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← Return to Success with Prolia?
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Good evening @leeosteo, It has taken me a while to get back to you. I wanted my Mayo Endocrinologist to have a chance to clarify the issues of "drug vacations". Here is what he shared with me.
"We will often suggest a drug holiday in lower-risk individuals after 5 years on alendronate or 3 years on Reclast. In high-risk individuals, we use alendronate for up to 10 years and Reclast up to 6 years before a drug holiday. Drug holidays only apply to bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid) and not other osteoporosis medication classes."
Dr. Robert A. Wermers, M.D.
I was also concerned about your doctor's statement that Prolia, although it works differently than Alendronate, is classified as a Bisphosphonate. Dr. Wermers has indicated that Prolia is not a bisphosphonate. Please see his list. Also, you may recall that coming off of Prolia for a drug holiday is not advised because of the risk of fractures.
I find Dr. Wermers forthright, commendable, and trustworthy.
I also notice that since your introduction to Connect, you have been quite busy and supportive of the Connect mission of sharing knowledge. Thank you for your contributions.
May you have contentment and ease today.
Chris
Replies to "Good evening @leeosteo, It has taken me a while to get back to you. I wanted..."
Hi Chris, thanks for getting back to me. You mention Dr Wermers comments re Prolia and said "please see his list". Where do I see this list?
I am very scared of Prolia given the rebound effect and safely getting off Prolia at appropriate time.
Thanks.
My DEXA scan yesterday in preparation for my third Prolia injection showed amazing results!!!! Great news right?
But what about fracture risk from stopping Prolia after 2 injections. My internist dismissed completely my concern and mentioned insurance would not approve any follow-up treatment based on my new Dx scan. HELP!!!!!!!
The internist says I have minimal fracture risk with my new scores showing -2.2 hip, up from -2.7 in March 2022. My spine was always normal. FRAX calculation supports this.
Before starting Prolia, I had been on alondrodate for almost 6 years and at my very first appointment with this internist, he wanted me off alondrodate immediately because I had been on it 'too long'. Never mentioned anything about a drug holiday. Just wanted me to start Prolia.
What do I do now? I just want to celebrate but all the discussion about stopping Prolia has me concerned.
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Just an FYI. I have been on Prolia for 5 years. A few years ago I was about 6 weeks late getting my shot. I ended up with 3 compressions fractures of my spine. I’m still on Prolia with no side effects, except for the fractures. So just be cautious if you need to stop or postpone Prolia.