This past June 1st, the FDA approved Prolia ™ (denosumab), a brand new twice-yearly injectable osteoporosis drug by Amgen.
The first drug of its kind, Prolia was designed to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis for patients considered to be at high risk of fractures. It’s also marketed as an alternative treatment for those who have failed or are intolerant to other osteoporosis drugs.
Is this a time to celebrate, or is Prolia destined to end up in the osteoporosis “Hall of Shame”, along with the rest of Big Pharma’s Superstar osteoporosis drugs? I’ll let you decide, but first, let’s unravel the mysterious and tightly-woven cocoon wrapped around this novel drug.
An Old and Flawed Concept Disguised as Sci-Fi Technology
As if straight out of a sci-fi movie, the Space Agency NASA was involved in several studies related to Prolia. Here’s the scoop: in 2001, Ted Bateman, Ph.D. from Clemson University in South Carolina and Paul Kostenuik, a researcher for Amgen, teamed up to “…use the microgravity environment for evaluation of new pharmaceutical candidates (denosumab) in small mammals. Results may expedite the review of new pharmaceuticals.”1
They conducted studies on 24 female mice that spent 12 days on the International Space Station shuttle flight STS-108. Study findings confirmed that Prolia did prevent increased bone loss and maintained bone mineralization. So there you have it. The medical establishment is more than willing to send mice to space – but would they consider a natural, safe, and easy treatment? Out of the question!
On the surface, Prolia seems to be a breakthrough and fairly innocuous drug. But is it? As the first fully human monoclonal (laboratory-made) antibody and RANK Ligand inhibitor to be approved as a drug, it certainly sounds very complicated. But it really isn’t. Bear with me… I’ll explain.
Antibodies are proteins produced to neutralize “invaders”, such as bacteria and viruses. RANK Ligand (RANKL for short) is a protein that activates osteoclasts and is involved in immune-response regulation.2 As I explain in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, osteoclasts are bone cells that remove old bone by a process called resorption. They make space so that new bone is deposited by osteoblasts, thus replacing old bone. These two processes are known as bone remodeling, the natural way by which bones renew themselves and stay strong, healthy, and more resistant to fracture.
Prolia: Same as Bisphosphonates… Only Different
Now back to Prolia. The natural inhibitor of RANKL is osteoprotegerin, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytokine that binds to RANKL, preventing interaction with its receptor-activator RANK on the surface of osteoclasts.3 Cytokines are chemical messengers that help regulate the nature and intensity of an immune response. Remember this for later, because it all ties in together.
So, in plain English, Prolia mimics osteoprotegerin by blocking the effects of RANKL and de-activating osteoclasts. Say “hello” to stalled bone resorption and “good-bye” to new bone deposition. But wait a minute, doesn’t this sound eerily familiar? It should, because bisphosphonates achieve the same end result as Prolia, only through a different biochemical pathway.
At the end of the day, both drugs alter normal bone metabolism, not without potential long-term nefarious consequences. For example, sudden femoral fractures are linked to long-term bisphosphonate therapy, which can be attributed to the lack of bone remodeling. Add to this formula a dose of immune system tampering, and you’ve got yourself a fully assembled health Molotov cocktail.
Studies and Stats
Amgen’s own Press Release states that “Treatment with Prolia resulted in greater bone density, stronger bones, and reduced risk for vertebral, hip and non-vertebral fractures measured at three years.”4 It backs up this statement with a study by Cummings et al. published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2009, titled “Denosumab for Prevention of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis”.
And the same Press Release boasts their pivotal three year Fracture REduction Evaluation of Denosumab in Osteoporosis every six Months or “FREEDOM” study (no, this is not a bad joke) with these results:
– 4.8 percent absolute risk reduction of vertebral fractures - 0.3 percent absolute risk reduction of hip fractures - 1.5 percent absolute risk reduction of non-vertebral fractures - 8.8 percent bone density increase at the lumbar spine, 6.4 percent at the total hip, and 5.2 percent at the femoral neck.
So far, so good, especially for those who don’t mind being “guinea pigs” in exchange for short-term rewards. Because the biggest cause for concern with Prolia is its potential side-effects.
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Even though Prolia doesn’t accumulate in the body and has no known esophageal side effects as is the case with bisphosphonates, it boasts a rather long list of undesirable – and sometimes dangerous – potential side effects. In its shadow, bisphosphonates almost seem to be the lesser of both evils, and that’s no small feat. You’ll soon know why.
The most common side effects of Prolia are back pain, arm and leg aches, elevated cholesterol, general musculoskeletal pain, bladder infection, and pancreatitis.5
And as disclosed on the Prolia website (https://www.prolia.com), it can cause serious side effects because it “is a medicine that may affect your immune system” (remember the cytokines?).
These are the main side effects listed by Amgen:
- Low calcium levels
- Serious skin, lower abdomen, bladder, or ear infections
- Dermatitis, rash, or eczema
- Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) caused by an infection
- Severe jaw bone problems such as osteonecrosis of the jaw.
And for dessert, Amgen serves up a cautionary statement: that “it is not known if the use of Prolia over a long period of time may cause slow healing of broken bones or unusual fractures.”
So it looks as though…
The More Things Change, the More they Stay the Same
Like bisphosphonates, Prolia opens the door to a wide array of opportunistic health problems, many of which can (and trust me, will) get covered over with yet more drugs.
And let’s not forget that this drug interferes with the body’s natural immune system, which is the obvious reason for many of its most dreaded side-effects. In fact, roughly one year before its approval, FDA reviewers expressed concerns over Prolia’s activity against an important immune system modulator.6
But evidently, those concerns were shoved to the side and quickly forgotten. It seems as though the medical establishment considers drug side-effects – no matter how terrifying – an unfortunate “numbers game”. Applying its skewed logic, it accepts that there will always be some unlucky patients that will get stuck with irreversible damage, such as osteonecrosis or endocarditis – the latter potentially resulting in heart valve destruction or even a stroke.7 The unsuspecting victims are written off as inevitable casualties of war, losing their battle, but helping win the war against “disease”.
