Denosumab and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Dog...
• March 9, 2020

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "Density went from -1.2 to -2.8 in 2 years because of taking steroids for 2 years. Prior to Prolia, started weight-bearing exercise regime to intensify bone building and planned to continue after taking the drug. I can't because of pain! Fingers, thumb, and wrist, shoulders, shoulder blades, right groin, hips, and pelvic area with the worst in back and neck. Muscle soreness in biceps and thighs. Jaw pain for a month. Weakness in legs, arms, and hands. Major stiffness after short time sitting. Back cracks when I stand up, bend over, or stretch. Hearing loss, fatigue, and now take meds for insomnia. I was active: went to the gym, out with friends, walked 2 miles/day. No more. I awaken in the morning and can barely move. I'm depressed because of my situation. I had none of these issues prior to taking this drug! Common denominator and cause = Prolia! This drug is poison and shame on the FDA. The makers of Prolia have put aside billions of dollars for lawsuits. Hmm, wonder why. I will not take my next injection despite what my doc advises. My whole life has been turned upside down."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2020

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "Both my grandmother and my mother took this medication and it harmed their health. Caused cracked teeth, widespread joint and bone pain, and increased fatigue. It is supposed to help remineralize your bones but it appears to leech the calcium elsewhere in the body. My mom got such horrible cramps in her calves, it was pathetic. Both of them stopped the medication and they are still having side effects years later. This is poison."

• Onc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2020

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I had my first shot in January 2020. The pain in my back and knee has increased unbearably within 24 hours and I now also have night sweats, hip pain, aching joints and intermittent pain in my groin. I also struggle to climb stairs and get up from seated position and to get out of bed. I am sore and fatigued and irritable all day. I am not enjoying my food. Often experience pins and needles in hands and feet and inexplicable sensations in limbs. Cramping easily. Ruined my walking regime. My next shot is scheduled for July. I won't be having it."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I had my first Prolia injection on April 5th, 2023. I was so hopeful it would help my bones. Instead, it made my life worse! I feel terrible. My bones hurt, I have pains in my body where I never had pain before. Muscle aches and cramps. I feel so tired all the time. I'm 80, but I am constantly on the go. I do most of our yard work, take care of the car, and our own home. It is a large home and takes a lot of time. I also am blessed to have a great husband and a cute dog who loves to take walks. I struggle taking care of all of it now. In May, I had a terrible bladder infection. Still not completely over it. I did research on Prolia but did not do enough. I finally got a sheet listing all the side effects. It's a whole page! It's then I started to put two and two together. I am NOT going to take another shot. It's not good for me. I am looking into other ways to improve my bones. Beware! Prolia is not good for you!"

• Nev...
• July 20, 2019

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "Had my first shot of Prolia on 4/4/2019 and will never have another one. Side effects started within 14 days: red hot blotches under my arms, on my hips night sweats, daytime chills, and pain that has impacted my life dramatically. All this started with a Bone Density Scan when turning 70, was told I had a high fracture risk and Prolia would help. I am very active, ran 10k a day until 6 years ago when I started having problems with osteoarthritis in my knees, stopped running, and took up walking 10k instead. However, since this injection, I have found it extremely difficult due to pain and fatigue. Please, if anyone is thinking of taking this poison, do not. Do your research when a doctor recommends a drug, go and research before taking it. Doctors do not mention side effects, and when you go back to see the doctor, you're an oddity because all their other patients on this drug do not have side effects."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2020

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I am two weeks in from my first injection of Prolia. I am experiencing fatigue and generalised muscle ache/pain. I would not have accepted this drug if I had prior knowledge about the vague knowledge available regarding the length of time side effects last! The side effect may or may not improve, they may get worse or even create more problems. I do not intend to continue this treatment where the benefits appear to be outweighed by the deficits. I was an energetic, vibrant person, now requiring paracetamol to keep moving and off the couch! And this might be permanent?"

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

Prolia (denosumab) 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."

• Cyd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I had my first Prolia injection in October and will never have another one! I now live with constant jaw pain, joint pain, and chronic fatigue. I’ve had to cut out many activities because I feel horrible and can barely get through my exercise class... my oncologist recommended I start on a bone strengthener in case my breast cancer spread. However, I have no evidence of cancer in my breast or anywhere at this point and refuse to feel this bad from a medication. Ladies, do your research before you follow everything your health care provider suggests!"

• Jil...
• September 17, 2016

Prolia (denosumab) 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

Prolia (denosumab) 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."

• Ree...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "On my last visit to the cancer center, they put me on a new injection for osteoporosis (Prolia) and had to sign a form to take it. Like a lot of you, I trusted my doctors and took the shot back in September 2019. OMG, I was not ready for what I was in for with the side effects. I have no energy, my legs feel like they give out after 10 steps, making me take a break. My bones hurt all the time, which they did anyway with the hormone blocker, but this just intensified it. I have no appetite, can't sleep, and my memory is horrible. I have a very multitasking job, and it has been tough keeping up with everything. It feels like it's all about the almighty dollars with these doctors, and I will not take this drug again. One thing I have found concerning osteoporosis is there are classes called Osteo Strong that help build bone naturally in your body, and you attend once a week."

• kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2025

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I've never had a medication make me feel so horrible as Prolia has. Pain I can almost tolerate, but this medication makes me feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck. Fatigue every day, day after day, where life is on hold. Any household chore is intolerable due to exhaustion. Eating is difficult due to nausea. I've lost one-third of my hair so far, validated by my stylist, and this is without her knowing that my hair has been falling out. I can't participate in any social interaction because I just don't feel good anymore. I'm gaining weight from lack of energy. My whole life is on hold. I have kidney disease, and Prolia is the only compatible drug for osteoporosis. I ask myself every day if it's worth it. Also, it's in my body for a total of six months, which means I can't even just stop the medication to get my health back. Never again will I permit another injection. By the feedback of other women, I'm not the only one who suffers, there are multiple queries looking for an antidote!"

