At only 2 years out from FDA approval, Prolia (generic name, denosumab) is still considered a new treatment – so the pros and cons are still being weighed and considered by patients, doctors, and researchers. It’s only fair to point out some of the attributes of Prolia; in this way, you can be prepared for the glowing reports about Prolia that you’ll likely hear from your doctor. After reading this, you’ll be able to see these pros in the proper light when they are presented to you. Prepare for the pros and learn the cons – think of it as studying for a test!
The Pros
- It’s new. This implies that it’s the product of the latest research, and that past problems with similar drugs have been considered and corrected. Patients are led to believe that this brand new drug is the “latest thing.”
- It’s convenient. Prolia is administered in just 2 shots a year rather than a pill every day.
- The digestive system is avoided, since Prolia is administered as a shot. The unpleasant (and sometimes debilitating) digestive side effects of other osteoporosis medications are well-known, making Prolia seem like a welcome change.
- Prolia works where other osteoporosis medications fail. This ties in with Prolia being new – it’s held out as a hope for those who have had bad luck with other osteoporosis drugs.
The Cons
- It’s new. Yes, this was listed in the pros, but Prolia’s newness is most definitely a double-duty characteristic of the drug. The fact that it’s new means that it has only been tested in the lab, not in humans. This is why drugs get pulled off the market; no one really knows the extent of the dangers until the drug has been released to the public for several years. Do you really want to take part in a trial to determine the effectiveness and safety of a drug?
- Potentially serious side effects are a definite con. If I listed all of them here under the “cons” list, then it would be a very long list indeed. So I am sticking to the most alarming.
Infections, sometimes severe, particularly in the ear, abdominal region, bladder, and skin (due to the way Prolia affects the immune system) - Inflammation of the heart’s inner lining
- Osteocrenosis, or a severe infection of the jaw bone. Patients who experience deep, unrelenting pain after receiving Prolia have found that they need dental work due to the discomfort and pain in their teeth and jaw. This dental work, which your body translates as trauma, can lead to literal death (“necrosis”) of the jaw bone. Treatment is difficult and may result in permanent disfigurement.
- It’s a drug. Drugs are for people with serious illnesses and/or medical conditions, and osteoporosis is not a disease. Prolia is, by its nature, an inappropriate treatment for osteoporosis.
Hypocalcemia, which means low blood calcium. This is more than just a mineral deficiency; hypocalcemia can cause terrible pain and muscle cramps, and it is your body’s alarm system that the calcium in your body is in the wrong place.
Despite all the horrible side effects, this last point really sums up Prolia’s list of pros and cons. It’s a drug, and osteoporosis does not need drugs to treat it, period. Post-menopausal bone loss is not a disease; it’s simply a change in body chemistry that requires a change in diet and lifestyle to accommodate it. It’s that simple! If you’re still not sure, sign up for The Natural Bone Building Handbook. It’s free, and you’ll learn a lot about what you can do for your bones through natural means. From supplements to foods to exercise, there are all kinds of options for getting your osteoporosis under control. As you learn, you’ll probably want to take the next step and try the whole Osteoporosis Reversal Program. There’s no room left for a list of pros for this program! I can list the cons of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, though: none.
Healthy bones are within your reach. Go for it!
Had my first Prolia shot on July 26, 2018. So far no side effects. I’m hoping this will help me in bone building. I am doing strength exercises 3-4 times a week, changed my diet, get 15-20 minutes of sun each day and take vitamins. Hopefully my numbers will get better.
My Mother (age 99) has been prescribed prolia by her family doctor (Feb. 2018). It is waiting at the pharmacy for me to pick up. At the present time my Mother is enjoying a relatively good quality of life (living in her own home…with support from me and is mentally alert) She had a very difficult winter 2017 as the result of a pelvic fracture and lower spine fracture (2 falls). After months of pain and recovery she is now doing quite good. Obviously she is a “falls risk”. I am concerned that even 1 lesser side effect of prolia could change her quality of life. Will the benefit of prolia (how much benefit is proven? & how long does it take…..she is 99) outweigh the risk? I am concerned.
My doctors have all been harassing me since 2008 to take meds and I refuse to do it. I have plenty of pre-existing conditions which have me on plenty of other meds. This is the second time they have fried to talk me into Peoria. No. I’m 70 years old. I have been totally honest with them.
I don’t want to try prolia either. I’m on arimidex for cancer and take one other med for blood pressure. I’m very active and will alter my diet and try some weight training.
