Do Prolia injections affect the kidneys?

Posted by spiritbird2 @spiritbird2, Mar 30, 2016

I have been on Prolia injections for 2 years now. My kidneys were being effected by a lowering of GFR to 45. I am now on a years vacation from Prolia and GFR has increased to 50. My doctor said Prolia does not effect the kidneys. So now I am confused.

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

@leslie2121

Hello:
I’m 63 and have osteoporosis- not sure why? I had 2 thoracic compression fractures from a minor bump snow skiing. Very painful but have healed on their own, thankfully. That was 6 months ago.
I started Evenity in February and had my 5th injection last week.
I had some soreness, mild achiness afterwards but not enough to take anything. I walk at least 30 minutes a day and do core exercises & easy weight training my PT taught me, twice a week. Take calcium & Vit. D.
I don’t think I’m having much reaction to Evenity now.
I’ve had an occasional weird mild headache pressure sometimes- not sure if related? I just ignore it.
I have mild hypertension but controlled w small dose of amlodipine. Otherwise healthy.
That’s what I can share about my experience. I decided taking Evenity was worth the risk and hopefully it will get my bones strong so I can remain active and able to play with my 3 little grandkids.
I also decided to avoid alcohol and caffeine which may help?
Good luck!!😊

Jump to this post

Thanks for your information. It has been helpful . I start on my first Evenity shot on July 8th. I sure hope it goes well . I’m still a little frightened so many side effects but everything you take has lots of side effects .

REPLY

This post is a few years after the initial one. My endocrinologist used to require a complete blood panel including GFR and parathyroid hormone tests before prescribing it. To me, that suggests that the medical community had started suspecting this side effect. He no longer prescribes it at all.

Prolia had difficulty getting FDA approval and continues to have to add newly-documented side effects to its legally-required "package insert." The FDA's FAERS website lists reported adverse effects for any FDA-approved drugs and is kind of a canary in the coal mine for side effects that are only beginning to be known.

REPLY
@loribmt

Hi @llewellyn41 There’s a discussion in Connect regarding Prolia Injections and whether the medication used for bone strengthening can cause kidney failure. Other members have asked the same question.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-been-on-prolia-injections-for-2-years-now-my-kidneys/

From what I’m reading on the Prolia website, kidney damage isn’t listed in the adverse side effects. Though using Prolia is contraindicated for anyone who has kidney issue or is on dialysis. https://www.prolia.com/possible-side-effects
Are you using Prolia? Has your kidney function changed since receiving the injections?

Jump to this post

The packet of Prolia info from my pharmacist in 2015 states that Prolia may cause side effects in addition to the original list of side effects. I stopped taking it after the third injection because of the nasty side effects. Grateful I stopped when I did.

REPLY

I have been receiving prolia injections for 3 years and before that was on forteo for a year and fostmax before that. I recently had bloodwork done and was told I have a 40 GFR before this my vitals have been normal. the primary can not explain the sudden drop in my GFR. I have been told I'm now in ostopenia . I am very concerned that the prolia caused the CKD should stop getting the prolia injections. need advise

REPLY

I have concerns about that as well. Very interested in helping my bones but not at the expense of any other vital functions.

REPLY
@leslie2121

I have concerns about that as well. Very interested in helping my bones but not at the expense of any other vital functions.

Jump to this post

If you have questions re Prolia shots, after reading the many negative reports online, go to the Mayo Clinic and you will read the same negative reports there .... from the folks who should know what they are reporting. Stay away from Prolia.

REPLY
@soulsearchinggram86

If you have questions re Prolia shots, after reading the many negative reports online, go to the Mayo Clinic and you will read the same negative reports there .... from the folks who should know what they are reporting. Stay away from Prolia.

Jump to this post

People tend to report negative responses more than postitive ones - so I take online reviews with caution- I’m going to ask my endocrinologist for advice, do my own research and make the best choice I can.
My preference is to never take any medication but sometimes we don’t have perfect options.

REPLY

But taking another look at biphosphonates…thanks.

REPLY

I put off taking pharmaceuticals because of concern about side effects and the many negative reports I had read. I am now in constant pain, 6 inches of height lost and 5 compression fractures later. If I had known how things would turn out, I would have taken a chance on a drug. In the end, we have to weigh risks vs benefits and make our own decision. I've just started Prolia, but unfortunately, it's probably too late for me to regain much quality of life.

REPLY

I’m so sorry to hear of your experience! I decided to take Evenity after getting 2 thoracic compression fractures during a laid back ski run. It was very painful but healed after a few months.
Life is a gamble and no one makes it out alive- but hope you get some relief from Prolia.
Can you not do kyphoplasty (?) for your compression fx’s? The surgical cement that fills in the gaps?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.