Managing potential side effects of using Tymlos medication
In the realm of osteoporosis treatment, a medication known as Tymlos (abaloparatide) has been making waves. This brand-name injection is prescribed for certain adults to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. However, like any medication, Tymlos comes with its own set of potential side effects and risks.
Most commonly, Tymlos may cause mild side effects such as injection site reactions, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, temporary increases in heart rate, heart palpitations, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically ease within a few hours of injecting a dose and usually go away within the first few weeks of treatment.
However, some less common side effects have been identified in clinical settings. These include respiratory issues like pneumonia and dyspnea (shortness of breath), insomnia, anxiety, herpes zoster (shingles), palpitations, bone pain, headache, fatigue, and injection site discomfort.
It's worth noting that Tymlos may increase the level of calcium in your urine, potentially increasing your risk of kidney stones or bladder stones. Furthermore, long-term side effects may include high calcium levels in the blood or urine, the risk of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, and low blood pressure when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension).
Orthostatic hypotension, a temporary drop in blood pressure when standing up, can be caused by Tymlos, but it wasn't common in clinical trials. To prevent orthostatic hypotension, it's recommended to move slowly when changing positions, especially when standing up.
There are also serious side effects to be aware of. These include high blood calcium levels, increased risk of kidney stones or bladder stones, orthostatic hypotension, a possible risk of osteosarcoma, and allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to Tymlos can include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
Tymlos is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or for females who can become pregnant. If you have a history of bone diseases, bone cancer, radiation therapy to your bones, or inherited conditions that increase your risk of osteosarcoma, it's important to discuss these with your healthcare professional before considering Tymlos.
It's also crucial to remember that Tymlos may cause a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, but its risk in humans is unknown. If side effects of Tymlos become difficult to tolerate, it's essential to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Lastly, it's important to note that alcohol and Tymlos can cause similar side effects, including headache and dizziness, and drinking alcohol during treatment with Tymlos may increase your risk of these side effects. If you've ever had an allergic reaction to Tymlos or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won't prescribe Tymlos.
In summary, while Tymlos offers a potential solution for osteoporosis, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and risks. Always consult with a healthcare professional when considering Tymlos or experiencing side effects.
References: 1. [Data on file, Radius Health, Inc.] 2. [Rizzoli R, et al. Abaloparatide treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trial data. Osteoporos Int. 2017;28(1):257-272.] 3. [American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Abaloparatide-SC for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a position statement by the ASBMR Executive Committee and the ASBMR Women's Health Committee. J Bone Miner Res. 2017;32(10):2065-2068.]
- Tymlos, a medication used to treat osteoporosis in certain adults, may cause side effects such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and headache, among others.
- Long-term use of Tymlos may potentially lead to high calcium levels in the blood or urine, the risk of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, and low blood pressure when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension).
- Serious side effects of Tymlos include high blood calcium levels, increased risk of kidney stones or bladder stones, orthostatic hypotension, a possible risk of osteosarcoma, and allergic reactions.
- Tymlos is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or for females who can become pregnant, due to potential risks.
- It's essential to discuss one's medical history, including any bone diseases, bone cancer, radiation therapy to bones, or inherited conditions that increase the risk of osteosarcoma, with a healthcare professional before considering Tymlos.
- Alcohol and Tymlos may cause similar side effects, including headache and dizziness, and drinking alcohol during Tymlos treatment may increase these risks.
