Prolia treatment for osteoporosis: What is your experience?

Posted by Veruska @veriska, Mar 7, 2017

I received the results from my bone test and they have recommended I start Prolia. I have read the side effects and I am concerned. Has anyone use this drug and if so what side effects have you experienced. Thank you

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@nhorn

I have been having Prolia injections for about 3 years with two remaining as prescribed by my endocrinologist. Side effects have been subtle; but have noticed jaw pain and hip pain which may or may not be the result of Prolia. I definitely hav had some hair thinning and itchy scalp. No sores or noticeable other sources. Am due to have my next shot in January and my last would be July. I am very uncomfortable about continuing. Our endocrinologist is no longer practicing here so have an appointment in April with a different one two hours away. Ugh!!!
Any thoughts or advice?

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@nhorn the main question is what are you going to do after Prolia to avoid the fast drop in bone density and rise in fracture risk when Prolia is stopped?

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@windyshores

@nhorn the main question is what are you going to do after Prolia to avoid the fast drop in bone density and rise in fracture risk when Prolia is stopped?

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Yes…is there a safe alternative ?

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I had used Prolia twice then delayed getting second shot.
One year passed. During that time I had started walking, stationary bike, exercises mainly stretches. My doctor said to start again, but I had increased pain in my jaw, my dentist told me patients taking prolia have a longer recovery period and often complications. That combined with other information I decided not to take any further prolia shots. I had a bone scan after 2 years, of not taking anymore prolia. I had an increase in bone density of.06 small yes, but still stronger not weaker.
For me prolia seemed more dangerous than the OA. A personal decision on my part.
Good luck.

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@nhorn

Yes…is there a safe alternative ?

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I don't know your bone density scores. You can go on a bisphosphonate, or, if appropriate, Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity. Ask your doc!

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I go to a holistic chiropractor who is very intelligent and knowledgeable. She advised me that drugs for osteoporosis cause bones to become south that the bone shatters if one has a bad fall, etc. I don’t like giving you something else to think about but I trust this person’s information.

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@ppat4pr

I go to a holistic chiropractor who is very intelligent and knowledgeable. She advised me that drugs for osteoporosis cause bones to become south that the bone shatters if one has a bad fall, etc. I don’t like giving you something else to think about but I trust this person’s information.

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Such, not south. Sorry

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My doctor said I needed to start Prolia injections - said it prevents osteoporosis in people who do not have it yet and I needed to get started right away because at my age I will get it soon. She had tried to get me to start the injections at least 4 times before and I said no every time. She had just given me some very bad news from a test I had the week before which she made sound like a death sentence. She said there was nothing she could do to help me. I went numb. Then she started talking about Prolia - works great, only mild side effects that most people don't get. She did not tell me once you start it you cannot stop. She did not ask me any questions or tell me I should not get the shot if I am having dental work - I was part way through getting two crowns. She has been our family doctor for a long time. She was a good doctor who cared about her patients but now she only cares about money (she is getting paid by Amgen). I trusted her but I don't trust her anymore. Needless to say, I am looking for a new doctor. I am not going to get another Prolia shot.

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@flat81

My doctor said I needed to start Prolia injections - said it prevents osteoporosis in people who do not have it yet and I needed to get started right away because at my age I will get it soon. She had tried to get me to start the injections at least 4 times before and I said no every time. She had just given me some very bad news from a test I had the week before which she made sound like a death sentence. She said there was nothing she could do to help me. I went numb. Then she started talking about Prolia - works great, only mild side effects that most people don't get. She did not tell me once you start it you cannot stop. She did not ask me any questions or tell me I should not get the shot if I am having dental work - I was part way through getting two crowns. She has been our family doctor for a long time. She was a good doctor who cared about her patients but now she only cares about money (she is getting paid by Amgen). I trusted her but I don't trust her anymore. Needless to say, I am looking for a new doctor. I am not going to get another Prolia shot.

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Yes there is a small financial benefit for the doctor who injects prolix. But she could have been mislead by a drug rep. Primary doctors are not trained about osteoporosis and should not be treating it.

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I was surprised to hear that your doctor encouraged you to get a medication for a condition you have not been diagnosed with. So finding another doctor with more experience with osteoporosis (like an endocrinologist) is a very good idea.
There is a lot of professional information out there on this medical condition. Have you had a bone scan?
Once you get a confirmed diagnosis for any medical condition, then you can start considering your options.

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My doctor strongly recommended Prolia and I said no due to my experience with reactions to several drugs and I did not like the idea of it being in my system for 6 months and the list of such awful possible side effects. The doctor sent a registered letter to my house documenting my refusal. Needless to say I changed doctors. It made me feel he was getting a kickback on that expensive drug besides disregarding my concerns.

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