
Precautions
Yes, Prolia does appear to weaken your immune system. Research has shown people who take Prolia are at an increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalizations, including endocarditis and serious infections of the skin, abdominal, urinary tract, and ear.
Is Prolia a dangerous drug?
Some side effects from Prolia may last only a few days, while others may last several months. Because the drug can stay in your body for up to 6 months, some side effects can still occur months after your last dose of Prolia. This includes side effects that affect your teeth.
How long will the side effects of Prolia last?
You may need to go to the hospital for treatment if you develop an infection. Prolia is a medicine that may affect the ability of your body to fight infections. People who have a weakened immune system or take medicines that affect the immune system may have an increased risk for developing serious infections.
Does Prolia weaken your immune system?
These drugs (Prolia, Xgeva, ibandronate and Zometa ... action of bone tissue. It’s all good, right? I discovered the dark side of these drugs when I had a toothache last summer. Rather than deciding my horrible jaw and head pain was more cancer, I ...
Is Prolia a good drug?

What are the long term effects of taking Prolia?
Rare, long-term side effects of Prolia include fractures of the spine or femur (thighbone). These are serious. The fractures may require surgeries, take several months to heal, or both. Before you start Prolia treatment, talk with your doctor about how long Prolia's side effects may last.
Do the benefits of Prolia outweigh the risks?
The FDA Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs voted unanimously that the benefits of denosumab treatment likely outweigh the risks for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
How many years should you take Prolia?
Answer. Denosumab (brand name Prolia) is a medication used to treat severe osteoporosis. It works by turning off the natural process of breaking down and reabsorbing bones. It is administered through a shot twice per year for up to 10 years.
What is the downside of taking Prolia?
Cons of taking denosumab It may lower your calcium levels. It may cause skin infections at the injection site. It may cause muscle and joint pain or skin problems.
What is the best and safest treatment for osteoporosis 2021?
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
What is the safest osteoporosis drug 2020?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of breaking a bone (fracture).
Are there any positive reviews for Prolia?
Most voted positive review My sister is a physician and she went over all the side effects with me. The only real concern is a rash since Prolia does NOT go through the kidney or liver like all the other drugs. This is by FAR the SAFEST osteoporosis medicine. And its the easiest too.
Does Prolia lower your immune system?
Yes, Prolia (denosumab) does appear to weaken your immune system. Research has shown people who take Prolia are at an increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalizations, including serious infections of the skin, abdominal, urinary tract, and ear.
Can Prolia reverse osteoporosis?
Denosumab (Prolia®, Xgeva®) reversed cortical bone loss and increased bone mineral density, lowering wrist fracture rates in women with osteoporosis, according to new research. Osteoporosis is a common condition where bones become weak, affecting both men and women, mainly as they grow older.
Does Prolia increase bone density?
Yes, Prolia (denosumab) does increase bone density. Research has shown that Prolia significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) by 8.8% at the lumbar spine, 6.4% at the total hip, and 5.2% at the femoral neck in trials that measured BMD after three years of treatment with Prolia.
What is better Fosamax or Prolia?
Fosamax (alendronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis, but taking it can be a hassle. Prevents bone loss. Prolia (Denosumab) is an effective and convenient treatment for osteoporosis if other options haven't worked or aren't appropriate for you.
Does Prolia cause weight gain?
Prolia (denosumab) has not been associated with weight gain in clinical studies. Prolia can cause peripheral edema (fluid retention) or swelling, and this may lead to weight gain in some people. Speak with your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Does Prolia weaken your immune system?
Yes, Prolia does appear to weaken your immune system. Research has shown people who take Prolia are at an increased risk of serious infections lead...
How do you give a Prolia injection?
Prolia is a prescription medicine injected under the skin (called a subcutaneous injection) and is given once every 6 months. You do not give Proli...
Does Prolia cause weight gain?
Prolia (denosumab) has not been associated with weight gain in clinical studies. Prolia can cause peripheral edema (fluid retention) or swelling, a...
Does Prolia increase bone density?