I had my first and it will be my last injection in feb this year. Had pain in my hip, back collar bone and outbursts of blisters on my face. I have noticed when i wash my hair its falling out and is thinning. I feel us who have had this injection have been mislead. I wiil not be having anymore. My bone doctor can inject the next one in himself so he can holefully endure what i have had to.
Thank you Gill, you are helping me stick to my decision not to try prolia. I told my oncologist they don’t know enough about what the effects of this new drug are.
I had my first prolia shot on 22nd of Feb 2017. This was administered at an orthopedic hospital. A fact sheet was sent to my new GP practice. The doctors I have seen are not familiar with this drug or the side effects. I have had a large bowel obstruction and my food will not digest so I have been put on three types of laxative to keep things moving. It has put me off eating and I’m confused at what blood checks I should have and get confused with internet information. I feel I need to know so I can request these tests .If anyone can advise me it would be much appreciated.
I had a prolia shot last Dec. after much agitating about possible side effects. I have been experiencing heat surges during the night where I am in contact with the mattress. PRior to now I was always cold at night.
HAs anyone had a similar reaction?
I got my first shot on March 22nd for the past two weeks I feel like I have the flu terrible aching almost where I don’t want to get out of bed
Yes…heat surges, fever like feeling first couple of weeks after shot, digestive problems, undue muscle pain AND insomnia problems… I have had three shots and think I will stop at that!!!
Yes. And rapid heart beat.
I have been on Prrolia injections for 3 years. After first 2 years I developed severe pain on lower leg and hip. I was not allowed to get an appointment with the consultant who put me on Prolia to ask about coming off it.
I have had X-rays, MRI scans and Ultrasounds from my GP which all came out clear.
I decided to give it up myself and have now been almost a year off it but the pain continues. Is there any information about how long it can remain in the system.?
I am not young but otherwise generally healthy and regret having had this drug.
I have just taken my second shot of Prolia…the first injection was terrible..I had such lower back pain and sciatica I could barely walk…again my Dr. convinced me to take it for a second time..I had it at the end of June and since then have been treated twice for very serious skin infections..I am terrified for the next 5 months…I WILL NEVER TAKE THIS HORRIFIC DRUG AGAIN…..I will go with natural substances and take my chances…..this is a Terrible drug…shame on those who approved this…all I can pray for is that I can survive until it is out of my system.And I did research this drug..I was put on it because I am on steroids due to the fact I have no adrenal function..
The gov’t agency that approved this drug should be taken to task!
I had my first and only injection in January, 2014. My GP reassured me that there are no side effects associated with this drug. I would probably need 2 pages to describe how I’ve been suffering since next day after the injection. Actually all these side effects, and even more are described on the manufacturer’s web site, but when I gave it to my GP, he said that all these side effects described is rubbish. Those are exactly his words. I still suffer from back pain and terrible cramps, even after I’ve been taking Magnesium & a low dosage of (500 units) Calcium. I took the maximum 2,000 units at the beginning, but reduced. My GP tested me for Lupus, Diabetes, and lately for angina. All came negative, but I still have these pilling red skin on my elbows, and I don’t think it is going away.
Before injecting this poison at least we should have appropriate tests for Calcium , Vitamin D, and bone turnover. We should be advised to take a Ca supplement. This drug is definitely not for everybody, but doctors been forcing us into playing Russian Roulette. This is cruel.
I am 66, in very good health except the diagnosis of osteopenia in my hips and osteoporosis in my lumbar area of spine. The doctor has prescribed Prolia. I do resistance and weight bearing exercise with a trainer twice a week and work out in the gym on other days myself. I eat a healthy diet and generally feel and look good. Nobody believes I am 66!!
I am not sure what to do ? Should I take the Prolia which according to the good doctor will ensure that I will not break a bone in the future.
I am 63 years old and am suffering from the Prolia shot, bone and muscle pains, swollen ankles, eczema, bloated stomach, stomach pains and insomnia my Gynocologist gave it to me, and when I complained about my side effects, after 2nd shot, didn’t complain after first, I should have, she told me symptoms not from shot and go to my GP. When I went to my GP he said he never would have given me this shot, I just started fourth month and I have my good days and bad. I started by taking pills Fosamax and Boniva and they made my irritated my esophagus so badly she started me on Prolia. I have had such a bad quality of life for past two years. I am never taking any of this poison again.
Kudos to you!! I have had three and I will stop at that.