Don’t Get Fooled by Confusing Double-Speak
It almost seems as though well-meaning scientists focus so disproportionately on solving bone health issues using hi-tech tools, that they lose sight of the risk vs. reward ratio. That’s why together at Save Our Bones, we expose the truth and dispel misconceptions, especially as they relate to brand new drugs.
Let’s face it: two injections a year may sound like an appealing solution to finally conquer osteoporosis. But the bad news is the potential high price to pay. So I urge you to consider your acceptable options and weigh the consequences of your decision. Also, please share this review with anyone you think may benefit from it.
And ALWAYS remember the good news: the Save Our Bones community is here for you and your bone health, with proven natural bone health strategies that work with your body… not against it.
References
1 Commercial Biomedical Testing Module: Effects of Osteoprotegerin on Bone Maintenance in Microgravity (CBTM). https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/CBTM.html].
2 Lacey DL, Timms E, Tan HL, Kelley MJ, Dunstan CR, Burgess T, Elliott R, Colombero A, Elliott G, Scully S, Hsu H, Sullivan J, Hawkins N, Davy E, Capparelli C, Eli A, Qian YX, Kaufman S, Sarosi I, Shalhoub V, Senaldi G, Guo J, Delaney J, Boyle WJ . Osteoprotegerin ligand is a cytokine that regulates osteoclast differentiation and activation. Cell. 93:165–176. 1998.
3 Nakagawa N, Kinosaki M, Yamaguchi K, Shima N, Yasuda H, Yano K, Morinaga T, Higashio K. RANK is the essential signaling receptor for osteoclast differentiation factor in osteoclastogenesis. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 253:395–400. 1998.
4 https://wwwext.amgen.com/media/media_pr_detail.jsp?releaseID=1433162
5 https://www.centerwatch.com/drug-information/fda-approvals/drug-details.aspx?DrugID=1104
6 https://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/Prescriptions/15486
7 https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001098.htm
Not really sure why so many people would consider anything from this site of value. The credentials of the author either imply Masters of Arts or Medical Assisistant-neither of these gives her any credibility or accountability to what is written.. The white lab coat would be to convince you she is in the medical field. SHAM! This is a scam to sell books. Listen to your doctor!! He or she went to school, endured a residency, passed a certification and is most importantly in practice.
This is the type of thinking the system relies on to offer patients very expensive and very ineffective treatments often with a devastating price to pay.
Listen to your doctor but do not act before you do your utmost to double and treble check his diagnosis.
Besides, doctors can only offer medical knowlege they have been tought at Medical schools. The pharmaceutical industry has infiltrated the education system. There is plenty of proof to this fact. So what it niaouing on the roof?
My advice to you if you want to live long is not to place your life in the hands of anyone blindly.
Will…Vivian has a Masters of Arts degree in Nutritional Sciences and Biochemistry which gives her a lot of knowledge regarding bone density and how our body works. She is not a Medical Assistant as you mention. SC
In the UK, Will, if one visits the hospital to consult with a nutritionist, you will be talking to a man or woman wearing a white coverall. They are not pretending to be a doc. The garment is a hygienic and convenient way to be identified readily, and help reduce pathogen dispersal by inhibiting the dispersion of pathogens picked up by workaday garments on the way to their job.
Vivian claims to be a qualified nutritionist and I’ve seen no reason to disbelieve her. She always includes references and invites her readers to check them out themselves. I always do, hard work though it can be, and I draw pretty much the same conclusions about the meaning she attributes to them. As for making money – why not? We all need to do that – including the drugs manufacturers, who will stoop to any dishonest interpretations of research results if it increases drug usage and hence profits. I wonder why those who criticise Vivian on the ground of the making money allegation, do not mention the drug companies “profit above all” ethos – very well documented down the years – and accuse the drug companies of similar behaviour?
What happened to my comment? I spent a long time writing it.
After taken Fosamax for 5 years with plenty of calcium (through my diet and supplement) along with vitamin D I still managed to have a significant loss of bone. My endocrinologist prescribed Prolia injection. I did a ton of research and decided to go for it. The injection was absolutely painless and so far I have not had any adverse reactions whatsoever. I am a healthy 65 year old, play tennis, go to the gym 3x week, golf. It sure beat the Fosamax!
I have Osteoporosis and have been thru all the oral drugs with no success. Now I think the doc wants to do reclast or maybe prolea. I am interested in doing something natural. I have been exercising and am not overweight. Have had this since my late forties and am now turning 60 in April.
I wanted to share my thoughts on all the bone testing that our now 85 year old mothers never had access to. I had a bone scan when I was 45. It revealed that I had osteoporosis. My entire family mourned my active life stlye loss. My mother kept telling me that I did not have it, she just would not believe that even though the equipment showed the results. She kept telling me that women have been walking around without the fancy testing machines and they were all mostly fine. It was not until the birth of the dexa scan that we are all running around crazy. Well 2 years after my first testing I was retested and the center told me they made a mistake. I did not have a severe case because they rated me on a males scale not a womens rating(they thought I was Jo not Joann),instead I had osteopina.I celebrated and went out and bought a mountain bike! Since then I have taken fosomox, for a short period of 6 months, only to break the small bones in my body 3 x in the last 3 years…small bones are not subjected to osteporosis.When I mentioned this to my doctor she said they have had that happen to many of their fosmox patients (and related simuliar drugs). She suggested Prolia but after reading these posts I would much rather have a broken hip than be in pain all the time. Sounds stupid to say but we don’t know if a thin bone is going to break, there is just not enough studies with the dexa scan to tell that. Maybe I was born with osteopina? Everyone should be tested at 22 to know what your true bone base line is. Just like blood pressure some people have low pressure so when theirs is reading normal it really is high for them..everyone is different.So with that at the age of 57 I’m going to enjoy another year of skiing!
You should listen to your mother. She was lucky to have lived before the invention of the fancy medical machinery because nobody could direct her to use what is offered for osteoporosis today.
Also please note that osteopenia is not a decease. It is merely a way to increase the use of bisphosphonates and make more profits. Lastly, it is true that osteoporosis drugs do increase bone density but what has been observed in several trials is that they also make the bones more brittle and this is why people on osteoporosis drugs have a higher number of bone fractures than people on no such drugs. Please correct me but isn’t the reason for taking Osteoporosis drugs to avoid fructures? Think about it.