Prolia (denosumab) does increase bone density. Prolia works by targeting a molecule called RANKL that osteoclasts need to work. By stopping RANKL f...
Can you drink alcohol while taking Prolia?
While there are no known drug interactions between Prolia (generic name: denosumab) and alcohol, but you should check with your doctor first before...
Xgeva vs Prolia. How do they compare?
Xgeva and Prolia are both brand names for the generic drug denosumab. Both are injectable preparations, both are made by Amgen, and both have simil...
What are the side effects of Prolia?
increased or urgent need to urinate; severe stomach pain; or. cough, feeling short of breath. Common Prolia side effects may include: bladder infection (painful or difficult urination); back pain, muscle pain; or. pain in your arms or legs. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
How often is Prolia given?
A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Prolia is usually given once every 6 months. Your doctor may have you take extra calcium and vitamin D while you are being treated with Prolia.
How long can you keep Prolia at room temperature?
After you have taken Prolia out of the refrigerator, you may keep it at room temperature for up to 14 days. Store in the original container away from heat and light. Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes.
How to store Prolia?
If you keep this medicine at home, store it in the original container in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. You may take Prolia syringe out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before the injection is given. Do not heat the medicine before using.
What to tell your doctor before taking Prolia?
Before you receive Prolia, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), a weak immune system, a history of hypoparathyroidism or thyroid surgery, a history of intestinal surgery, a condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food, or if you are allergic to latex.
Does Prolia weaken the immune system?
Yes, Prolia does appear to weaken your immune system. Research has shown people who take Prolia are at an increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalizations, including endocarditis and serious infections of the skin, abdominal, urinary tract, and ear.
Does Prolia cause jaw pain?
Some people using Prolia have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
How often is Prolia given?
Prolia is administered by injection under the skin of the upper thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, once every six months. The dosage of Prolia does not need to be reduced in people with kidney disease. 3. Downsides.
How to inject Prolia under skin?
Once at room temperature, remove the grey needle cap and insert the needle under the skin of the upper thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Push the plunger to inject the dose of Prolia under the skin. When finished, click the green safety guard into place (there is no need to replace the grey needle cap).
How long does Prolia stay in the refrigerator?
Prolia must be stored in the refrigerator until needed for use. The risk of fracture, including multiple vertebral fractures, increases when Prolia is discontinued, and new vertebral fractures have been reported in as little as 7 months following discontinuation. The risk decreases to pretreatment values within 24 months.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat osteoporosis?
Prolia is a brand (trade) name for denosumab which may be used to treat osteoporosis. Prolia (denosumab) works by binding to a protein called RANKL on osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone), inhibiting their formation, function, and survival.
How long does it take for Prolia to warm up?
Immediately before administration, take Prolia out of the refrigerator and leave in its original container to warm up to room temperature for around 15 to 30 minutes.
What medications interact with Prolia?
Common medications that may interact with Prolia include: calcimimetic agents such as cinacalcet. chemotherapy agents, such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or bleomycin. corticosteroids (such as prednisone or dexamethasone) immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or tacrolimus).
How much vitamin D is needed for prolia?
People undergoing Prolia therapy need to receive calcium 1000mg daily and at least 400 IU vitamin D daily. Prolia has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw. The risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw is greater in those who have received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
Why do I have pain after Prolia?
Patients who experience deep, unrelenting pain after receiving Prolia have found that they need dental work due to the discomfort and pain in their teeth and jaw.
How many shots of Prolia are given a year?
Patients are led to believe that this brand new drug is the “latest thing.”. It’s convenient. Prolia is administered in just 2 shots a year rather than a pill every day. The digestive system is avoided, since Prolia is administered as a shot.
Is Prolia a new drug?
It’s new. Yes, this was listed in the pros, but Prolia’s newness is most definitely a double-duty characteristic of the drug. The fact that it’s new means that it has only been tested in the lab, not in humans. This is why drugs get pulled off the market; no one really knows the extent of the dangers until the drug has been released to the public for several years. Do you really want to take part in a trial to determine the effectiveness and safety of a drug?
