Prolia doctor prescribing 2 injections of Prolia in just 3 weeks

Posted by guinivere @guinivere, Jun 14 10:47pm

This doctor is with UW Madison. I have not seen her but she has all my records & test results, the whole deal. My communications wuth her have been through her staff. She has all my lab work & we had agreed earlier on Prolia but I was very taken aback when she scheduled my first injection for June 19 & what looks to be the second for July 7! I thought they were every 6 months!!11 I know my Dexa score was not good but the only fracture I have had has been in my wrist a year ago which still causes me pain. But I can't get over the feeling that I should not be taking those injections so close together!

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gently | @gently | Jun 14 11:48pm

Gunievere, I think it's just a scheduling error. You are right about once every six months.

guinivere | @guinivere | Jun 14 11:52pm

I hope so. But the possibility that she means it makes me very nervous!

rashida | @rashida | Jun 15 4:09am

In reply to @guinivere "I hope so. But the possibility that she means it makes me very nervous!" + (show)

@guinivere I would refuse to take both those shots! Get another doctor!

windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 15 7:03am

I think that is an error. Just call the office.

The bigger question is whether Prolia is the best choice, because it is difficult (but not impossible) to get off. If you are a candidate for an anabolic like Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity maybe ask the doctor about those. Often insurance dictates bisphosphonate or Prolia but a doctor can try to authorize anabolics.

Prolia can increase bone density but is an anti-resorptive, so it does that by reducing bone turnover. If you get off Prolia, you will have to transition carefully to Reclast to avoid rebound loss of gains and increase in fracture risk. This is true to some extent of anabolics too, but less so.

If your bone density is not too bad, and you have no fractures, maybe Prolia is a good choice. You are going to a good facility and probably have a good doctor. Just be aware of rebound.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 15 8:54am

@guinivere. Since the Prolia is a prescribed medication by the doctor you refer to I recommend that you contact the doctor. The doses of Prolia scheduled closely together in time may very well be a scheduling error but how will you know if you don't ask? When you call or write on your patient portal I recommend that you get a reply directly from the doctor and not from office staff. Also did you already talk with this doctor about any misgivings about Prolia or osteoporosis medication? If you have questions, again, please ask your doctor.

My experience with my endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic was very helpful in deciding if I should consider osteoporosis medication. The endocrinologist spent almost an hour with me at my first visit (assessment) and then another 30 minutes with me after all the test results were back. I've also written to him on the patient portal and received replies. His availability, information, education, and answering my questions helped me to decide to move forward with Evenity. Evenity was recommended because I had a fracture last year and my doctor said I was already doing everything I could on my own (nutrition and exercise) for osteoporosis. Had I not had the fracture he would have recommended a "watch and wait" for a year. The fracture changed that.

Will you call your doctor on Monday? Or write a note on your patient portal this weekend?

guinivere | @guinivere | Jun 15 9:24pm

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@guinivere. Since the Prolia is a prescribed medication by the doctor you refer to I recommend..." + (show)

When I first contacted the Endocrinology Dept, I looked at the photos & writeups of staff. Her name wasn't there! When I asked office staff how long she had been there, I got nowhere but I had the impression she was new. I have not seen her or talked to her -l everything has been thru the UW portal or phone from assistants. I don't like this at all. I want to stay with UW but I want a different doctor.

gently | @gently | Jun 16 10:07am

In reply to @guinivere "I hope so. But the possibility that she means it makes me very nervous!" + (show)

I'd be nervous if I were being prescribed a medication by a doctor I'd never spoken with. Even more if they weren't listed and you can't find out anything about them. How does this happen.
I'd call and request an appointment with the provider you find most suitable from the listing.
I think less experienced providers PCPs, PA and new Endocrinologists are more likely to prescribe Prolia. You need to be thoroughly versed on the risks and carefully followed for adverse effect.
Your sister is having a good experience (so far) which makes it (genetically) probable that you will as well.

sandrac | @sandrac | Jun 16 10:34am

Yes, they are definitely every six months!! Maybe this was just an error in scheduling??

sandrac | @sandrac | Jun 16 10:35am

In reply to @gently "I'd be nervous if I were being prescribed a medication by a doctor I'd never spoken..." + (show)

I had no issues and good improvement on Prolia.

dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Jun 16 11:20am

In reply to @guinivere "When I first contacted the Endocrinology Dept, I looked at the photos & writeups of staff...." + (show)

I find it unbelievable that a doctor should prescribe any medication of this magnitude without an in person visit. It's a good way to get sued. I had an oncologist who preferred to rely on staff rather than in person visits. I moved on to a different oncologist. I was put on Prolia because I have osteopenia and am on a drug (Letrozole) which is known for causing bone loss. It's every 6 months, and been working decently. I'm transitioning off to another drug in 6 months as I will have completed my time on Letrozole by then and Medicare will no longer cover it (for osteopenia). By all means, get another doctor.