Does anyone have anything good to say about Prolia. My doctor has recommended that I receive the injection because Fosamax didn’t work after 5 years. I am 65 with T scores of -2.9.
ONLY THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE AND SELL PROLIA HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT IT.
Nothing good to say about it.. I have been taking Protos and had side effects as stated in numerous comments including irregular heart beats. My Doctor wants to put me on the two yearly injections but after reading up on the side effects of that I will say no thank you I have had enough of side effects from the Protos.
today i received my 2nd prolia injection. the first one took very well. though with this injection i am having severe headaches.for some reason i could not do the fosamax, so for 3 years i did the reclastinfusion, which caused many side effects, nausea, awful headaches…flu like symtoms. having only my 2nd injection of prolia, i can only say that for me, the side effects were much milder and shorter than taking the reclast infusions. my t-scores are -3.5.
I was just disgnosed with sever osteoporosis,in mylower back my numbers are -4.7 very bad from what I am told. My doctor prescribed Prolia, i have been doing my reserach on this new drug and it has too many side effects to be safe. What other alternatives do i have. If I start on Boniva and take my calcium and do exercise will that be enough. I dont wan to end up in a wheelchair or with a broken hip I am only 60 years old. help.
Here’s my review of Boniva, Carol: https://saveourbones.com/boniva-what-if-sally-field-told-the-truth/
The best alternative I know of is the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. You can get more info about it at https://saveourbones.com/program
I have been on Actonel therapy for the past 4 years. I had a bone density test taken after taking Actonel for 1 year and it showed a 4% increase in both my hip and spine bone density (I had osteopaenia). So, for the next 3 years, I took Actonel faithfully. Then on October 15th of this year, I had a follow-up bone density test. It showed that the bone density in my spine had decreased (instead of increased!) and that I now have osteoporosis. We don’t know when the Actonel stopped working, and I’m going to go have blood work done this weekend to rule out possible secondary causes for the osteoporosis (other than the fact that I’m post-menopausal). Here’s my problem. My endocrinologist has told me to stop taking Actonel and to start taking Prolia. He made it sound attractive, and I was going to have the injection … until I did a search on the possible side effects. Even the Prolia website takes about the possible side effects … pretty well on every single web page on their website! I guess that they have done this to make certain that everyone knows what “could” happen. So, now I don’t know what to do. I don’t want my bone density to get worse, but I’m rather frightened to take a drug that could cause infectious endocarditis (I have mitral valve prolaps to begin with!). Help. Any suggestions?
Jenny, my suggestion would be to take a close look at the issues with osteoporosis medications by reading the article in the “Drugs” section on this site, and to check out the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, which thousands of our members have used to regain their bone health. You can get more info about the program at https://saveourbones.com/program
I am 72 years old with a family history of osteopenia/osteoporosis .. I have been on hormone therapy for almost 8 years and then on Fosamax for another 9 years.. my bone density scans showed osteoporosis in the spine and hip
and I have lost 2 and 1/2 inches from my spine..last year on September I had my first Prolia injection and this October my third , my doctor wants me to have one more in April and then have a bone density test again to see if there is any imrovement in my bones.. I am a very active person, I walk 2 miles a day, do yoga, lift weights and try my best to eat right.. I have IBS and it’s difficult for me to be on the diet I read in the ” save your bones ” book I have bought.. I can only have small amounts of certain veggies daily with fruits.. I don’t eat red meat at all .. some chicken once or twice a week and I take 4 omega-3 capsules a day… I have family history of arthritis and chronic insomnia and fatique.. I have noticed that for the past year my seasonal allergies last longer and my colds never leave me and of course i am always tired .. I would appreciate any advice you can give me ..
Thank you,
Sincrely,
Effie Xanos
Dear Effie, if after taking Fossamax for nine whole years left you in the condition you describe isn’t it proof enough of the effectivenes of such drugs? Results speak for themselves. I am not a doctor but from what I read about osteoporosis I would not touch any of them, especially the more recent very expensive versions. Believe me I wish I was in your condition at 72.
Best of luck and remember “it is YOUR life”.
I have been battling severe osteoporosis since the yr.2000. I went through early menopause and was placed on Fosamax when it first came out as a daily pill. My T scores went up and down over a 10 yr. period and ened up just as low after ten years as it was before I started taking the drug. My original T score was -3.3 at age 49. At age 61 my T score 3.5. I took myself off the drug (I also tried Actenal for a year with no good response)and was using HRT to support my bones,plus weight bearing exercising and diet,and supplements.This summer I developed uterine cancer (endometrial) and my bone Dr. wants me to try Prolia. My oncologist wants me to stay on the estrogen( I had a complete hysterectomy in Aug.I don’t know what to do. After reading the info on Prolia, I am scared to death to try it,but am also afraid the estrogen will cause more cancer if there is a microscopic cell stil inside of me. My cancer stage was 1A. What do you think I should do? I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place!
Kathy.. I have been on Prolia for almost 5 years with no side effects at all. Im a 31 yr old male and have taken it for lung tumors. My tumors have not grown in five years and no side effects, so i would say go for it! Its an amazing break thru in my opinion, but like this article says, its a numbers game. Good Luck to you.
Which country are you in? I live in Canada and it was only approved last year. I have been prescribed Prolia but still deciding whether to take it.
In years past I have taken Fosamax, then Boniva which caused many of the same problem as those listed above……muscle aches and pain etc…..since I am having back issues I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I took myself off the Boniva and 2 months later I was pretty much pain free. Went back to the Dr for my annual checkup and he indicated that Prolia was for me. I had the injection at the end of August and in a short period of time all of the aches and pains are back even worse than before. My questions is how long does it take to get this our of your system….and…does it cause hot flashes?
Thanks,
Gloria
Dear Gloria,
if you bothered to do some basic research on Prolia or even if you bothered to read their leaflet (if the doctor allowed you ) you would have read some of the common side effects:
Backpain,increased cholesterol,skeletal pain,arm and leg pains, pangreatitis,bladder infections,ear infections,skin infections,rash, eczema,endocarditis,severe jaw bone problems and to top it all a warning by the maker that “it may cause unusual fractures”. It is obvious that one does not get all the above by taking the drug but I challenge you to chose just one or two having in mind the maker’s warning above and decide whether the drug is for you.
