PMR, prednisone and bone health: Anyone taking Prolia?

Posted by dermnurse68 @dermnurse68, Apr 6, 2022

Due to the fact that I was on prednisone for 5 years I am now at greater risk for bone fracture’s, I took the Reclast for 3 years and had some improvements, however, my endocrinologist wants me to start the Prolia injections ever 6 months. I am so not wanting to go down that path due to side effects but I don’t want any more problems. Has anyone had any experience with this medication?

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tillysam | @tillysam | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @mansplainer101 "Surprised there has been no mention of Fosamax in this thread." + (show)

My endocrinologist put me on Fosamax when I first started out with 80 mg. of Prednisone. He, rightfully, thought that I would not be on the Prednisone forever and I could easily get off of it. He did not want me to take either 6 or 12 months worth of a medication. Well, lo and behold, I am still on the Fosamax after almost 4 years of Prednisone. I am down to 11 mg.

DadCue | @dadcue | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @tillysam "My endocrinologist put me on Fosamax when I first started out with 80 mg. of Prednisone...." + (show)

"He, rightfully, thought that I would not be on the Prednisone forever and I could easily get off of it."

I'm just wondering why your endocrinologist thought this. I didn't see an endocrinologist until I had been taking prednisone for PMR for 10 years. I was told it would be extremely difficult to taper off and I may need prednisone for the rest of my life. My endocrinologist said as long as I still needed prednisone for my rheumatology condition, there was nothing she could do. She referred me back to my rheumatologist.

I never had bone loss problems while on prednisone. If anything, I had too much bone especially in my lumbar spine. My dexa scan result was a T-score of almost +5 in that area. When they looked at my knees, I had bone in soft tissues where bone wasn't supposed to be!

harelover | @harelover | Nov 29, 2023

I’ve taken Prolia for years with no side effects. I also have been diagnosed with PMR in July of 2023 and started on Prednisone at that time. I’ve not had an injection of Prolia while on prednisone so I’m not sure if that makes a difference. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis years ago and the Prolia definitely improved my bone density. I have now improved to osteopenia. Good luck to you.

gmacookie | @gmacookie | Jan 1 9:39am

I have been on prolia for about 21/2 years now. My bone density has improved and I have never had any side effects.
I was able to have 2 teeth pulled with no issues either. I know this is not the case for everyone but so far prolia has been good for me.

joanierav | @joanierav | Jan 2 7:20pm

im the queen of side effects to most everything, but had no problems with prolia , and the shot is like a mosquito bite, dont hardly feel it. there were two the rheumy recommended, so i called up my primary and she recommended the prolia. good luck with it.