Prolia injections

[Susie Wald]

I'm 74 and have had celiac disease over 50 yrs and a few years ago started having more serious osteoporosis.  I used to swim, walk a lot, cycle, step walking, skip but since covid less exercise. Then 6 months ago 1/2 a yr ago had a nasty case of shingles ,since no doctor ever gave me an injection against it even though every doctor I ever went to knew I had celiac disease:(   My latest bone density results shows I now have lumber spine issues and am not surprised as I have back pain with difficulty with my posture.  Prolia has been recommended for me for the last 4 years but each time I ask the doctor no one wants to give "guarantees" that I won't get worse or have serious complications.  Therefore I've been resisting it.

Are there any good stories out there about prolia?

Of course I need to know about anyone who has had complications as well.

Thanks,

Susie

 

 

[Scott Adams]

Hello Susie, and welcome to the forum!

I can't speak specifically about the possible side effects prolia, but I can say that the medication is gluten-free:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=49e5afe9-a0c7-40c4-af9f-f287a80c5c88

I can also say that the effects of osteoporosis are well-known, and can be quite severe, so it would definitely make sense for you to consider their advice and start taking this so you can possibly mitigate any future problems. 

[Wheatwacked]

Susie, I agree with you about the Prolia. To me the potential side effect damage could be worse. 

The NWHN is concerned that for most postmenopausal women the benefit of denosumab does not outweigh the risks. We recommend that women seeking osteoporosis treatment approach denosumab with caution.

A 70 year old produces 10% of the DHEA compared to a 20 year old. I (72 y.o. male) Have been taking 100 mg a day for several years with no ill effects  DHEA in bone: the role in osteoporosis and fracture healing

From Prolia.com:

Quote

 

It is not known if the use of Prolia® over a long period of time may cause slow healing of broken bones. The most common side effects of Prolia® in women being treated for osteoporosis after menopause are back pain, pain in your arms and legs, high cholesterol, muscle pain, and bladder infection.

Prolia® can cause serious side effects:

• Serious allergic reactions
• Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
• Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) 
• Unusual thigh bone fractures. 
• Increased risk of broken bones, including broken bones in the spine, after stopping, skipping or delaying Prolia®. 
• Serious infections in your skin, lower stomach area (abdomen), bladder, or ear may happen. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) due to an infection may also happen more often in people who take Prolia®. You may need to go to the hospital for treatment.
• Skin problems 

 

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[Scott Adams]

If you are worried about the side effects of this medication, ask your doctor about other meds, for example Fosamax, but there are many others that can treat osteoporosis.