of "The Osteoporosis Breakthrough" here: www.amazon.com/Osteoporosis-B...
I would be grateful if you could consider sharing your thoughts by leaving a review once you've had a chance to read it. Your feedback can inspire others on their own path to bone health excellence. You can leave a review here: www.amazon.com/product-review...
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This channel is focused on Bones, Hormones, and Healthspan to help midlife women and beyond aim for optimal, not average, and reignite their spark!
The videos on this channel will be focused around helping women navigate healthspan and longevity through the lens of osteoporosis, perimenopause, and menopause. When it comes to osteoporosis and menopause providers and educators often get tunnel vision and your symptoms might get better, but if you don't keep longevity in mind, symptom improvement may come at the expense of heart and brain health.
Subscribe and follow along as Dr. Doug Lucas explores the research and clinical applications surrounding women's health.
ABOUT DR. DOUG LUCAS
========================
Dr. Doug Lucas: Owner/founder of Optimal Bone Health and Optimal Human Health. My team and I work together to create custom bone optimization plans for individuals based around supplements, hormone optimization, peptides and more in order to increase bone health and longevity!
Optimal Bone Health www.optimalhumanhealth.com/
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Facebook: / drdouglucas
Linkedin: / doug-lucas-b0243522
#osteoporosis
#hormones
#bones

[@TheSprayduster]

I've never posted anything before, I hope I'm doing this right and bit wasting my time. I have been on Evenity for over 3 month now, coming up to my 4th lot of injections. I inject myself at home and only have slight injection site soreness for a very short couple of days. I've had no reactions except two tiny headaches days at month two. insignificant !!!! I had awful fears of any drugs so I completely understand the people who are scared of taking this or any drug. All I can say is that breaking your hip is significantly worse in my mind. apart from events I do not take any drugs. my T score is -4.3 in my vertebrae and 3.5 in mu neck femur. fingers crossed my t scores improve. I'm very active and id consider myself fit, except for I'm falling to pieces. I'm 73 and I hope to rise above all this with Dr Doug guiding me with his knowledge. thanks for listening

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I appreciate your support!

[@Padraigp]

Does it decrease falls? The other drugs make your bones more calcium rich which doesn't mean they're not brittle and don't translate into less falls. My mom has broken her hip her arm her ribs doesn't have osteopenia does have tiny feet and very bad neuropathy. My aunt has severe osteoporosis had her menopause at 35 and fell of a hors early in life she has never had a fall.

[@user-rf6gju59]

Not everyone can afford this drug. For you I am sure your insurance pays. My insurance denied the coverage, even though I have a good one BCBS PPO. The drug costs over $2,000. I can not afford to pay the cost for 12 months.

[@NilDreams]

Thanks for this video. I’ve just been prescribed by my doctor to start on Evenity. Thankfully I haven’t been bullied but my doctor has made it clear she feels very strongly that I need to get on it. I’m at -3 for bone loss but have no fractures. I am almost 61. I’m still on the fence on Evenity but I discovered your channel and I’m being very proactive in the more natural ways for now. Hopefully I will improve by going the natural route. Thank you for all the information you are providing.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hello, If you haven't been to our Masterclass yet please do that. If you want to chat with our team you can schedule at the link below. www.optimalbonehealth.com/schedule

[@Robinredbreast]

Thanks for the video on Evenity. Very informative. I definitely need a plan. I am not an anti pharmacological protagonist so i like your approach which seems to combine both natural and pharma interventions when appropriate. It is sometimes a bit overwhelming to process the medical science on this. But i am on that journey. Your videos are so helpful with this. I plan to rewatch your videos on Forteo and Prolia as i move towards a decision. Thanks again!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Yes, thank you for sharing this. I am glad you are enjoying them!

[@susancoffey7612]

Robin, I am curious to know - which medication you decided to go with?

[@cindylutz7442]

Very timely. 😅 Thank you.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kaarencaron4711]

I had two injections of Evenity before I decided I couldn’t take the debilitating side effects for a year. Head to toe body aches, feverish, sluggish, jaw pain, and temporary head pain. I could function only with two doses of Advil a day. I’m a healthy, active 58 year old with -3.1 in the lumbar spine and minimal in the hip. I never felt so bad in my life and actually Felt like I had osteoporosis. The side effects lasted more than 7 weeks after the last injection. Evenity should have been out of my body by then, as well as the side effects. So, I knew that Lyme disease had parallel symptoms, so had a Lyme panel done. Turns out, I was Lyme positive! I was then put on 4 weeks of strong doxycycline, which was also horrible. I will find out with another test if that has treated the Lyme. My question is, even though I was diagnosed with Lyme during the exact time I was taking the injections, could the injections have caused the Lyme to surface… .do you think there could be a link between the Lyme and Evenity? My doctor wants me to go back on some form of medication for osteoporosis, but I’m scared of Evenity….knowing how I possibly could feel again. Thought’ s?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