Concerning your question, I suggest you ask the smart doctor who put you on that lethal cocktail without obviously giving you the information that you were entitled.
A lot of prescription drugs have side effects that make you feel like the treatment is worse than the disease you already have.
Lipitor for example, has major potential side effects but it is one of the most prescribed and best selling drugs. It does work for the condition it is intended to treat.
Only time will tell if Prolia is safe enough to take the risk.
I am skeptical of people who try to reach conclusions too early.
HI,I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING MY DECISSION IF I’LL GO AHEAD AND DO IT, BUT AFTER I READ ALL THE BAD COMMENTS I DECIDED NOT TO CONTINUE OF DOING SO IT REALY REALLY SCARED ME TO DEATH THANK YOU ALL FOR THE FEEDBACK. MORE POWER TO YOU MISS VIVIAN.
Readers of this need to be just as cautious of this woman as they are of any potential side effect (remember water and air both have side effects). Anyone who claims they have health “secrets” and stands to gain financially from selling you a book that will reveal to you these secrets, is highly suspect, hardly objective and not to be trusted. Risk benefit ratio studies have been conducted globally on medications and, though hardly perfect, if your loved one suffers a complication from osteoporosis and rejects a doctor’s recommendation (doctors with nothing to gain financially either way) because of this woman’s irresponsible claims, you might want to consider action against her. Science, to her, is an inconvenient nuisance, because there are books to sell.
Dan, it seems you’re suggesting that all medications are safe and that nobody stands to gain from selling drugs. I urge you to research Vioxx, Avandia, etc. (just to name a couple)… In fact, I advise all my readers to be wary of everything I say. That’s why the Osteoporosis Reversal Program is backed by over 100 mainstream scientific studies and my articles on this website are fully referenced. Rather than blindly taking medicines and hoping to not become one more statistic, my mission is to empower this community with the information available on this website and in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Dan you better be carefull. Most people in these forums may not know how to retrieve independent drug and medical information but some of us do.
Remember the old saying: “You can fool some people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time”.
Your arquments sound like my doctor’s arquments.
My mother , a youthful 86, had a meningioma removed from her spine. the tumor was benign but she had radiation to shrink the remaining section of the tumor that was left behind with nerves attached to it. Of course, she has bone density tests for years and has been on Boniva and Fossamax. A recent DXA scan indicated she was high rish for a fracture. So she uses a cane. Her rheumatologist wants her to take this medication. The more I read the worse it gets does anyone know anyone who has had positive results.
Dear Irene, you say that your 86 year old mum was on Boniva and Fossamax for years and that a recent DXA scan indicated that she was high risk for a …fracture!!
Question: How on earth a person on top Osteoporosis medication for years is now considered a high risk for a fracture?? Surely this is a contradiction, not on your part but for the drug itself. We pay our hard earned money to get reliable medical advise in order to avoid certain conditions like osteoporosis. And some years later, and after spending thousands of dollars acting on that advise we find that we now have the condition we wanted to avoid in the first place.
So: all those medical trials that showed that osteoporosis drugs increase bone density but cause more bone fractures must be absolutely correct. But isn’t all the fuss about avoiding fractures? What do I care about bone density if I am more likely to have a fracture? And one last question:
I am not a medical person and I got access to several reports and independant trials that warn people that osteoporosis drugs increase the possibility of fractures. How come most doctors never heard of it and never read the reports? Or have they. Legitimate questions that require some answers.
And to give you a personal answer to your question, No. I do not know anyone who had possitive results using such drugs and I know quite a few people who have been on them and some of them still are.
Just need advice on whether I “should” take Prolia or Reclast for a t-score of -3.4 on spine?
I was a very active and healthy male age 51 when a random bone density test revealed “borderline” ostp. After a year on Actonol ( 2 tablets day 1 and 2 of each month) my running and fitness workouts dropped due to feelings of nausea and overall crappy feelings, tingling on one side of my face. On the advice of a specialist (Internal Medicine/FRCIC/MD) in January 2011 I was prescribed PROLIA (injection on back of my upper right arm). At this time I had a bit of a pain in my inner thigh/groin/hamstring area which I thought was an overuse injury after a 21K jog….but by May of 2011 the overall joint and muscle pain spread from my pelvic, to my neck, my shoulders, so bad that I had to stop jogging completely, cannot bend over to do push-ups. with the exception of my feet and hands, my entire body feels like it’s seizing up. and it’s painful to move. Subsequent blood test (July 2011) indicate no arthritis only inflamation and LOW PHOSPHOUROUS (.65). My doctor advises not to take the second Prolia injection….In short I’m done with these medications and hope that they’ve not caused irrepairable damage and the sideeffects will eventually wear off (months shelf life!) For some maybe these drugs work but for me, they are not worth the agony they’ve caused me. I’m praying they wear off and I’ll take my chances and deal with my condition through fitness, vitamins and anything besides drugs.
FINALLY a comment from a MAN!! Could we have some more, please! – As for me, I’m 75, and have “risk of fracture: medium” osteoporosis. Have been on Didrocal for several years; added Calcitonin ca. 18 months ago, will have test in a few days. But I have already decided to say ‘no’ to Proliva that my GP is anxious to switch me to. Perhaps at a (much) younger age I might have, but do I want to risk any of those side effects at 75? Not a chance!
I am 60 and have been on Evista for 2 years – no side affects and it lowered my cholesterol but obviousy, did nothing for my bones – now, my doctor wants me to take Prolia and I’m scared to death – even my anxiety levels are up. I have a very physical job but I do not exercise and sadly, I smoke and part of me realizes that I need to cut back and eventually stop. I also have sjogren’s syndrome along with IBS issues and TMJ and no way do I want to take any drug that can affect my jaw. I realize, also, that I have not been taking calcium due to all the reading I’ve done about how it can clog the arteries – I am my own worst enemy. My problem is – obviously the Evista is not helping the bones but could that be due to not exercising, smoking and stopping my calcium – I do take D3 everyday and my levels went up – I would appreciate any comments since I can’t have my anxiety go up again over something like this. By the way, I fell hard in a parking lot and didn’t even bruise so how can my density say my bones are so messed up when I do the kind of work I do – I’m a cleaner – plus had such a bad fall.
