Denosumab is an osteoporosis medication that can help to strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of breaking a bone. It is taken as a six-monthly injection. Denosumab slows down the natural rate your bones are broken down. It works by blocking a protein and suppressing the cells that break down bone.
This drug has a long list of side effects and it's also important to note that long-term risks are unknown. The FDA Medication Guide lists the potential health problems, which include serious infections, thighbone fractures, and jaw bone problems. It is unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Serious infections in your skin, lower stomach area (abdomen), bladder, or ear may happen. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) due to an infection may also happen more often in people who take Prolia®.
Denosumab is delivered by shallow injections, just under the skin, every six months. If you take denosumab, you might have to do so indefinitely unless your doctor transitions you to another medication.
Is there a set number of years you should take it? 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.
The recommended dose of Prolia is 60 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection once every 6 months. Administer Prolia via subcutaneous injection in the upper arm, the upper thigh, or the abdomen.
No, weight gain wasn't reported as a side effect of Prolia in clinical trials. But weight gain may be a symptom of a side effect called peripheral edema. With peripheral edema, fluid builds up in your body and causes swelling in your arms and lower legs.
The most common side effects of Prolia are fatigue (45%), body weakness and lack of energy (45%), back pain (35%), low phosphate levels (32%), nausea (31%) and diarrhea (20%).
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.
One potential complication is jaw necrosis (death of jawbone tissue). This may cause teeth to become loose and need to be removed. According to the American Dental Association, the risk of jaw necrosis increases if denosumab, the active drug in Prolia, is used for more than 2 years.
Official answer. 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.
The majority of commercial and Medicare plans cover Prolia®. The list price for Prolia® is $1,477.16 †,‡ per injection every six months. Most patients do not pay the list price. Your actual cost will vary.
Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 10% of Prolia-treated patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer or adjuvant AI therapy for breast cancer, and more frequently than in the placebo-treated patients were: arthralgia (13.0% placebo vs. 14.3% Prolia) and back pain (10.5% placebo vs. 11.5% Prolia).
Researchers and physicians recommend that you do not stop taking Prolia without making a plan for further bone treatment.
Denosumab can cause skin problems such as dryness, peeling, redness, itching, small bumps/patches, or blisters. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
They reported that “denosumab (Prolia in 14, 60, and 100 mg doses) showed significant increases in percent BMD (bone mineral density) values of lumbar spine and total hip from baseline in 12 months.
Prolia may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after dental work. Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
Stopping Prolia injections can cause a rebound increase in bone turnover which increases risk of multiple vertebral fractures. Do not stop taking Prolia injections without first discussing this with your prescribing health professional.
Prolia contains the same medicine as Xgeva (denosumab). Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels in your blood while you take Prolia. Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to.
Rheumatologists treat patients with age-related bone diseases. They can diagnose and treat osteoporosis. Endocrinologists, who see patients with hormone-related issues, also manage the treatment of metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis.
The cost for Prolia subcutaneous solution (60 mg/mL) is around $1,565 for a supply of 1 milliliter(s), depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans.
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. Do not warm in any other way.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.