Side effects of prolia?

What are common side effects of Prolia?

Prolia (denosumab) is a medication used to treat osteoporosis and bone metastases in various cancers. While generally well-tolerated, Prolia can cause some side effects, although they are usually mild to moderate.

What are the most common side effects of Prolia?

According to clinical trials, the most common side effects of Prolia include:

- Back pain (25.9%)[1]
- Pain in extremity (19.4%)[1]
- Muscle cramp (14.3%)[1]
- Fatigue (11.4%)[1]
- Dizziness (7.7%)[1]
- Nasopharyngitis (7.4%)[1]
- Cough (6.4%)[1]

Less common but serious side effects of Prolia

While rare, some patients may experience more serious side effects, including:

- Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)[2]
- Increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections[2]
- Jawbone necrosis (death of jawbone tissue)[2]
- Atypical femoral fractures (breaks in the thigh bone)[2]
- Bladder or prostate cancer problems (only for patients with a history of these cancers)[3]

What should I do if I experience side effects from Prolia?

If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately. They may adjust your dosing or recommend alternative treatments.

Can I prevent side effects of Prolia?

To minimize the risk of side effects, your doctor may recommend:

- Regular monitoring of your calcium levels and kidney function
- Avoiding smoking, which can increase the risk of low calcium levels
- Getting regular dental check-ups to prevent jawbone problems
- Avoiding heavy lifting or bending to minimize the risk of fractures

Sources:

[1] Amgen. (2015). Prolia Prescribing Information.
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Denosumab Patent Expiration Date, Ownership, Details. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/denosumab
[3] FDA. (2020). Prolia (denosumab) Injection. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/125320Orig1s047lbl.pdf