So many thoughts. First, I don’t think that there is a connection between lime disease and Evenity. There’s no explanation that I can come up with that would link the two. Evenity is only approved for one year of use anyway so you’re done with that drug. In my practice what we would do next is to create a comprehensive plan to continue to improve bone health, preferably without drugs. But most importantly, we would continue to monitor bone turnover biomarkers as well as imaging studies. Some people may need to be on an anti-resorptive drug but that is not my preference. I have done quite a bit of research on Lyme disease as well. I see this as a common confection here in North Carolina. I am not a fan of doxycycline treatment as it does not usually get rid of the problem if it is chronic.

[@wandayonder9772]

It could be connected. 1 in 5 women in the Evenity trial had an immune response to the drug. It's possible that some people (you?) could have had a stronger auto-immune response (Lyme disease). "During clinical trials [of Evenity], 18.1% of the 5914 postmenopausal women receiving this drug developed antibodies; 4.7% had antibodies classified as neutralizing."

[@TheSprayduster]

sorry you have had a bad effect from Evenity, I'm on my 4th month coming up and have had no problems except for injection site soreness which was less troublesome last time as I've been injecting myself in my stomach (plenty of fat)

[@bethajean82]

After posting my experience with Evenity, I am also seeking a Lyme panel as I have known, self-removed tick bites with Doxy follow-up (I live south of the Pocono Mtns). I also know there is little evidence for this connection. However, my leg felt so bad several days after the injection I was using a cane to get started in the morning. My groin pain slowly improved the week of my next injection, and then returned after the second shot. I am a healthy 65-year-old who is very active.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

@@bethajean82 I haven’t seen Lyme connected with side effects or osteoporosis but Lyme’s impact on the immune system can cause variable symptoms so it’s probably possible.

[@user-cv9ht6id7h]

Thank uou ❤ I am 81 bed ridden .... had fracture in spin , healed now ! Have another fracture in my upper back 😢😢 ! Out of hospital now ! In bed for healing process 😢❤ 12 weeks to heal the back ! On NERVE TABLETS FOR SERVERE PAIN 😢❤DRS WANT ME ON PROLIA .... I AM SO AFRAID 😢❤ BLESSINGS FROM AUSTRALIA ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounds like you could benefit from our next free Bone Foundations masterclass if you have not attended one before. You can find details at this link --> www.optimalbonehealth.com/bone-foundations-master-class

[@leonaedwards7104]

I give useful videos to my doctor. I am lucky he is open to this. We are very complex beings.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Yes, great to hear!

[@bobbiwiniecki2704]

That's amazing! I get the indication my Dr gets most of the continuing ed from drug reps (although I don't know that for sure)

[@lindaholthaus1176]

Great information. Can't wait to watch more. What is the difference between femoral neck scores and total hip score?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question. Femoral neck is the junction of the thigh bone and the hip joint. It’s a common place for fracture. The total hip score is the whole upper thigh bone and the socket it connects to.

[@jeanlewis3823]

I just started at OsteoStrong, decided to take their AlgaeCal (without Strontium ) and we shall see in 6 months how my Dexa changes!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing!

[@judysebern2005]

So informative, I can’t wait to order your book

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Yes, it will be available very soon. Be on the lookout in the video description for a link to purchase.

[@JoanneBrown-sc9nn]

I have been appreciating the information you share on your videos for several months. I would like to sign up for your Master Class, but there is no button to click (as you suggest to do) at the end of the video.

[@12thDecember]

Click on the word *more* in the description box, then scroll down to where it says "Sign up for my free Master Class," and click the link. (It's not an actual button, it's a link.)

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Yes, I'll also put it here for you --> www.optimalbonehealth.com/bone-foundations-master-class

[@bethajean82]

Thank you for the information, as my orthopedic was less than forward with this information. I was placed on Evenity for a tibia fracture from a ski accident. I am 65 and in good health with a Dexa result noting mild osteopenia left hip otherwise WNL. new Dexa this December. However, I had severe acute groin pain and left leg weakness (fractured leg, which, before injection, was fully rehabbed) with this medication. I reported this to my provider and Evenity after 2 injections. My provider became frustrated with me and is recommending Prolia. I am following your information to make the best decision for me. Secondly, I wanted to share this information as it appears rare and unusual.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing!

[@anniep1666]

Thank you so Much!!! I too have been literally threatened by several doctors over the past 10 years!!! I hope to never take bone drugs after having a failed newly performed root canal following 2 years on oral Fosamax. That was in 2003. I've given up on Dexa scans because they all come back so bad and I have to withstand the threatening onslaught once again. I have taken Calcitonin for over 15 years, and no fracture at 74. No one knows much about it but my endocrinologist at Walter Reed prescribed it and I'm so glad he did as I believe it strengthens bone matrix. But that's a guess. Your videos are wonderful!! What a great service you are providing!!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this. I appreciate your support!

[@kimhumiston2686]

I just finished Evenity injections which I did monthly for a year. My spine changed from osteoporosis to osteopenia. I never really had side effects from Evenity other than sore injection site. Starting Reclast next week. I also started eating prunes, which are supposed to be good for bone. I started working out at the gym, too . I'll just hope for the best!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this! It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here --> www.optimalbonehealth.com/build-bone

[@lewynld]

The question I would have is - are the effects of drugs like evenity persistent, or do you have to take them forever? Also how long was the study that found minimal cardiovascular risk? I also note what appears to be a not insignificant risk of osteonecrosis, only in the medicated group.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Correct all around. The drug will wear off after cessation and the benefits need to be reinforced by another drug or comprehensive program with close monitoring. The duration of the studies vary but most are 12 months. The concern of events only while on the drug (it seems). There were cases of ONJ and atypical femur fracture. I prefer anabolic drugs to Evenity if they make sense for the patient.

[@pamitasoyza3809]

I thought Evenity is a anebolic drug?

[@sheryl3268]

What are your thoughts on potential to develop oteoarthritis later from having taken romosozumab?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Not sure how that would happen?

[@MB-lf8rm]

Thank you, Dr. Doug, for all the good information. My cousin is a fit, active 75 y/o, (a mountain climber all her life; still hiking and climbing every day). Now, for the first time, had a DEXA scan, which has been read as T scores of -3.4 to -3.7. She says she wants to take the natural route. Do you think at the age of 75 the natural approach might be a reasonable way to go ?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

As active as she is, possibly! Each case is unique but the ability and open mind to be able to take on a comprehensive plan is what it takes regardless of chronologic age.

[@chiaramitchell9726]

@17:40 you have a Pyramid of Health Optimization that includes Peptides, what specifically do you use in your practice that is part of this classification?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hello, We have a list of over 30 peptides that we use for various reasons. Some of our favorite tools.

[@sheryl3268]

Do you have a video on other osteoporosis anabolics?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

We do! Search Dr Doug Forteo and you'll find it.

[@hasmikkarapetian2390]

Hello thanks for the information, I have a question. My doctor recommending to take Evenity drug. I am already rescheduled my appointment twice. I know i need to do something , my T score is not good -3.9, I never had fractures and did not take medication only calcium supplements.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hello, What question can we help you with?

[@missshalvah]

I just had Dex scan for first time and my doctor was horrified and will be starting me on Evenity this week. My question to you Dr. Bone Health is what do you recommend to vegans who do not want to start eating animal products for ethical reasons? That’s me. He chose Evenity over Tymlos and Forteo because of better health insurance coverage. But was anxious to have me start one of the 3 right of way. I’m sorry if you already answered this question. I did not read through all the comments. Thank you for any recommendations you might be able to offer me.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi There. I understand your concerns and hear them frequently. The only complete protein source is tofu but must be organic to avoid contamination with pesticides. There are numerous other minor protein sources but none of them are great. For my plant based patients I recommend tracking protein and adding another 30% to their goals. We start most people at 1g/lb but it can vary.

[@Neelimadar]

What do you know of the Marodyne LIV device?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Take a look at our video on Whole Body Vibration for more on that topic!

[@gretchenschulzepixiedust]

I'm 36 (37 in 2 months) knew my bones were bad, but have been avoiding the medical world... now they are "really" bad T scores of -3.5, -3.8, -4... Was supposed to be implementing lifestyle changes to improve, but clearly got off track. I feel terrified and hopeless all the time... back hurts, wrists, heals hurt; have hairline fractured heals many times. In the process of getting in with a specialist where they will suggest some medication. Questioning my future and existence.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Very sorry to hear this! It is extremely important that you are working with right specialist. If you would like to learn more about our program you may schedule a discovery call at this link--> www.optimalbonehealth.com/membership We also have a free Bone Foundations Course and host a Free Masterclass every month. Both of those could be beneficial to you. The links are in the video description!

[@raunetty]

what's about her today, we are very eager to know! could you update?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Yes! Thank you for checking in about this. I will add this to our list of videos to create and share :)

[@Indydi]

Can you do the full workup if someone is on Prolia? That will change the CTX/P1NP numbers, won't it?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

This wil vary per person. Checkout our masterclass or health span nation if you have not. We are able answer more specific questions through those platforms. Links for both of those are in the video description :)

[@kimberlygorgoglione9237]

I have a T score of 3.5 and Dr wants me on Evenity. A second Dr recommended Prolia. So far I have not decided but I lift now at the gym and take supplements like Osteo MD. My question is, at 67 I am too old for HRT so i need to rule that out, correct?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Depends on your unique situation. The risk:benefit equation gets tricker the longer you post menopausal.