I had prolia shots 3 times. I hot so many things wrong with me. I also got polymyalgia which is an autoimmune problem. It did fix my bones, but it was not worth it as I now have no strength left in my body. I stopped the prolia.
Try it once and see how it goes….I have had three and I think that will be it for me!
I was diagnosed with oesteopenia in my spine legs etc but osteoporosis in my distal radius. I do a lot of weights bearing exercise at my local gym. With my bone density scan I am middle yellow for spine and hip but just over in red for my arms. I dont really want Prolia but doctor prescribed it for me (havent had it yet) .Could you suggest what program for me ,I am 70 but pretty active.
My wife died in January 2014 at the age of 77. There is no question in our family that the 2 injections she received of Prolia combined with her doctor’s failure to deal with the resulting side effects of serious skin rashes and almost intolerable itching contributed to her death. She died of Pancreatic Cancer and we now notice that this cancer is listed as a side effect of Prolia.
I’m so sorry to hear about your wife. I quit prolia after 3 shots. Now I have so much wrong with me, my husband has to do all the chores.
My doctor thinks I should take Prolia since I fractured my back in May. Upon reading the above comments – I don’t think so.
I don’t blame you, Jeannette. And good for you for recognizing that it’s your decision, not your doctor’s!
I’m wondering just how much money and perks the drug company is giving doctors to push this prolia which hasn’t been on the market long. I don’t feel I want to be their guinea pig!
I was diagnosed with high-risk osteoporosis 7 years ago and have been on Fosamax since then. The bone specialist I go to has now taken me off Fosamax because I’ve reached the “unsafe” period. I am to wait until next year when I will then be put on Prolia. I am very reluctant to take Prolia as it seems to have more cons than pros. I would appreciate any advice.
Kate, I am glad you’ve found this post so you can read up on Prolia. Remember, it’s your health and your body – you do not have to take any drug if you are not comfortable with it. The Osteoporosis Reversal Program offers a safe alternative! 🙂
What is the reversal ostial porosis program
What is the reversal Program for osteoporosis
Do not take it. It does more harm than good.
After suffering from severe (what I thought was) muscle pain for years and after taking Fosamax for quite a long period, both of my thigh/hip bones broke. I now have a lot of metal in both legs. When I was being treated for the breaks I was told the FDA finally said it “was possible” Fosamax could possibly cause thigh bone cracking or breaks. Now my doctor says my bone scan (of my back as it is not possible now to scan my leg bones) shows osteoporosis and wants me to do the Prolia which she says is safe and much different from Fosamax. Besides this I did the self shots in the abdamon (Forteo) for two years again a supposedly treatment for osteoporosis. HELP HELP HELP I refuse to take anymore of this osteoporosis meds,
Irene, I am so glad you’re here! Please feel free to peruse this site as you do your osteoporosis drug research. I don’t blame you at all for refusing to take the osteoporosis drugs! I refused to take them, too, which is how the Osteoporosis Reversal Program came about. 🙂
Hi Vivian
It’s great that you have this website but there is some questionable information that as the moderator, you should research and correct if applicable based on your research. Was Prolia really first intended as a cancer drug? Comments about necrosis – it’s reversible but that’s not what I read here. Is cancer truly a side effect of Prolia?
Pat C: I am just reading these comments much later than you posted and only here because I have been told I should go on Prolia. I have been very cautious about taking Dr. recommendation on medicines because of all the side effects I deal with and they seem to be surprised that people have. I often feel the Drs. think I am making this stuff up. Who wants to be sick?! I happen to believe that maybe many people don’t have a lot of side effects from medicines, but I do and they are usually serious. I read your comment about Prolia as a cancer drug and I read at the website of UPMC Cancer Center & the National Cancer Institue it was/is given as a cancer treatment under the name of denosumab. Prolia’s own information and medications guide mentions this as well. I have read in several places includes a rare side effect of Prolia is pancreatitis, which has its own path to more serious problems. I also researched necrosis and it is unreversible because the medical definition of it is “death of body tissue.” As far as I can tell–and I have read a great deal on this subject–Vivian seems right on! I have recently come across SAVEOURBONES and am thankful there are ways I can help myself without this harsh medicine in my body. I am going to at least try because as of now, I am unwilling to subject myself to Prolia or any osteo meds because of the side effects. I’m the one who usually ends up with a rare side effect that the Dr. thinks I’m making it up. The comment I hear most from them is “I’ve never heard anyone have that side effect before.” They don’t know my body responses to medications and in today’s world it seems they really don’t have time to learn that either. I am becoming less likely to take medicine recommendations when I know certain side effects are a common history with me. I am thinking maybe you have already learned what I have learned about Prolia. I hope so. I’m not going to go on it and certainly would recommend others considering it to make time to do a serious digging on side effects. They aren’t always “out there” to see at first glance.
