<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

According to my doctor I have really severe osteoporosis, before I was
diagnosed with CD, I had very bad anemia, which they treated. I was never
told to get a scan for bone density. Found out from this list and then my
own research. I am still waiting for all my labs to come back. I may not be
able to take this medicine, but my endo wants me to.

In summary of information so far:

Several people like me are having reservations about giving the daily shots
required.
 one person wrote:
Started Forteo  6  wks ago.  No problem so far.  You do know that it is
injected?  Doesn't hurt, me at least.

Some are not happy about the cost. I can relate to this one and I havent
even bought it yet.

Some reservations about side effects:
One about the warning that it can caus
e bone cancer, and did in rats in the
lab.The medication has this warning:

In male and female rats, teriparatide caused an increase  in the
incidence of osteosarcoma (a malignant bone tumor) that was dependent
on dose and treatment duration. The effect was observed at systemic
exposures  to teriparatide ranging from 3 to 60 times the exposure in
humans given  a 20-mcg dose. Because of the uncertain relevance of the
rat osteosarcoma  finding to humans, teriparatide should be prescribed
only to patients  for whom the potential benefits are considered to
outweigh the potential                 risk. Teriparatide should not be
prescribed for patients who are at increased  baseline risk for
osteosarcoma (including those with Paget’s disease of  bone or
unexplained elevations of alkaline phosphatase, open epiphyses, or
prior radiation therapy involving the skeleton) (see WARNINGS
and PRECAUTION
S, Carcinogenesis).

One person said it really helped a family member:
I will tell you, however,  my uncle who has severe osteoporosis and was
constantly fracturing bones went on it 18 mos ago and all our family can
say is "it's a miracle drug"! He has had not 1 incident of a fracture since
being put on it. Best part is he has had NO side effects. I believe the
normal period of time to be on it is 18mos to 2 years. Also, just for an
FYI if your insurance company will not pay for it call the company that
makes Forteo. They seem to be very willing to help you regarding the cost.

Also replies about the Tri Boron.
I need more than a supplement, as my osteo has gotten pretty severe.


Lots of people seem to want more information.

My doctor is being very through, lots of blood/urine tests to see if I
could take med.
So at this point I think I may try it if I can overcome my fear of nee
dles.
She said you are limited to max 2 years.
I do hope as information such as the NIH report and education for doctors
about CD is becoming more available, they will advise their patients to get
a scan to check for bone loss.

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *