Is Forteo The Same As Fosamax?

Posted on Fri, 11 May 2018

Question: My doctor has recommended forteo because of a second spinal compression fracture in 2 1/2 months. Years ago I had a severe intestinal reaction (constant diarrhea) while taking fosamax, so I have been on Myacalcin for about 10 years. I take calcium citrate with magnesium as a supplement. I am afraid to take forteo because of the severe reaction I had to fosamax. I don't think they are the same chemical but I need your input as to whether or not forteo would give me the same diarrhea. I am 78 years old

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No.They are entirely different chemicals.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist, here to answer your query.

No, forteo is teriparatide and fosamax is Alendronate.So, they are completely different chemicals. You can't replace one with another. You should discuss your issues with a Rheumatologist.

Hope that helps.If you have any further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (21 minutes later)

Thank you. I am wondering about your suggestion about seeing a rheumatologist. I do have osteoarthritis but no symptoms suggesting rheumatoid arthritis, for example. Are there other conditions which a rheumatologist might find as cause for these fractures (other than osteoporosis)?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its fine if you already had an ortho consultation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being in follow-up.

That's fine if you had consulted an ortho specialist. I was just suggesting a Rheumatologist for osteoporosis.

Hope that helps.If you have any further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up else please close the thread, and write a review.

Regards

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar