Exercise

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Some kinds of exercise have even been shown to directly improve bone density. Talk to your doctor about a plan that works for you and your postmenopausal osteoporosis management plan.

  • If you already have an exercise plan, talk to your doctor about it. Make sure it’s the most appropriate for you and your bones. If exercise is not a regular part of your life, ask your doctor about your first step. Start small—but start now.

Two basic types of exercise—weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening—increase bone density and help slow bone loss. And that can reduce your risk of fracture. As little as 30 minutes a day can help increase bone density and help slow bone loss. The table below offers guidance on using exercise to benefit your bones.

Exercises with Bone Benefits (as recommended by the National Osteoporosis Foundation)
  What is it? Examples Recommended
amounts		 Added benefits
Weight-bearing exercise Bearing your body’s weight on your feet and legs as your muscles and bones work against gravity
  • Walking
  • Low-impact aerobics
  • Dancing
A total of 30 minutes (at one time or broken up) on most days each week Can improve your balance—which may reduce your risk of falling (and breaking bones)
Muscle-strengthening exercise Moving parts of your body, weights, or other resistance against gravity

Can be done with:

  • Free weights
  • Weight machines
  • Elastic exercise bands
Work each major muscle group 2 to 3 days per week Making your muscles stronger can help prevent the falls that can lead to fractures
Indication  Prolia® 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

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® can cause serious side effects:

Low calcium levels in your blood (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®.

Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels in your blood. Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to.

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

Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). Severe jaw bone problems 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®.

Before taking Prolia®, tell your doctor if you:

  • Are taking a medicine called XGEVA® (denosumab). XGEVA® contains the same medicine as Prolia®.
  • 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 or unusual fractures. 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.