• Mol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2019

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "1st Prolia needle ok, 2nd needle within 2 weeks I got so many side effects of joint pain. Unbelievable arms, legs, even tips of shoulders were sore to touch. I am tired and can’t do what I want to do. My appetite is not good and I have lost weight. I should have looked into Prolia side effects. I would not wish this on anyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to anybody who is on this awful drug Prolia."

• Hel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2023

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "Prolia should be outlawed. Initially, I had severe headaches that woke me during the night. Then fatigue and breathlessness began and increased. My vision became somewhat blurred, and I had to visit an ophthalmologist. Then severe, I mean severe, diarrhea began and has lasted now for 4 weeks. My neuromuscular coordination was affected, especially my piano playing. I feel unsteady, not dizzy, but unconfident of balance when I walk. This was my first and last shot of Prolia. It really dragged me down. Horrible experience."

• Slm...
• January 1, 2020

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I had one injection in 2018 and started having side effects the next day. Skin rash and itching, then mouth ulcers, swollen lips and tongue. Pain in feet, legs, and hip, and fatigue. I would never recommend nor have this drug again. It has been over a year, and I still have symptoms."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I am 61 years old, in general excellent health. After menopause, I had issues with insomnia, headaches, lethargy, and a bad mood. As time went on, these symptoms abated. I also began Synthroid for low thyroid function and was feeling better than I had in years. Since taking Prolia one month ago, my headaches have returned, I feel fatigued, have constipation, and generally in a poor frame of mind. I am sure this medication is good for bone density, but these quality of life issues are not acceptable for me. Will not be taking it again."

• lyn...
• April 6, 2019

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I had an injection of Prolia on Feb. 13, 2019. My health at that time was perfect, and I was only taking vitamins for overall health. On the 20th day, my blood pressure was high while at a yearly visit to the doctor. On the 22nd day after the injection, I went to the ER for visual disturbances, high blood pressure, and was told that I was having an ocular migraine. My eye doctor later confirmed that. Before Prolia, I had not had a headache in over 10 years. On the 26th day, my heart began to race and would not stop. This lasted all night. On the 32nd and 33rd day after the injection, my heart raced for two days and two nights. I went to the doctor and was started on medicine for panic attacks. I had never had a panic attack before the shot. I feel terrible, and I don't even feel like myself. I will never take another injection of Prolia. I had excellent health prior to the shot, and now my energy level is so low I don't feel like doing anything."

• G10...
• July 20, 2016

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "1 shot, due another in August and wondering. Constipation very severe, fatigue, hip pain, upper arm pain and shooting pains in head. I do not know if there are other options available and scared to take second shot in case things get worse."

• mam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 11, 2023

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I have been taking this medication for five years and felt pressured into it. The last injection I had six months ago left me bedridden with fatigue and severe pain for several months. I also experienced edema, gaining 10 pounds in fluid overload, and migraines. Yesterday, I was pressured again, and now I feel terrible, with flu-like symptoms and fluid buildup. I have decided not to go again. In my experience, this drug is poison. What's worse is that it hasn't improved my bone density enough to justify continued use, and now I am also experiencing jaw and teeth problems. I advise others to be cautious."

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

Prolia (denosumab) 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

Prolia (denosumab) 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."

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2016

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "58 years old. Had the Prolia injection for newly diagnosed osteoporosis 3 months ago. Experienced flu-like symptoms for 2 weeks; muscle aches, constant burping, loose stools, extreme fatigue in thigh muscles. The manufacturer side effects list included depression. I wouldn't classify it as that, but, I definitely felt very exasperated for a couple of weeks, and, just not my usual cheery self. Then it all went away. I have no symptoms now & I don't know if it's helped my disease or not."

• Can...
• April 20, 2017

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "Days after receiving my Prolia injection, I experienced vertigo, high blood pressure, and fatigue. Now I am on meds for the high blood pressure, and vertigo. It has been a month, and the vertigo is not controlled enough for me to continue my Yoga classes. I will never get another shot."

• Flo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2024

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I would not recommend this drug. I have had my second shot, and I regret it. I have experienced joint pain, extreme fatigue at times. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe. I've had abdominal pain, lower leg edema. I've been miserable at times after taking this drug. It is the worst drug I've ever taken. My cholesterol has gone up, I feel like every week I'm getting sick with an upper respiratory illness. I'm a kidney transplant patient, and after I read the reviews, I told my doctor I didn't want to take this drug, but he insisted I would be fine. Well, he was wrong. I will not take another injection. I was totally fine without this drug. Again, I do not recommend!!!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2017

Prolia (denosumab) for Osteoporosis "I had my first Prolia injection in November 2016. Within a few weeks, I gained 10 lbs very rapidly, but I put it down to changing the time of taking Prednisolone meds that I am on long-term for Polymyalgia. I had the 2nd injection in May 2017, and I can only say that since then, I feel like I've been run over by a bus! I experienced bad insomnia, fatigue, neck pain, pain in upper legs, and upper arms. I also had numbness in my face, which is very annoying, especially near my eye, as it feels like something is too close to my eye! I will not take this drug again and am mad at myself that I did not check out the side effects beforehand. I took the word of my consultant that it was the greatest thing!"