Vivian
Thank you for all the information you publish.
I have been on actonel for most of the past 5 years and have had numerous bone density tests. Most recent test shows t-score of -3.4 in spine. T score of-2.2 in hip
z-score spine -2.7 z-score hip -1.6
53 years
Advised to decide on taking Prolia or Reclast injections. FEAR comes up with either….any suggestions would be welcomed…..want to take care of this body of mine but need help! Thanks very much!
Jane,
I have read such bad side effects from Relast. Even Death with a second infusion!
You might want to read from the Osteoporosis website from other peoples experiance from Reclast and other drug use.
Also bone improvement from natural means.
Here is what happened to just one women (and more) who where healthy till they took a Reclast infusion.
https://www.inspire.com/CubbieFan2308/journal/where-to-begin-8/
Take Care,
Annie
i did prolia for 3 years and the first 2 had quite bad side effects. it should have taken 15 minutes for the infusion but i was always there at least an hour, throwing up, chills. -t score still -3.6. i got my 2nd prolia injection today (in my tummy, soreness and a migraine, but nothing much worse…i hope! personally, i think the prolia (so far) works better for me. good luck!
I have had one Prolia Injection in Nov.2010,
shortly after, I had severe pain in my arm for several months, very painful legs, rashes on my legs,very sore back. I am due for the second one but am fearful of the side effects all over again, not sure what to do.
Arl
I had 2 shots and developed extreme pain in my legs from the hips to the knees with my first shot. I also developed back pain. I could not bend at all. I have a very high tolerance of pain but the leg pain was like none I have never experienced. And I had 2 children with natural child brith. I went back for the 2nd shot and have had back pain ever since the first shot. I have cancelled my 3rd shot and my back is feeling better each day. Atleast I can do some bending. I hope it gets better each month.
Hi; I had my first injection 3 weeks ago. Since then I have difficulty sleeping and a steady nagging low back ache. Does this discomfort eventually decrease and disappear? I will not be taking any more injections. I will stick with diet and exercise. Thanks for the review. Jean
Arlyne, since you had such an enjoyable time after having the first one you may want to go for the second.
Mind you, the discomfort, pains and aches you have mentioned above are only the milder of the bunch. You can consider yourself lucky this time. But there is no quarantee that you will not have some of the tougher effects next time. Did I help? Good luck to you.
I have osteoporosis and my doctor referred me to get a Prolia injection without even talking it over with me. After doing research on natural alternatives and reading your article, I am going the natural way. The side effects of all these treatments scared me straight. Thanks.
Dear Ruth,since you were refered for Prolia injections without any explanation or consent I believe it is not just the treatment you should consider changing.
Good instict.
Hi, I have been reading your emails faithfully for some time now and it appears to be that you may say ALL MEDICATIONS produced are TABOO in order to sell your book. You start off positive [a bit] then as I read on you eventually turn against all possible help we can get and then there it is AT THE END of the write-up….YOUR BOOK!! I’m starting to wonder here. Thanks, d
Hello, I was diagnosed several years ago with Osteopena,at 46 years old I was disappointed with the news, I’ve been on steriods most of my life due to an Adrenal deficiency thus causing the thinning of my bones, I had bad reactions to Actonel and Fosamax( severe heartburn and back pain) ,my Rhemutologist assured me that Prolia was the way to go, since my needle two days ago, I have been feeling tired and dizzy, but no other contraindications.. I am presently taking vitamin D/Magnesium and 1,500 mg of calcium per day as prescribed by the doctor, I am doing a weight -bearing program and walking daily. Is there anything else you recommend. Thank-you P. Sarraf
You might want to look into the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, if you’re not already following it. There’s a lot more to bone health than calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. Also, take a look at my blog post about Prolia: https://saveourbones.com/prolia-denosumab-review/
I am a small framed 44 year old (5’2″ and 100 lbs) who has gone through menopause. Therefore, my estrogen levels are low. At the age of 39 I broke my right wrist in a freak accident with the dog. At that time my orthopedic surgeon suggested getting a bone density scan. For the last 5 years my scores have gone up. As of today my spine registers a 3 and my hips 2.5. I am extremely active, walking 4-5 miles a day. I have taken calcium and Vitamin D as often as I remember. The gynocologist suggested Prolia. After reading your article I feel I have no alternative. I have tried Fossomax (bad reaction) , Actonel,and Boniva. Reclast and Prolia side effects scare me. I am a teacher and cannot dream of experiencing some of the side effects listed. Do you have any suggestions to help me keep an active life?
I am sorry, I can’t pat you on the back like everyone else. I think you are dangerous. You are not objective, your “reviews” take things out of context and mislead, and I can only imagine scare people away from treatment just so you can promote your natural program. I wonder how many fractures you have caused.
This person is making strong statements but provides no evidence to support such remarks. There is no credibility to this person’s claims without providing supporting data. Statements like these generalized proclamations are the ones that are misleading because they are void of responsible support.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation web site is a valid site for the free inquery on bone health topics. If your ideas will withstand a bit of daylight and examination, why not join us there?
If the National Osteoporosis Foundation is as effective as the National Cancer Foundation then there is nothing to say.
Dear Jim, read all the postings of all the patients in this forum and their complains after taking certain osteoporosis medications, very carefully. This is all the evidence you need and much stronger authentic and genuine than any supporting evidense that you can be provided by anyone. “When pain talks people should listen”.
Mitch,
What is your alternative option for people with Osteoporosis besides drugs?
Do you have Osteoporosis?
You and I might not agree with Vivan selling her books for a profit, but allot of what she has to say here, she is right.
She has saved us allot of time from going through websites.
There is allot of information through the internet, which I think Vivian gets her information from!, and maybe from her own experiance!
If anyone wants to get free feedback to question and answers from real people that have Osteoporosis, they can get it here for free:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/
Look around that site, and join, and join in.
I have nothing to do with the Osteoporosis fountation website..
I just have found allot of good information from people that have Osteo, and what works for them, and what doesn’t, and what has happened to them from useing drugs, and trying the natural way to inprove there bones..
As we now now, Drugs are not working, there crippleing us.
Take Care,
Annie
Obviously not as many fractures as the osteoporosis medications prescribed like smarties by most doctors. Besides it is no secret that osteoporosis drugs cause fractures!! It is true that they increase bone density but they make the bones more briddle.
You don’t have to listen to, or purchase anything Vivian is selling. Listen to your own common sense – if you have any. Osteoporosis drugs are DEADLY.
Dear Vivian: I have just read what you think of Prolia. I asked you for a quick response since my doctor plans to give it to me in April. I can’t thank you enough for this quick response. I have printed all the disadvantages and will be giving them to my doctor with a denial of the prescription. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are very much appreciated.
I had too many problems with Fosamax and Boniva to take a chance with this one.
My RN sister found your site via the recommendation of a PT, I believe! THANK YOU SO MUCH for your information. Our mother had stomach issues (even throwing up WHITE FOAM and over a week of upset stomach) after her 5th or 6th Boniva pill. This had steadily become worse after her first pill. She (with our encouragement) finally told the dr. she wasn’t taking any more. The family doctor was fine with that and asked if we wanted to try another medication. We said “no.” My mother’s GYN has now prescribed Prolia and we are passing this information on to my mother and encouraging her to try exercise and better eating. Thank you again!
I had the Prolia injection a month ago and the pain in my back and joints is awful. My shoulder has such pain I can hardly lift it anymore,I cannot even take off a t-shirt over my head or hook my bra. I had blood tests, x-rays and now go for an MRI in 3 days because the pain is so bad. I never had pain before the injection and had no pain in my shoulder. It burns so bad at night I cannot even sleep. Don’t get the injection!!!
Thank you for your advise. My bone density test was worse after two years and the doctor prescribed Prolia. I am not comfortable taking this as it is so new. After hearing your experience, I’m convinced I’ll go the natural way.
My mother who is 89 has been on drugs for osteoporsis for quite a few years, the latest was Forteo and I saw NO good results… now her doctor wants to put her onto Prolia but I am opposed and am looking into naturopathic solutions for her. Thank you for publishing this article.
Now Grace, I am no doctor but anyone suggesting this medication for a 89 year old woman should atleast explain his motives. Based on logic alone this act borders on criminality. Risking even one possible common sideffect of the drug to a person of 89 beats any logic and makes my immagination run wild..
I’m so thankful for your website I don’t feel so alone anymore. Never would I of had a complete hysterectomy at 30 yrs. old if I would of had any information of the consequences of such a surgery. Nothing was ever said to me by a Dr. Not even that I would take hormones for the rest of my life or I’d feel absolutely crazy and hurt all over if I didn’t. I was NEVER the same person again. But I’m not alone,only hope someone will read this and NOT have that surgery. Look for alternatives to it.
My doc is encouraging me to use Prolia or Reclast. I have kidney disease and my nephrologist says either one is ok. However, I read a lot and don’t feel comfortable with either. Your info was very interesting but I still don’t know what to do. I am thin and on the cusp of osteoprosis and having surgery where bones in my lower spine will be shaved to make room for nerves. Can you help?
Thanks, Linda
Dearest Vivian:
It’s been a blessing finding your web side in moments of absolutly despair
I knew the consecuenses of the actual drugs aviable for Osteoporosis.
I went frantic in the internet looking for better options, when I found you.
My book “Save your Bones” is in the way and I will follow it totally.
I been following your tips in th web side with
good results all ready.
I believe in natural health approach and natural medicine.
I have problems with Fosamax, Oxicotin given to me for my spine fructure.
They have destroy the health of my digestive system that was excelent.
I have refused other options that my doctor sugested
He is not happy but he respect my decision.
I have develop an epigelian hernia given to all those drugs.
Thanks for coming in my path of life.
Nancy Herrera.
Hello Vivian, As soon as I saw the guinea-pig I knew that Prolia was not going to be a good choice. I am disapointed that my last scan showed a slight worsening of my bone density – and I have been slack in exercise and walking (because I had been so dedicated for 18 months – and still it got worse. A friend has told me about a bone building juice – which I’m going to get started on next week. Many Blessings – and thanks again for your work. Kelsey XXXX
Hi! Vivian,
I Wouldn’t Take ‘Prolia’, If They Paid Me To Take It. It Wouldn’t Be Worth It; Especially With Those Kind Of Side Effects!
Thank You VERY MUCH For Your Review And Letting Us Know About the ‘SAVE OUR BONES PROGRAM’!
LOVE, MS. L.
I refused to take the actonel and other of these type of osteoporosis drugs as I had had double vision after a short time on fosamax. My doctor has now prescribed Protia. In reading the manual from the company I am also going to have to refuse that medicine. The manual states that can cause necrosis I am 83 years old and have iffy teeth, Ihave had thyroid surgery, also a factor, and also I have a chronic skin problem. All of these preexisting conditions certainly should be considered when prescribing this med. Sometimes I wonder if the doctors have really researched these medicines
Ofcoarse doctors do not research medicines. They do not have the time. Everything is explained to them by the Pharmaceutical company’s rep, who is a person trained to sell. Our lives depend on what these “trained” reps say to our doctors. It is all a matter of trust between the doctors and the med. companies. If that trust is breached it is us who pay the price.
I had my first injection of Prolia and for anyone considering taking it I would say “DON’T. It is one of the worst decision I have ever made. I am allergic to Boniva, Actinal and Fosomax. I have osteopinea and because of my alergy my Doctor prescribed Prolia. I found very little informaion on the internet. The side effects of this drug are dreadful. I had the injection on October 29, since then I have had a cold that I can not get rid of. My ears and eyelids are always itchy and at times it is so intense I could rip then out. For the last 2 years I have taken advanced classes in yoga, since Prolia I have stopped the classes as I have passed out in the middle of each class I have attended. My body does not feel like mine. I will be thankful when the 6 months are over. I hope this shot has no permanent effects and I will not be going back for another
Dear Lynda, I too, received one injection of Prolia recently, and am experiencing severe itching and rash. My doctor claims it is due to my use of the whirlpool at a fitness facility and has me on antibiotics, but I am sure it is from the Prolia. I will complete the course of meds and see if the rash/itching disappear, but I am banking on the fact that the symptoms will remain. Also experiencing bone pain. If anyone else out there is experiencing similar symptoms, please reply. Lynda, hope you feel better soon, and the effects abate after the six months are over….