I myself suffer every possible drug induced side effect, and I truly feel for you. It amazes me why most doctors are ignoring when we complain. My GP actually told me that it is all rubbish, when I gave him a printed copy from Prolia manufacturer’s website. Sometimes I think they say it and keep prescribing because they have nothing else to offer to a suffering patient. Also, after all we expect to be ‘treated’. LOL
I have saveourbones program book which is excellent. According to my MD my bones are really bad. I’m only 59 and have osteoporosis and was told that my femur could just shatter walking. I have been recmmended to take drugs but decided against them. I’m just concerned if I’m in danger when doing some of the exercises in your book. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated….thanks
I have saveourbones program book which is excellent. According to my MD my bones are really bad. I’m only 59 and have osteoporosis and was told that my femur could just shatter walking. It was recommended to take Actonel or Prolia. I’m not taking either. I’m just concerned if I’m in danger when doing some of the exercises in the book. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated….thanks
Had infusion of prolia and have had sudden loss of 80% of my hair and have joint pain too. I will never take treatment again. I will increase good nutrition and go the homeopathic way of living concerning my bones. I truly feel that this drug not at all safe and will in long run make more problems than its worth. I am a retired nurse, and I have battled breast cancer– eight year survivor and thru all my treatments this med has caused me the same level of discomfort and problems systemically the chemo therapy did. Not for me thats for sure. The FDA should seriously re-evaluate this med.
To all of you who have written in about your personal experience with osteoporosis drug side effects – my heart aches for you. I am so sorry you have to deal with these issues! But you can get the drugs out of your system, and there is hope. This is why I wrote Rapid Cleanse, and I encourage you to check it out here:
https://saveourbones.com/rapid-cleanse/
This is also why I wrote the entire Osteoporosis Reversal Program! There’s just no need to suffer these terrible side effects. Hang in there, and take your health into your own hands!
I have had such terrible side effects, I am in such pain. I have sciatica in my left hip , down
My leg that it encapscites me from daily activities. If I bend over, to empty the dishwasher’
The pain goes on for hours. My stomach has really been giving me such pain, I don’t want to eat. Actually, it’s my lower intestinal tract. You could not pay me the moneyb my insurance
Paid to be in such pain.
Received Prolia Dec 2012 after having two years of Reclast and 12 years of Actonel. My dentist discovered bone grown into my teeth and a periodontist cut my gums down to try and fix. Unable to fix due to barely a shell left for each tooth, he recommended extraction. My dentist says an oral surgeon will have to do. Once I get a partial and hopefully a permanent bridge later, will the bone continue to grow up from my jaw bone? None of this was foreseen by my dentist. It just showed up in my last x-ray. Anyone have any knowledge about this?
I received the prolia shot last week and have not felt well since. I started hurting everywhere the next day, even the top of my head. My left ear and the left side of my neck hurt a lot and as of this writing my ear still hurts. I was so sick that yesterday I nearly passed out and had to miss work. I missed again today because my ear still hurts and the top of my head feels funny. Not a good thing because I am self employed and not working means no money. I felt fine before the shot last Wednesday (a week ago t
sorry to hear that!! Prob w a 6 mth injection w side effects. I have it at 56 –DX. Not fun.
i recently received my second Prolia shot. After the first shot I really did not have a lot of side effects. This time tho I have had upset stomach, general ill feeling but the worst is the back pain and sciatia pain. I will make an appointment with my Dr. as soon as I can, but was wondering if others have had this problem and what can be done anyway? My Dr. tells me that Prolia in in my system for6?? months then gone…True? I took Forteo for 2 years.That is as long as you can be on it, but Dr. was thrilled with bone improvement…Tried to take Actonel but botherd my stomach..Personally I would like to get off all this stuff and try natural remedies..Is it too late? I am also on calcium and Vit.D 3 as well as Metropol tarte and losartan for hypertension. I just don’t want to keep adding pills to my life if there are other things to try.
I have osteoporosis. I have had 2 fractured vertebrae.. I was on Reclast until I started having attacks of gout. I am now taking Prolia.
I am a patient of Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.