Prolia (Denosumab) for Osteoporosis

Overview
Prolia is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to increase bone mass in women and men at high risk for fracture. Prolia is indicated for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or in those receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer. In men, Prolia is indicated in cases of osteoporosis or in those receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Prolia may be referred to by its drug name, Denosumab.

Prolia is a biologic drug - a genetically engineered antibody, or protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. Prolia is also a RANK ligand inhibitor. Prolia is designed to identify and neutralize the RANK ligand, a protein necessary for the development of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bones and resorb calcium. Prolia is believed to work by limiting the number of osteoclasts, thereby limiting the breakdown and resorption of bone.

How do I take it?
Prolia is administered by subcutaneous injection every six months in a healthcare setting. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements must be taken daily while on Prolia.

Prolia is available as a single-use prefilled syringe.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Prolia lists common side effects including back pain, joint pain, pain in extremities, musculoskeletal pain, bladder infections, high cholesterol, and cold symptoms.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Prolia include osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue) in the jaw; atypical femoral (upper leg) fractures; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain; serious rashes and skin infections; hypocalcemia (low calcium); and hypersensitivity reactions. Those who stop taking Prolia are at increased risk for vertebral (spinal) fractures.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Prolia - Amgen
www.prolia.com/