Prolia and Back Pain: What Users Say

• Win...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Osteoporosis "After refusing this for the past 2 years, I finally relented and had the shot about 2 weeks ago. I felt okay for the first 3 days, after that, I experienced severe headache with immense fatigue that lasted for 2 days. The headache passed but still much fatigue, muscle pain & burning in arms & legs, lower back pain, ankles & hips. I should have followed my instincts. I am 66, do have osteoporosis (supposed bones of an 80-year-old). I will not be continuing with this."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I have found my back pain is worse than ever, my immune system has declined, my cholesterol went way up, I developed a skin rash, and I still have a lack of appetite, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, swelling, jaw pain, chills, mouth and legs tingling, pain in my arms, sore throat, trouble sleeping, and more pain. I do not recommend the Prolia injection. It is bad, bad, bad, you start feeling miserable because the pain is unbearable."

• Jil...
• September 17, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Please do your homework before taking this awful drug. My Dr. never told me about any potential side effects, and I got them ALL. So sick for months with severe lower back pain radiating around the front. Severe upper GI issues with nausea and haven't been able to eat for months. Lost 15 lbs so fast that my skin is all wrinkles and loose. I look 20 years older than before taking this drug. Spent so much time at Dr's trying to figure out what was wrong with me, and all tests came back negative. Only possible thing is Prolia shot. Headaches, chronic fatigue, poor sleep. Ended up in ER thinking I was having a heart attack...pain was debilitating. At least I found out my heart is good. Have had 3 additional episodes like this. BEWARE"

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2017

For Osteoporosis "Had first Prolia shot 9 days ago and it has been debilitating. Will not get another! It is not worth the pain and discomfort. I have had major bladder problems, chills, fatigue, all the bones in my back ache, I can't sleep at night. I have to take Advil to relieve back pain or I can't function. Can't leave the house for long because of bladder issues. I called my Oncologist about possible bladder infection and was promptly advised that was not a side effect of Prolia even though bladder issues was listed as a possible serious side effect! I hope I don't have to suffer from this one shot as long as others have - it is truly life style restricting. I wish I had read these reviews before getting my 1st (and ONLY) shot."

• Bre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 2, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Had a wedge compression fracture in August 2019, doctor ordered Prolia injection. Wish I had never had it, developed stomach and intestinal problems, reflux (never had any problems with that before), pain in groin (a cyst on ovary was found), increased pain in neck, had an increase in blood pressure, pulse rate increased, pain in arms, legs, and continue with pain in back, muscle soreness, and weakness. Was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus in January 2020. Never will allow another injection, and of course, doctors don't believe it caused these problems."

• Bac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I found that after having one injection of Prolia, the side effects were worse than the possibility of maybe breaking a bone. I had muscle and joint pain, back pain, vertigo, hip pain, and just felt flu-ish for more than one month after the injection. I now have diarrhea. I will not be taking it again."

• Dag...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2019

For Osteoporosis "In May 2018, I had my 1st Prolia injection for mild bone loss. After that, I just had occasional hip pain. Two weeks after my 2nd injection in November 2018, my doctor sent me for physical therapy because of severe lower back pain. The pain moved from the lower back to my thighs. I received a steroid shot into my lower spine without relief. 2 months ago, I underwent arthroscopic spine surgery to clean up discs and remove a bone spur. While my back healed, the back and leg pains persisted. Walking, especially stairs, has become challenging, where I used to walk 3 miles daily, I can now barely walk around the block. My left leg has weakened. Back to physical therapy. According to my surgeon, I should be able to do routine housework, yard work, walking, and other low-level activities without pain. I truly hope that with time, Advil, and a positive outlook, the severity of the pain will lessen, and I can enjoy life again. One thing I know for sure: I will not be getting another injection of Prolia."

• Ape...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I've been taking Prolia for a month and the side effects are horrible. Extremely dry and cracking tongue. Sore throat, acid reflux, prickling sensation in mouth, bitter taste in mouth, back pain, vomiting. I sure do hope it improves my bone density. I won't take it again as these symptoms are quite unpleasant and allow me little sleep."

• sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Received my second shot of Prolia one month ago. Within a week, I experienced thigh pain during the night. Pain has increased to the point of making it difficult to bend my leg during the night without experiencing terrible pain from my knee to groin area. Once on my feet, pain lessens but is a constant. Woke this morning to the same pain, but also pain in my upper arms and back as well. When I called my doctor - as suggested in the brochure - his response was to make an appointment with an orthopedist as it did not likely have anything to do with the medication. I am a healthy active woman who walks daily and maintains my own home. Don't know what is more frustrating - the pain or his response! After reading the comments by others, my symptoms are not unique. I will most likely discontinue this medication. Should also add, I am not taking any other medication."

• Ter...
• January 28, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I love the twice a year shot. The company is awesome and very helpful. But... 1st shot no side effects, 2nd shot left groin pain for about a week, 3rd shot and now right-sided groin pain since October that goes to my thigh, hip, and pelvic bone. Pain is severe at times. Also, thyroid problem is worse (not sure if related) and right side lower back pain. I can no longer take the medication."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in Sept. 2019. It had spread to my femur & I had a hemi-arthroplasty. Without informing me of the lethal side effects of Prolia, my oncologist has been injecting me every month. Just had my 4th shot. I developed severe back pain so that I need a walker to get around. I experience dizziness, fatigue, mouth sores. I am sick every day. I will never get another shot. It will take months before this poison is out of my system. In my opinion, the benefits do not outweigh the risks & deadly side effects! Oh, & it can cause femoral fractures!"

• Anonymous
• November 27, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had a Prolia injection six weeks ago. Everything seemed fine for the first week, then the side effects began. I had severe jaw and ear pain, and new back pain as well. I have also been severely fatigued. My life has been slowed down considerably, and I deal with regular bouts of nausea. At first, I thought I was coming down with a bug, but that was not the case. I will not entertain a second injection as an option. I will be speaking with my oncologist, who insists that I take this in case my breast cancer returns and metastasizes to the bones. At this point, I am cancer-free and can’t imagine feeling this bad to be “healthy”! I am stuck with this in my body until April and can only hope that the side effects lessen."

• RBC...
• April 5, 2017

For Osteoporosis "For Osteoporosis: In 2014, the Dr. prescribed me Prolia due to its stronger potency, along with the continued Cal-VitD tablet. Though my bone density increased some % since taking Prolia, starting one year ago, I was feeling a constant back pain, from right to left of my hip, now and constantly 90% on the left side. I was diagnosed with weakness of the last 5 lumbar vertebrae. I do Pilates reformer as a therapy three times a week, walk almost every day 4-5 Km, and play golf 1-2 times a week. I used to be very active, but this back pain is really hurting and making me depressed."

• Cha...
• April 26, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I do not recommend this drug. 10 days after receiving Prolia injection, I developed severe hip pain (both hips), excruciating lower back and pelvic pain, and extreme pain into the left groin and down the left leg. I could not weight bear. Several trips to doctors and hospital - X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound - nothing showed. Physiotherapy at the hospital said it was muscular ligaments, etc., and gave me exercises. Walking on crutches by then. After several weeks, I had an MRI revealing atypical, unexplained, spontaneous multiple pelvic fractures. Doctors and professors say it could not be the Prolia. What else caused this? Needless to say, it took months to heal, extreme pain, and loss of quality of life. The rheumatologist professor wants me to continue with Prolia. I asked him, 'What happens if this happens again?' He said to take Panadol. What hope do we have? There are new drugs on the market that work differently - Australia is way behind in treatments for osteoporosis. I will never take Prolia again!"

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

"I was diagnosed with Osteopenia and on Dec. 3, 2018, I was talked into a shot of Prolia. Within a couple of weeks, I started with a rash on my face. Red spots raised, red spots, some having white spots on them, quite severe. I also experienced knee joint pain. Sometimes when it hit both knees at once, it was difficult to walk. I also experienced back pain, muscle pain ongoing for 6 months. Most of the itchiness on neck and chest has dissipated. The rash on my face will not go away, blotchy and red. So, I am going to my dermatologist. Never again will I take this drug!! All of this has produced stress and depression. It is now June 17, 2019."

• Cro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2018

For Osteoporosis "This is an awful drug. I took Forteo for the 24 months allowed by the FDA after fracturing my left hip, femur, tibia, and fibula, then was prescribed Prolia. I've been a diabetic for 52 years, and during those 52 years, I have never experienced anything as horrible as the side effects of Prolia. My back hurts so bad I can’t sit or stand, my feet and ankles are swollen, and my whole body is so sore that I feel as if I fell off a mountain and survived. The FDA has made a horrible mistake in approving this drug. I have taken my one and only shot and pray I survive it!!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 12, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Didn’t work out for me. Horrible back aches. Overwhelmingly tired. On my third prescription for bladder infection. After living 72 years without a bladder infection. Have now been sufficiently frightened that I will have spinal fractures, and I will switch to Fosamax. Doctors should spell out all the risks and not just how great it will fix your bones. Sad situation women face by drug manufacturers."

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2018

For Osteoporosis "After my third shot of Prolia, I have had so much joint pain and muscle pain in my hips that I cannot walk without a walker. It started the day after the shot. I also have bad back pain. It has been one and a half months now, and the pain has not resolved. Does it ever go away?"

• San...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I was prescribed Prolia by my endocrinologist 4 years ago for osteopenia. My experience with it is 90% positive; it has completely reversed my bone loss, and my bones are continuing to improve (I'm in my mid-60s and have experienced declining bone density since menopause in 2004). No side effects, except for possible lower back pain, which my specialist did say may happen. I'm not sure whether Prolia caused this, as it only happened once; I spend a lot of time working out and may have hurt my back then. Great drug! Fantastic for bone loss; highly recommended if you don't experience side effects. Beats nasty bisphosphonates hands down! The downside is the cost; this drug isn't covered by Medicare (in Australia) unless you have had a fracture."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I am 58 years old, an avid exerciser, walker, and healthy eater. I have solid hips, arms, and legs, but due to Hashimoto's disease, came down with osteo in my spine. My doctors recommended Prolia. Amgen does provide a $1,500 credit to persons who have insurance, so this helped with the cost as my insurance only covered $400. HOWEVER, I know these drugs will not be effective after 5 years and carry many health risks. For myself, within 2 months after my first injection, I gained 20 pounds, my skin is dry, back pain, arm and upper leg pain, not one solid stool, UTIs, cough, and who knows what else. I have decided not to continue with this or any other of its kind. I'll stick with regular exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplements, and a healthy dietary intake. I think the risks of these drugs outweigh the benefits."

• Old...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I was given this drug in September. I was cautioned about possible heartburn. Given that I have a hiatus hernia, this should have been a warning. The next day, I suffered severe heartburn and back pain. This continued for two weeks and, coupled with a spike in blood pressure, resulted in a GP visit. I was told to take Gaviscon, in addition to my regular meds. Three months later, the same symptoms are reoccurring: an unrelenting headache, chest pains, and reflux. I’m assuming that this is still as a result of Prolia. I do not want to take this again."

• Sus...
• March 4, 2018

For Osteoporosis "It took one full year after my second injection of Prolia for the excruciating back pain and paralyzing fatigue to stop. Still have some remaining nerve pain and muscle soreness. Very difficult to get my doctors to believe it was a side effect of the drug, but I finally convinced a new endocrinologist I went to see that it was from Prolia. Very scary year."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2017

For Osteoporosis "After my 3rd injection, I did get some horrible side effects, the worst is the intense itching over my entire body, including my ears and head. It has taken over my life. Back pain, muscle pain, joint pain. I cannot do a normal day's work. I am hoping that the drug will wear off. I will never ever use this awful drug again. It should be removed from the market after reading so many negative comments. I am not alone."

• Joa...
• May 3, 2021

For Osteoporosis "After a severely painful experience with a Reclast infusion (which are once per year), I was put on Prolia injections every six months. After a yearly infusion of Reclast and two 6-month intervals of Prolia, I have pain in my joints, muscles, groin, tendonitis in my Achilles tendons and thumb, headaches, nausea, confusion, weakness, fatigue, at least 40 pounds of weight gain, and severe back and hip pain. Before, I was on the go all the time, walking, exercising, and busy constantly, now I don't feel like doing anything because I never feel good and hurt all the time. Needless to say, I canceled my next injection and will take nothing for the osteoporosis. Even though I have a pretty good chance, even more so now, of having a fracture since I took the injections. Can you believe this? When you stop taking Prolia, you are more at risk than you were before you took it! Thanks to all the doctors that only think of how much money they can make off of someone instead of thinking of their health."

• mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I received my first Prolia injection in June 2017 and the second injection on December 19, 2017. I did experience back, hip, and jaw pain with the first; however, it has been much worse after the second. I’m taking six Advil per day with little relief. The pain is interfering with activity at work, home, etc. I will have to talk to my nurse practitioner. My bone density has improved; however, due to the pain, I wish I had not taken the medication."