I got the shot 18 nov 2013. Since I have a very dry mouth and yellow tongue. I also have a rash around my nose and mouth, and am short of breath. I will not take another shot . My t scores are -3.5 and had worsened that is the only reason I did this. Looking for ways to get this out of my
system.
I am a 52 yr. old female with diagnosed osteoporosis & osteopenia, & my bone density scores have become worse from 4 yrs. ago. I can’t attribute any significant bad side effects to bisphosphinates in the 1 yr. took them, just wasn’t faithful in taking, or trusting the drug either. Thus,on June 24th 2011 received my 1st Prolia injection. About 3 days later began to get a respiratory infection was treated for with antibiotics. Still hung in there with the infection after completed antibiotic. Approx. 1 week later decided would be tested for allergies… my IGE score (shows amt. of inflammation in body) was in 800’s prior to Prolia, so thought this was the route to go. Well July 7th saw an allergist who tested me for food and environmental-type allergies (he was a very good & thorough Dr. by the way) & after all was said and done, he was concerned about my congestion, breathing, and scoring low on breathing tests, but said I did not have any significant allergies causing this congestion. He did put me on Prednisone, which helped some, but still had a fight on my hands with a persistant cough due to the congestion. Fast forward to July 14th 2011… the congestion is finally started to break up but needing to rest a lot, miss some days of work, and battling a sore throat. I don’t smoke, not around 2nd hand smoke either. Have NEVER had chest congestion/bronchitis like this. I think Prolia can bring out the Weaknesses in a person, as it lowers your immune system. The Dr. who gave this injection states that studies show that those given Prolia vs a placebo received little to no respiratory infections. I argue with that study. This is a relatively new drug, and too “co-incidental” that would get so sick for this long, after receiving the injection. I live in my skin. And, I can’t afford to be missing work, not worth the risk to me. Have been “pumping” my body with good vitamins to overcome this. Thanks for your time, for giving me a “voice”.
I’m so sorry to hear that you are yet one more victim of these insidious drugs, Mindy! Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Hi Mindy,
Just read your comments regarding Prolia. Sorry to say, I read them about a week too late. I had a shot last September. In Jan. I got bronchitis, chest congestion, and a sore throat. It lingered on. I took 2 z-packs and it still lingered. Around the last of Feb. I started feeling a little stronger in my chest. And, then in March, I took another Prolia shot. I didn’t really think anything about it until they gave me the Prolia insert to read this time. After I read it I started looking up info. about the drug on the internet and found your comments. I agree with you. I have never had such a bad case of bronchitis that lingered so long and made me feel so weak. In addition, Wow! don’t know what to do now. Sure hope I don’t get sick again. Don’t know how much my bronchial tubes can take.
sounds like you have an allergy to Prolia as well…I would suggest stop taking it, based on that alone.
Linda, I am sorry to hear what you are going through.
But after reading all the postings and the cries of people in pain after taking such medications I wonder why, like all of us, aren’t doctors accountable. Aren’t they supposed to alliviate pain and heal people in need?
Why then they are repeat offenders by giving advice that causes so much pain, over and over again? Where is the world going to.
Dr. wants me to start prolia. I am afraid to because of side effects. I am small boned 5’6″ weighing 12-115. Mother build same and is doing well at 91. Small bones, but no falls or breaks. So far nothing has worked. T-scores continue to decline. Been on Evista and Boniva, although Boniva was short lived. Has anyone any opinions on what is best? Thanks Beverly
Beverly, I was about to suggest to you to go for a second opinion but somehow I do not believe they will suggest something else. There is something with this drug that makes doctors tricker happy to the extent that they prescribe it to 90 year old patients.
In my country the price of the drug is six times lower than the doctors ask to inject it. It may be a special technique of injecting it .I have no idea.
This is a retruction of my February 7,2012
post in answer to Beverly B’s post.
The last sentense where I refer to the price of the drug is incorrect. I misunderstood the information I was given by a third party that the drug was selling “sixty Euros lower” and as a result I may have offended some people. I therefore humbly apologise for the mistake to anyone concerned including Vivian.
I’m happy to hear you are writing a cookbook so we can do the 80/20 protocol properly. Can you please include some vegetarian and vegan recipes for those of us who do not eat meat or animal/dairy products.
Thanks!
Hi Lily,
The cookbook will have an entire section full of delicious vegetarian recipes, as well as many other meat-free recipes throughout the book. 🙂
And of course you could easily make substitutions in almost any recipe (using tempeh instead of beef, for example).
Vivian,
You have mentioned before how bad Soy is, which that is true.
Yet you say to use “tempeh”,in your new cookbook, which is still Soy!
“Tempeh is made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans ”
We know that formented Soy is ok, but Not Slightly.
I say its still not healthy, what do you say ??
Re: Prolia (denosumab) my doctor is saying that while it hinders the osteoclasts, it ignores the osteoblasts and therefore helps the process of bone remodeling as the osteoblasts will continue to do their job.
I am dismayed that you Ms Goldschmidt are influencing decisions with your nutty, subjective interpretations of clinical data. You are not medically trained and you do not have a science background. Do you have liability insurance because some of things you suggest here are negligent.
Celia, Recently my bone doctor “suggested” this for me.I have taken actonel and tried fosomax with no improvement. I quit taking them because of esophogus problems and stomach acid. My DENTIST actually whispered to me, “…so glad you quit taking that stuff, it is just BAD medicine! My DENTIST! Can you imagine???? So when I got home i looked up Prolia. It just looks bad – especially when it says you could end up in the hospital so they can put a tube down your throat suck you out from your stomach or intestine because you can get all blocked up….sheesh Celia, does that sound like a fun visit to the er? So then I did a search for other alternative bone rememdies…NEARLY every thing I clicked on brought me back to the PROLIA page! Funny how they spend billions of dollars on advertising to get everyone to look at their page….guess they have to make a lot of $$$$ money (at our expense) while they still have a patten on the drug so that they can pay for all the lawsuits they will have after many people suffer….remember VIOXX? Okay maybe Vivian isn’t a doctor…she never claimed to be – but the facts are in front of us because Vivian has started this website for people to become informed. I am responsible for my own health. I go to the library and I read books, I visit other websites, and search on the internet, (read N.O.F. site, Women to Women site) for anything I can find concerning overall health. I have osteoporosis and I haven’t found any cures yet. I do know osteoporosis is a bone loss caused by many things we do to our bodies – using some prescription drugs, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, stress, lack of exercise, and yes heredity too…and many of us are looking for the magic cure…so far there isn’t one – but this community of sharing (here and other sites like N.O.F.) helps us feel we are not alone in this battle for better and healthier bones.
