Prolia
 

After failing my second bone density test, my Onc has scheduled me for my first Prolia shot. I now have oesteoporosis in my hips and spine (before it was just in the hips). Apparently exercise and diet changes have not been enough. My last chemo was Sept 22 2014 but I guess its effects are still lingering. I hate the thought of new side effects from another drug. Has anyone here had Prolia and has it been ok?

Re: Prolia
 

Denosumab is Prolia's generic name http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...ight=Denosumab. Xgeva is another one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denosumab You can find many posts by doing a 'Search' （top right on the colored bar）on Denosumab. Below is the abstract of a new study report on the drug.

Osteoporos Int. 2016 Apr 27. [Epub ahead of print]
Denosumab compared to other treatments to prevent or treat osteoporosis in individuals at risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Beaudoin C1,2,3, Jean S4,5, Bessette L6,5, Ste-Marie LG7, Moore L8, Brown JP6,5.
Author information
Abstract
The aim of this review is to compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab over other treatments for osteoporosis. The results of this study suggest that the safety of denosumab and its efficacy in reducing fractures is not significantly different from bisphosphonates. Denosumab was, however, more effective in increasing bone mineral density.
INTRODUCTION:
This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab over other pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis in individuals at risk of fracture.
METHODS:
Randomised controlled trials comparing denosumab with another pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. Identified articles were screened by two independent reviewers and assessed for inclusion. Data from included studies were extracted and meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models.
RESULTS:
Nine studies including a total of 4890 postmenopausal women were identified. The follow-up period varied from 12 to 24 months. In all studies except one, the comparator treatment was a bisphosphonate. There was no statistically significant difference between patients receiving denosumab and those receiving a bisphosphonate in terms of fracture risk (RR[95 % CI] = 1.15 [0.84-1.58]), adverse events (RR[95 % CI] = 0.99 [0.96-1.02]) or deaths (OR[95 % CI] = 0.58 [0.12-2.71]). Withdrawals due to adverse events were less frequent in denosumab than in other treatment groups but the difference did not reach statistical significance (OR[95 % CI] = 0.68 [0.45-1.04]). The percent change in bone mineral density at the total hip, lumbar spine, femoral neck and one-third radius was significantly higher in participants who received denosumab (e.g. mean difference [95 % CI] at the total hip: 1.06 [0.86-1.25]).
CONCLUSIONS:
These results suggest that, after 12 to 24 months, the safety and efficacy of denosumab for reducing fracture risk is not significantly different from bisphosphonates despite higher gains in bone mineral density. In a clinical setting, denosumab may demonstrate greater effectiveness.

Re: Prolia
 

DonnaH,
I have been on Prolia since the completion of my treatment and have not had any noticeable side effects. I do take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Cindy

Re: Prolia
 

osteoporosis...grrr. I have been fighting this since I was a teenager, and believe me, that was a LONG time ago. I have tried every treatment I think. Most doctors I have seen believe that I never achieved my optimum bone density due to poor nutrition as a child. Nonetheless...I have taken bisphosphonates for way too many years (and have had dental issues due to that), then years of daily injections of Forteo, and did achieve some impressive improvement. And a few Reclast infusions too. Alas, now, 7 years after my last Forteo, my bone density is in the cellar again. Tomorrow I see yet another doctor to talk about Prolia. I take calcium with D too, by the way!!! On the lighter side...I have taken some pretty hefty falls during my lifetime, and am still upright and very active!!! Knock on wood!!!

Re: Prolia
 

The only difference between Prolia and Xvega is the dose and dosing interval. Both are given subcutaneously. The Prolia dose is 60mg SC every 6 months for osteoporosis. The dose of Xvega for breast cancer in the bones is 120mg SC every month. I imagine the every six month dose has less side effects (jaw problems) than the 120mg dose every month.

Paul

Re: Prolia
 

The doctor warned me about possible jaw problems with Prolia. Also one side effect is "unusual thigh bone fractures". Seems strange that a drug we take to strengthen our bones might be responsible for a thigh bone fracture???!!!