What is the drug classification for Prolia?

Asked by: Xavier Crooks  |  Last update: February 1, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (36 votes)

Prolia is a monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits RANK ligand (RANKL). Prolia was FDA-approved on June 1, 2010. Xgeva is another brand of denosumab approved on the same date that may be used to prevent bone fractures, other skeletal conditions, and high blood calcium levels in certain people with cancer.

What is the classification for Prolia?

Denosumab is a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor used for the management of osteoporosis in patients at high risk for bone fractures.

What are the three worst bone density drugs?

A variety of medications can increase bone loss and/or fall risk:
  • Synthetic Glucocorticoids (e.g. Prednisone) ...
  • Breast Cancer Drugs. ...
  • Prostate Cancer Drugs. ...
  • “Heartburn” Drugs. ...
  • Depo-Provera. ...
  • Excessive Thyroid Hormone Replacement. ...
  • Anti-seizure and Mood-altering Drugs. ...
  • Blood Pressure Medication.

What tier of drug is Prolia?

What drug tier is Prolia typically on? Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Prolia on Tier 4 of their formulary.

What type of medication is Prolia?

Denosumab injection. Prolia® injection is a brand of denosumab, which treats osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens your bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Xgeva® is another brand of denosumab that treats high calcium levels caused by cancer and prevents bone breaks.

Osteoporosis pharmacology, prevention and treatment (bisphosphonates, denosumab, SERMs)

42 related questions found

What drug family is Prolia in?

Prolia is a monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits RANK ligand (RANKL). Prolia was FDA-approved on June 1, 2010. Xgeva is another brand of denosumab approved on the same date that may be used to prevent bone fractures, other skeletal conditions, and high blood calcium levels in certain people with cancer.

What class of drug is denosumab?

Denosumab injection products (Xgeva, Wyost) are used Denosumab injection is in a class of medications called RANK ligand inhibitors. It works to prevent bone loss by blocking a certain receptor in the body to decrease bone breakdown.

What is the downside to Prolia?

Common Prolia (denosumab) side effects include aches and pains in your muscles and bones. These are typically mild and can be managed at home. Rare but serious Prolia side effects include low blood calcium levels, thigh bone fractures (breaks), and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Is there a less expensive alternative to Prolia?

Fosamax is often the preferred treatment for osteoporosis, but some may benefit from Boniva or Prolia. In general, bisphosphonates (like Boniva and Fosamax) are first-choice medications for osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women. They work well, can be taken orally, and they're generally inexpensive.

Why do doctors push Prolia?

It helps stop the development of bone-removing cells before they can reach and damage the bone. Prolia® works by targeting a molecule that the bone-removing cells need in order to work. Prolia® helps stop the development of bone-removing cells before they can reach and damage the bone.

What drink is good for bone density?

To help prevent osteoporosis, instead sip these drinks:
  • 8 ounces of orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
  • A mixture of fortified orange juice and seltzer or club soda that's free of phosphoric acid.

What is the safest osteoporosis drug to take?

Teriparatide and abaloparatide are safe and generally well-tolerated medications.

What do dentists say about Prolia?

Recent studies indicate an association between Prolia use and an increased risk of complications, including osteonecrosis of the jaw, following dental procedures.

What drug is equal to Prolia?

Boniva*, Fosamax, Prolia, and Reclast are similar drugs in that doctors prescribe them to treat similar conditions. These conditions include osteoporosis and other conditions that affect your bones. Boniva, Fosamax, and Reclast belong to the same drug class called bisphosphonates.

Can you live with osteoporosis without medication?

If you decide not to take a drug treatment, it is likely that your bones will get weaker over time. This means your chance of breaking a bone will increase. Some people may never break any bones, while others may break several.

What drugs should not be taken with Prolia?

Common medications that may interact with Prolia include:
  • calcimimetic agents such as cinacalcet.
  • chemotherapy agents, such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or bleomycin.
  • corticosteroids (such as prednisone or dexamethasone)
  • immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or tacrolimus).

How can I get my Prolia shot for free?

Amgen Safety Net Foundation (ASNF) is a nonprofit patient assistance program sponsored by Amgen that provides Prolia ® at no cost to qualifying patients who have a financial need and who are uninsured or have insurance that excludes Prolia ®.

How many years should you get Prolia injections?

Jonathan Adachi how long a patient can take Prolia. At that time, Dr. Adachi recommended that patients that start Prolia should continue the treatment for ten years.

What is the controversy with Prolia?

Denosumab (Prolia) goes even further in interfering with immune factors to prevent the natural process of bone breakdown and renewal: A full 6% of those who use Prolia will develop a spontaneous vertebral fracture after stopping the drug, unless they're put immediately on a strong bone drug like Reclast to halt bone ...

What is the gold standard treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are often the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), a weekly or monthly pill.

Is there something better than Prolia?

Reclast and Prolia are safe and effective osteoporosis medications. Studies show that Prolia and Reclast are generally just as effective as each other at reducing your risk for bone fractures (breaks). The pair fights bone loss in different ways, though.

Is denosumab toxic to the liver?

The LTA of the patient indicated 31% toxicity upon incubation with the monoclonal antibody vs. control. This result implicated denosumab possibly being responsible for the liver reaction.

Does Prolia affect blood pressure?

The most common side effects of Prolia® in patients with corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis are back pain, high blood pressure, lung infection (bronchitis), and headache.

Do you need a blood test before a Prolia injection?

You should have a blood test before each injection, unless your doctor decides you don't need one. This is to check your calcium levels, how well your kidneys are working, and sometimes your vitamin D levels.