Learn About Prolia®

Email | Print | Enlarge Text -+ |

2 shots of Prolia® (denosumab) a year are proven to help women with postmenopausal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture strengthen their bones.

Prolia® is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bone) in women after menopause who:

  • are at high risk for fracture, meaning women who have had a fracture related to osteoporosis, or who have multiple risk factors for fracture
  • cannot use another osteoporosis medicine or other osteoporosis medicines did not work well.

Prolia® isn't right for everyone. Do not take Prolia® if you: have low blood calcium; or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Prolia® may harm your unborn baby; or are allergic to denosumab or any ingredients in Prolia®. You should take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to while you receive Prolia®. Talk to your doctor to see if Prolia® is right for you.

Already Taking Prolia®?

If you’re already taking Prolia®, it’s important to receive your dose on schedule, every 6 months, to help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fracture. With the ProliaPlus® Patient Support Program, you can receive treatment reminders and helpful tips for living with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Join ProliaPlus® today

Benefits of Prolia® »
2 shots a year are proven to significantly reduce the risk of bone fractures. Learn more.
Blythe's story »
Read more about Blythe Danner, award-winning actress, taking Prolia® (denosumab). Learn more.
How Prolia® works »
Prolia® helps stop the development of bone-removing cells before they can reach and damage the bone. Learn more.
Safety information and side effects »
About Prolia® treatment and the side effects that some Prolia® patients experience. Learn more.
Is Prolia® right for me? »
Sharing your answers to these questions with your doctor can help start an important conversation about your postmenopausal osteoporosis. Learn more.
Indication  Prolia® (denosumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause who:
  • are at high risk for fracture, meaning women who have had a fracture related to osteoporosis, or who have multiple risk factors for fracture
  • cannot use another osteoporosis medicine or other osteoporosis medicines did not work well
Important Safety Information

Do not take Prolia® if you: have low blood calcium; or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Prolia® may harm your unborn baby; or are allergic to denosumab or any ingredients in Prolia®.

What is the most important information I should know about Prolia®?

If you receive Prolia®, you should not receive XGEVA®. Prolia® contains the same medicine as XGEVA® (denosumab).

Prolia® (denosumab) can cause serious side effects:

Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Prolia® may lower the calcium levels in your blood. If you have low blood calcium, it may get worse during treatment. Your low blood calcium must be treated before you receive Prolia®.

Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to help prevent low blood calcium.

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.

Prolia® is a medicine that may affect your immune system. People who have weakened immune systems or take medicines that affect the immune system may have an increased risk for developing serious infections.

Skin problems such as inflammation of your skin (dermatitis), rash, and eczema have been reported.

Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) may occur. Your doctor should examine your mouth before you start Prolia® and may tell you to see your dentist. It is important for you to practice good mouth care during treatment with Prolia®.

Unusual thigh bone fractures. Some people have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone. Symptoms of a fracture include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Before taking Prolia® (denosumab), tell your doctor if you:

  • Take the medicine XGEVA® (denosumab).
  • Have low blood calcium.
  • Cannot take daily calcium and vitamin D.
  • Had parathyroid or thyroid surgery (glands located in your neck).
  • Have been told you have trouble absorbing minerals in your stomach or intestines (malabsorption syndrome).
  • Have kidney problems or are on kidney dialysis.
  • Plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • Are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

What are the possible side effects of Prolia®?

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® are back pain, pain in your arms and legs, high cholesterol, muscle pain, and bladder infection.

These are not all the possible side effects of Prolia®. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.