Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones become brittle and weak, making them prone to breaking. Millions of people suffer from this disease, and it is one of the most common reasons for broken bones in adults. If left untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences. Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. And if you have osteoporosis, your risk of breaking a bone from a fall or other minor trauma goes up dramatically.
Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the early warning signs until it’s too late. If you are at risk for developing osteoporosis or you have been diagnosed with it, there are several treatment options available to slow or stop progression of the disease before further bone loss occurs – including Prolia injections for osteoporosis.
What is Prolia?
Prolia is a prescription medication that is administered as an injection in your upper arm or thigh. It is a bisphosphonate (BPA) therapy that helps slow bone loss by restoring bone strength and reducing the risk of fractures. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-resorptive agents, which work by reducing bone turnover and balancing bone metabolism.
The FDA approved Prolia in 2014 for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, it may also be used to treat or prevent bone loss in people with Paget’s disease, multiple myeloma, or certain types of cancers.
How does Prolia Work?
Prolia works by restoring bone strength and reducing the risk of fractures. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-resorptive agents, which work by reducing bone turnover and balancing bone metabolism. Prolia works by slowing down the breakdown of bone. When you take this drug, it slows down bone turnover and lets bone tissue build up. This helps to strengthen and increase bone density.
And because it reduces the breakdown of bone tissue, there is less risk of a fracture. The FDA approved Prolia for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It may also be used to treat or prevent bone loss in people with Paget’s disease, multiple myeloma, or certain types of cancers.
When Should You Use Prolia?
Prolia is used to treat osteoporosis, where bones become weaker and more likely to break. It can also be used to prevent osteoporosis in people with a high risk of developing the condition. Taking this medication slows down bone turnover and lets bone tissue build up, strengthening it and increasing bone density.
When bones become less dense they become more fragile and prone to fractures. Prolia is also used to treat or prevent bone loss caused by Paget’s disease, multiple myeloma, or certain cancers. In these cases, the drug is taken long-term.
Like all medications, there are some side effects associated with Prolia. Patients may experience joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, headache, and flu-like symptoms. You may also experience some changes in your blood tests, like an increase in creatinine (a chemical found in the blood) and a drop in calcium levels. Some patients have reported an increase in urinary tract infections, though this is rare. If you have low calcium levels, you can take calcium supplements while on the medication to avoid any complications. Serious side effects associated with Prolia include osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue), blood clots, fractures, and serious allergic reactions.
Conclusion: Is Prolia Right for You?
Prolia is a prescription medication that is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. It slows down bone turnover, letting bone tissue build up, which strengthens it and increases bone density. Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones become brittle and weak, making them prone to breaking.
Millions of people suffer from this disease, and it is one of the most common reasons for broken bones in adults. If left untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences. If you are at risk for developing osteoporosis or you have been diagnosed with it, there are several treatment options available to slow or stop progression of the disease before further bone loss occurs – including Prolia injections for osteoporosis.