Is Prolia still FDA approved?
Prolia Pros And Cons . At only 2 years out from FDA approval, Prolia (generic name, denosumab) is still considered a new treatment – so the pros and cons are still being weighed and considered by patients, doctors, and researchers.
What is Prolia used for?
Specifically, Prolia is used to: treat osteoporosis in males and in females who’ve gone through menopause.
How does Prolia work?
Prolia works by blocking osteoclasts (certain bone cells) from breaking down bone tissue in your body. This is the drug’s mechanism of action. Specifically, Prolia works by blocking a protein called RANK. The drug attaches to the RANK protein and helps prevent osteoclasts from breaking down bone.
What is the difference between prolia and bisphosphonate?
Specifically, Prolia is a monoclonal antibody (a lab-made protein). It works with your immune system to help prevent bone loss. Bisphosphonates, on the other hand, help increase bone thickness and prevent bone breakdown. They do this by slowing the loss of minerals such as calcium from your bones .
What are the side effects of Prolia?
Serious side effects of Prolia that have been reported include: serious infection, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and skin infection. unusual bone fractures in your thigh. increased risk of bone fracture after stopping Prolia treatment, such as having multiple spine fractures.
How long can you take Prolia?
No, there isn’t a set number of years you can take Prolia. In studies, people have safely taken Prolia for up to 8 years. If the drug is working to improve your condition, your doctor may have you take it long term. They’ll discuss with you the long-term benefits of Prolia and how long you should continue treatment.
How long does Prolia last?
How long Prolia’s side effects last. For most people, Prolia’s side effects are mild and go away after a few days to a few weeks. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have serious or ongoing side effects. For example, if you have a serious UTI or other infection, call your doctor right away.
Is Prolia a contraindication?
Prolia may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. In certain cases, Prolia may have contraindications (not be recommended) for you due to a higher risk for side effects .
What is Prolia used for?
Prolia is used to treat bone loss and certain types of osteoporosis (a condition that causes weakened bone). Specifically, Prolia is approved for use in the following people when they’re at high risk of bone fracture:
What happens if you stop taking Prolia?
After you stop taking Prolia, you may have certain side effects, such as bone loss. But you likely won’t have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Prolia. Withdrawal symptoms happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. (With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to feel normal.)
What is the purpose of Prolia and Reclast?
Prolia and Reclast have different approved uses, but they’re both used to treat osteoporosis in men and in women who’ve gone through menopause. These drugs are also both approved to treat osteoporosis that’s caused by steroids.
What is the FDA approved for?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Prolia to treat certain conditions. Prolia may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.
How long does Prolia stay in your system?
Some side effects from Prolia may last only a few days, while others may last several months. Because the drug can stay in your body for up to 6 months, some side effects can still occur months after your last dose of Prolia. This includes side effects that affect your teeth.
What is the drug used to treat osteoporosis?
Prolia contains the drug denosumab. It belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. (These drugs are made from immune system cells.) Prolia works by decreasing bone breakdown in your body. This leads to reduced bone loss and helps to treat osteoporosis.
Where can I get Prolia?
Prolia comes as a solution inside prefilled syringes that each hold 60 mg of the drug. Prolia is given as an injection under your skin (called a subcutaneous injection ). The drug can be injected into your upper thigh, upper arm, or abdomen (belly). You’ll get Prolia injections from a healthcare provider at your doctor’s office.
How long does Prolia last?
According to Dr. Adachi, in the rare cases when they occur, Prolia side effects last up to three months . They do not persist for more than five months (the length of time Prolia is in your body). In general, the vast majority of Prolia side effects are resolved within three months.
How long does prolia stay in the body?
Prolia is in the body for approximately five months, whereas bisphosphonates can linger in the body for several years.
What are the effects of prolia and bisphosphonates on osteoclasts?
Effect on Osteoclast Cells. First, Prolia and bisphosphonates differ in how they affect osteoclast cells. Osteoclast cells are the cleaners of old bone. The newly formed osteoclast cells join mature osteoclasts to perform an important role: the breakdown of the old bone.
