Reclast or Prolia-side effect concern

Posted by lizzie12 @lizzie12, Jul 24 3:26pm

63 y.o. Female. Discontinued Fosamax after 9 months due to sudden onset of severe acid reflux. Symptoms alleviated after several months post Fosamax. Working with a Rheumatologist to decide between Reclast and Prolia. I am asking if anyone with reflux issues have been on Reclast and experienced symptoms, even though it bypasses the GI tract? In terms of the Prolia, one side effect mentioned are UTI and bladder symptoms. Anyone experienced those symptoms on Prolia?
Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 24 3:47pm

Hello @lizzie12 and welcome to the Osteoporosis support group on Mayo Connect. You are asking good questions, and this is a great forum to learn more about the experiences of others. I am providing links to two discussions on these medications. I encourage you to read these discussions and then feel free to "Reply" to any post and ask questions.
--Reclast Infusion
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reclast-infusion/
--Prolia and its side effects
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prolia-and-its-side-effects/
I am in a similar situation; in that I've had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract and have not been able to tolerate the oral osteoporosis meds without difficult GI symptoms. So, I am also trying to make a decision on the best medication.

Although, you don't mention it, I'm guessing that you have an endocrinologist that is following you (in addition to the Rheumatologist)? You have probably had blood work to determine if you have high parathyroid hormones?

How long ago was your osteoporosis diagnosed? In what area is the bone loss the greatest? Are you involved in any exercise program?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

gently | @gently | Jul 24 10:07pm

@lizzie12
have you considered the anabolics.

lizzie12 | @lizzie12 | Jul 25 9:08am

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @lizzie12 and welcome to the Osteoporosis support group on Mayo Connect. You are asking good..." + (show)

I was diagnosed in 2022. Fosamax was prescribed by my PCP, started it 4/23-2/24, PCP had me stop it when reflux started, referred me to GI for that, and then Rheumatologist who specializes in Osteoporosis. All blood work normal.
I've been in a Healthy Bones exercise class since 2022. Have always exercised, but was not great about Calcium intake.
My most recent Dexa scan showed my spine now in Osteopenia range -2.2, hips -2.6 from -2.4 so went down, femur neck -2.8 same as last Dexa.

lizzie12 | @lizzie12 | Jul 25 9:12am

In reply to @gently "@lizzie12 have you considered the anabolics." + (show)

Have done some research on the anabolics. Are they usually prescribed by an endocrinologist? My biggest concern are acid reflux and UTI's, have them both pretty much under control at the moment🤞

lautwell | @lautwell | Jul 25 9:12am

I’m 67 and have taken Prolia for 5 years with absolutely no side effects. It has moved me from osteoporosis to the other side of the line, osteopenia. Good experience for me.

lizzie12 | @lizzie12 | Jul 25 9:14am

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @lizzie12 and welcome to the Osteoporosis support group on Mayo Connect. You are asking good..." + (show)

And thank you for the links to the Reclast and Prolia discussions!

lizzie12 | @lizzie12 | Jul 25 9:16am

In reply to @lautwell "I’m 67 and have taken Prolia for 5 years with absolutely no side effects. It has..." + (show)

That is great to hear. Thank you!

gently | @gently | Jul 26 10:10am

In reply to @lizzie12 "Have done some research on the anabolics. Are they usually prescribed by an endocrinologist? My biggest..." + (show)

Reflux is a small concern with Tymlos or Forteo. The great thing about these medications is that if you have adverse reactions, you can quit them with little damage as the drug leaves your system after 24 hours.
Prolia increases risk of infection. It's good to hear from @lautwell with no side effects. I understand that there is no risk of reflux with Prolia. And small risk of reflux with Reclast.
Side effects with these medication can be long term, if they occur.
Your rheumatologist is an osteoporosis expert and can prescribe the anabolics. You might want to know the providers reasoning. Anabolics are more effective if taken before antiresorptives. But you have looked at them, and that's all I wanted to be sure of.
Best wishes, tough choice.