I find your overly intense response interesting. Just out of curiosity, do you happen to work for a pharmaceutical company? I did my own research on Prolia and found that Vivian is absolutely correct in her comments regarding it. All you have to do is Google Prolia and you can see for yourself how bad it is. The side effects are awful and I’m not willing to risk it. We are ultimately responsible for our own health, and no one is forcing anyone to take or not take anything. I appreciate the resources and information that Vivian provides us so that we can make an informed decision.
I suggest that Ms Celia Hodgson should be one of the guinea pigs of the Big Pharma to find out for herself all the bad side effects of maintream drugs. She’ll get paid millions instead of criticising Ms Vivian’s hard work in researching to bring natural remedies to those suffering from osteoporosis/osteopenia.
Thank you Ms Vivian and please keep up the good work! God’s blessings!
God
Celia, How dare you write to Vivian in that way, everything she has sent to me (and to others) by way of information for us to check out for ourselves has been spot on – My medical doctor agrees with all she has to say about the drugs for treating osteoporosis – if you have it and are taking the drugs WAKE UP and start doing your body a favour – follow Vivian’s advice!!!! Many Blessings Kelsey
What are the indications on Vitamin MK7
K2 for heart and building bone strength ?
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I am 52 and going through the hot flashes, etc. I was diagnosed with osteopenia at 42 and given Fosamax. I took it for 10 years and decided to stop taking the pills and see what happens. A year later I went to a Dr. in Tucson, AZ. He saw my new test results and I had gotten worse and he put me back on Fosamax. A year later my new OBGYN doctor changed me over to another one. It went well, if I remember correctly. I only had to take it once a week. Then the Boniva came on the scene. I just decided not to do any of them! Each one had some type of problem. So, that was about 2 years ago. I was eating healthy and learned a lot about foods that are good for us and those that were not. Then I came upon your book and I am so glad I did!! It has been a wealth of helpful knowledge. However, I am beginning to have some random bone pain. Any advice?
I wonder if you’re missing the point entirely. No drug claims to be THE answer to anyone’s problem – all treatments have their pluses and minuses. It’s really about consulting with your physician (are YOU a physician?), weighing the risks and benefits, and making the decision that’s right for the individual. It’s sad that you have such a devoted following that they believe everything you say rather than talk to an expert with experience with the medication. They may be on the road to better health if that was the case. As for painting a bad picture of the drug manufacturer, not hard to do. would you rather big pharma not exist at all???
YES! She is a very good research doctor.
I would have to say most doctors do not know much about nutrition. Probably because they do not have the time to research or study. They are convinced by big drug companies to prescribe the latest greatest new pill. On the NOF site an individual posted about a partner/spouse dying after a RECLAST injection. DEAD! This is very scary! Why would we not want to find out all we can about a drug before putting it into our body?…(see above post to Celia) We can learn from each other…so be it if it seems like scare tactics…at least some people are THINKING and researching before they react to something that might potential harm them. It’s good to be informed thanks to Vivian and many others…although in the end everyone has to do what is right for them, no one else should make the”ultimate” choices but you.
I agree with you Jill! If it weren’t for investments from “big pharma” to develop new drugs, we would have no medication at all and live the 15th century all over again… I used to be a nay sayer but have since educated myself on medical advancements. You have to weigh the pros and cons of any medical treatment. If there are more cons for YOU than don’t take it. Obviously this drug does work on some people. Bad news does travel faster…it certainly seems to be true in this case.
Thank you for the new name. I did not take Foasmax and my doctor said they may have a new one. This may be it do not know but do not want it either. Just reading about flue shot at the side. He ask me if I took the flu shot and said yes. ( go to health department) but I just now remember I did not this passed year. Made it through the year. The once who had the shot were sick but I had mild case one time but feel good now that I remembered I did not take the flu shot. I keep it in mind for this year coming up. Thank you.
Thanks for the warning – don’t know if Prolia is being prescribed in uk yet!
Thanks so much for the article on prolia!!!!
I appreciate your hard work – tne latest drug Prolia twice a year.
I practice your advice, alkalizing diet, supplements, Vitamins, exercise, but not back weight-bearing, because my right hand is still
pain, happy mind, all these make me feel great.
Thank you, Vivia
THANK YOU again, Vivian, for enlightening us and helping me to stay fast with the alkalizing diet, good supplements and vitamins, and most of all, the daily walking–weight-bearing as my means of defense for my bones.
Hi! Again Vivian,
Thank You Very Much For Your Advice, And The Wonderful Research You Do, To Help Us Know What We Are Dealing With When A New Drug Like Prolia Comes Out. Your Advice Is Very Much Appreciated.
LOVE, MS. L.
Vivian,
Thank you for doing all the homework and sending us the information. You Rock!
Vivian, Are there any plans to write a cookbook?? I could use more ideas for meals to maintain the 80/20 balance. I feel that so far my efforts are rather haphazard and am not sure they are effective. Plus, has your bone density continued to increase or has it plateaued??
You’re in luck, Cindy! I’m working on my cookbook as we speak. You can look forward to a bounty of yummy and bone-supporting recipes within the next few months. In the meantime, keep an eye out for more recipes on the site. I’ll be writing more articles about specific Foundation Foods and including a recipe with each article.
About my bone density, I haven’t done another test. You can read why in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. I do know that many in the Save Our Bones community have increased their bone density, sometimes more than I have.
Hi Vivian, Thanks again for info. A no go drug once again. Best wishes Monica