How long does it take for Prolia to cause a rash?
Atypical femoral fractures occur when Prolia use is greater than 5 years.
What is Prolia monoclonal antibody?
Kent McLeod, pharmacist and owner of NutriChem Pharmacy, defines Prolia as an immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody — a glycoprotein that interferes with the protein RANK ligand (RANKL) and prevents the formation, maturation and survival rates of osteoclasts. RANKL is the molecule blocked by denosumab.
Can prolia be treated?
Prolia need not be the treatment of choice if your diagnosis places you in a low or moderate fracture risk category. The right combination of exercise and good nutrition can help you to stay (or move you into) the low risk fracture risk category.
Is Prolia a controversial topic?
Prolia can be a controversial topic to discuss so I want to make a few points before we start. First, I am a Physical Therapist who treats patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia and low bone density. Invariably, many of these patients are taking an osteoporosis pharmaceutical, with many of these taking Prolia shots.
What is Prolia used for?
Prolia is also used to help prevent bone fractures in people with breast or prostate cancer who are taking certain medications. The active drug in Prolia is denosumab, which is a biologic medication.
How long does it take for Prolia to go away?
When they occur, side effects are typically mild and go away on their own after a few days. But in rare cases, Prolia can cause serious side effects. If you have questions about Prolia’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Asking questions can help you feel more prepared and confident in your treatment.
How long does it take for bone to return to normal after taking Prolia?
Bone production typically returns to normal about 24 months after your last dose of Prolia. Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you based on your health and the side effects Prolia is causing. If you have questions about treating side effects from Prolia, talk with your doctor.
Can Prolia cause a fracture in the thigh?
While rare, Prolia has caused unusual fractures in the thigh bone. Symptoms of a thigh bone fracture are new or unusual feelings of pain in the hip, thigh, or groin. What might help. While using Prolia, contact your doctor right away if you notice new or unusual pain in your hip, thigh, or groin.
Can Prolia cause jaw necrosis?
Prolia can cause dental side effects, including jaw necrosis (death of jawbone tissue). Having dental work, such as surgery or a tooth extraction, can increase your risk for this side effect. Before beginning treatment with Prolia, be sure to tell your doctor about any dental work you’ve scheduled.
Does Prolia cause bone pain?
Serious side effects from Prolia aren’t common, but they may occur. Serious side effects that have been reported with Prolia include: severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. serious infections, including serious urinary tract infections or skin infections. unusual fractures in the thigh bone*.
Can you use Prolia long term?
If you and your doctor decide that Prolia is working well for you, you’ll likely use this drug long term. For more information about Prolia, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article on the drug. Like other drugs, Prolia injections can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

How It Works
Denosumab is used to treat bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have a high risk of getting fractures.
May Treat: Giant cell tumor of bone · Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis · Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy · Loss of bone density due to androgen deprivation therapy · Loss of bone density due to aromatase inhibitor therapy and more
Drug Class: RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor, MC Antibody
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Giant cell tumor of bone · Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis · Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy · Loss of bone density due to androgen deprivation therapy · Loss of bone density due to aromatase inhibitor therapy and more
Drug Class: RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor, MC Antibody
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Avoid intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: AMGEN
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
Response and Effectiveness
- Prolia may be used to treat postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture.
- May also be used to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis.
- Prolia may be used to increase bone mass in men who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and in women receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.
- Prolia may be used to treat postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture.
- May also be used to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis.
- Prolia may be used to increase bone mass in men who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and in women receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.
- Prolia is administered by injection under the skin of the upper thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, once every six months.
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Back pain, constipation, muscle pain, pain in the hands or feet, high cholesterol levels, nasal congestion, and bladder infections (in women) are the most common side effects reported with Prolia. 2. Prolia may exa…
Further Information
- Prolia is an injection that can be self-administered once every six months for the treatment of osteoporosis. It has been associated with an increased risk of fractures on discontinuation.