Generic name: denosumab (Prolia) [ den-OH-sue-mab ]
Brand name: Prolia
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (60 mg/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous bone resorption inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 21, 2024.

What is denosumab?

The Prolia brand of denosumab is used in adults to treat osteoporosis or bone loss in people who:

• are at high risk for broken bones; and

• who cannot use another osteoporosis medicine or these medicines did not work well.

Prolia is sometimes used in people whose bone fracture is caused by certain medicines or cancer treatments.

This medication guide provides information about the Prolia brand of denosumab. Xgeva is another brand of denosumab used to prevent bone fractures and other skeletal conditions in people with tumors that have spread to the bone.

Denosumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prolia side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, rash; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Denosumab may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• new or unusual pain in your thigh, hip, or groin;

• severe pain in your joints, muscles, or bones;

• skin problems such as dryness, peeling, redness, itching, blisters, bumps, oozing, or crusting; or

• low calcium level--muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes).

Serious infections may occur during treatment with Prolia. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills;

• swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, or redness anywhere on your body;

• pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;

• increased or urgent need to urinate;

• severe stomach pain; or

• cough, wheezing, shortness of breath.

Common side effects of denosumab may include:

• bladder infection (painful or difficult urination);

• lung infection (cough, shortness of breath);

• headache;

• back pain, muscle or joint pain;

• increased blood pressure;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

• high cholesterol; or

• pain in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This medication guide provides information about the Prolia brand of denosumab. Xgeva is another brand of denosumab used to prevent bone fractures and other skeletal conditions in people with tumors that have spread to the bone.

Prolia (denosumab) carries a boxed warning for life-threatening severe hypocalcemia (very low calcium levels) in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those on dialysis. The risk is even greater in those patients with CKD who also have a condition known as mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Your healthcare provider will evaluate you for the presence of CKD-MBD before starting treatment, and monitor you throughout.

Prolia can cause many serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have a fever, chills, pain or burning when you urinate, severe stomach pain, cough, shortness of breath, skin problems, numbness or tingling, severe or unusual pain, or skin problems.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while using Prolia and for at least 5 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Prolia if you are allergic to denosumab, or if you have:

• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or

• if you are pregnant.

While you are using Prolia, you should not receive Xgeva, another brand of denosumab.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);

• hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands);

• thyroid or parathyroid surgery;

• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption);

• if you are scheduled for a dental procedure;

• if you cannot take daily calcium and vitamin D; or

• if you are taking medicine that lower your blood calcium levels.

This medicine may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Symptoms may include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after dental work. Ask your doctor about your own risk.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use Prolia if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control while using Prolia and for at least 5 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using denosumab.

How is Prolia given?

Denosumab is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Prolia is usually given once every 6 months.

Your doctor may have you take extra calcium and vitamin D while you are being treated with denosumab. Take only the amount of calcium and vitamin D that your doctor has prescribed.

If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are receiving denosumab.

Pay special attention to your dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly while receiving this medication. You may need to have a dental exam before you begin treatment with Prolia. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your risk of bone fractures can increase when you stop, skip or delay using Prolia. Do not stop using this medicine without first talking to your doctor.

If you keep this medicine at home, store it in the original carton in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. Do not shake the prefilled syringe.

You may take the carton out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before the injection is given.

After you have taken Prolia out of the refrigerator, you may keep it at room temperature for up to 14 days. Store in the original container away from heat and light.

Throw away a prefilled syringe after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, alendronate, dexamethasone, Fosamax, Prolia, calcium carbonate, Premarin, Decadron, Reclast, cinacalcet

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose or miss an appointment for your Prolia injection. You should receive your missed injection as soon as possible.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Prolia?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Prolia?

Other drugs may affect Prolia, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Denosumab Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There are 2 for denosumab.

Prolia, Xgeva interchangeable products

Interchangeable biosimilar products can be dispensed by a pharmacist without the intervention of the prescriber of the reference product.

Pharmacy laws for biosimilar prescribing may vary by state.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• How many years should you take Prolia?

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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