[@BethSmith-cs4dg]

Masterclass sign up not available???

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi! you should be able to sign up directly through this link --> www.optimalbonehealth.com/bone-foundations-master-class

[@julieharris6095]

I have just been diagnosed … I live in the UK , I’m assuming I can’t sign up for the 1 to 1 ?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hello, We do have international programs but are limited in our capacity due to international law. But we do have 1 on 1 opportunities to consider. You can schedule with our team at www.optimalbonehealth.com/schedule. You'll end up in an email with my team before you can schedule but we'll get you on the schedule if you are interested.

[@julieharris6095]

Ahh yes i would be interested , I have already signed up for the masterclass as well for next Wednesday

[@Dr_DougLucas]

That is great! I look forward to seeing you. Thank you for your support.@@julieharris6095

[@candyr7299]

I had Forteo for 2 years. Followed with Reclast and added Calcium, VitD, K and Magnesium Supplements. Due to a fall I broke my distal femur. One surgery was total nonunion. 2nd surgery at university hospital and the bone is still very slow healing. My doctor suggests Evenity for me, I do have a TriCuspid Reguritation issue with my heart, my insurance has already denied the Evenity. I thought about going back to Forteo and following up afterwards with yearly Reclast as I do now. I am using Peptides, getting dairy for calcium and am now allowed to weight bear on my femur. Walking is very difficult because I also have a mild knee valgus which is causing me to plant my foot outwards and it is causing back pain. Question is, would Evenity be worth me asking for Patient Assistance. I need to heal that femur bone quickly or I'm looking at a 3rd surery,

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this, unfortunately I cannot provide specific recommendations through this platform, I would need to know a little bit more about you as well. Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@BethSmith-cs4dg]

Do you work with people with Parkinson's and osteoporosis

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Yes, treating neurodegenerative disease can be part of our program. Parkinson's can be tough though.

[@susanbaxter4964]

What’s advice can you give if I decide to get off Evenity to help minimize possible rebound effect? I have only had 2 months of Evenity shots. Would HRT help this transition? I am 69 years old.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this, unfortunately I cannot provide specific recommendations through this platform, I would need to know a little bit more about you as well. Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@ritaschultz6859]

Yes the bullying is awful

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Agreed!

[@user-hs6wl4rn8z]

My orthopedic doctor requested that I stop Evenity after my seventh injection, due to surgery for an ankle fracture. Should I restart Evenity once I have finished PT? I can’t find any information on this.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

You'll have to ask your surgeon their preference but once healed you should be able to go back to what you were doing. Ask your prescribing doctor as well. The follow up question to that is what to do after the 12 months of evenity!

[@alain6177]

What peptides did you recommended for her ?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question! Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. These are things that we discuss in there and it allows us to go into detail rather than doing short chats through this platform. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@ariesmcdaniel4442]

I’m 44,,, not menopausal,,, a minority, no parathyroid disease, just did a sestambi scan… no celiac, no Crohn’s disease,… this is my third op meds,,, I was great the first 3 months… then because I still have my period,,,,,, it was the worst thing. I was so weak /lethargic . I just don’t want anymore fractures… I hate osteoporosis,,, I’m so scared when I’m post menopause….

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this, you are not alone. Checkout our next Masterclass if you have not attended one before. You can find further details here ---> www.optimalbonehealth.com/build-bone

[@alexsutter289]

Why only woman in the study? Should men be able to use Evenity?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Haha, for sure. Likely they chose to enroll only women to limit variability in the studied population. In the osteoporosis space we see the opposite of the rest of medical care which is study men and extrapolate to women. Here we see, study women, extrapolate to men..

[@leeking6185]

Had horrible side effects from Evenity! NEVER, NEVER AGAIN!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Sorry to hear that, thank you for sharing this!

[@sheryl3268]

So sorry. If you are willing, please share what happened.

[@juliedaniels5594]

Someone was refused medical care because they wouldn’t take drugs??!! This doctor should be ashamed!you should work with patients not hold them to ransom!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@user-ib7st9qv8b]

My name is Annemarie live in Sydney Australia well, how can you call, well put out on , wow holy grail of the bone, healing when it is just a drug , for healing pharmaceuticals company, not natural, showmanship

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hello, This drug has been called "The Holy Grail" and my point here is that it's not. I don't recommend the drug.

[@wandayonder9772]

Hello Annemarie, I'm from Australia too. Did you see tonight's national news warning about Evenity, the heart attack & stroke deaths it has caused here? Evenity is made by Amgen, the same company that makes Prolia. It's no coincidence that Evenity must be followed by Prolia after 12 mths, & Prolia has to be taken long term. It's just a way to channel people into long term use of Prolia. $$$