I just had my second shot and my hands feel like they are going to explode. They are not swollen at all but the pain is unbearable. I don't remember having this bad of a reaction with the first shot. Is this stuff accumlative? Has anyone completed the 2 years of injections and if so, was there a signficant change in bone density? I am lucky since they caught my breast cancer early (I hope) but this pain is unbelievable.
Prolia - how long do the side effects last, I have unbearable hand pain?
Question posted by radcoder on 24 July 2012
Last updated on 9 June 2023 by ggeolas
28 Answers
ggeolas
9 June 2023
I can't answer your specific question but give you my experience or lack of with prolia more than 4 years ago my Dr wanted me to take the prolia injections due to my poor bone density at that time I would have to go to the outpatient surgery area to get the injection in addition the expensive cost of the.medication itself would throw me into the infamous Medicare donut hole I just continued to put it off and at the time didn't realize the outcome of my procrastination that is I didn't have the physician recommendation of getting the injections and now I have lost due to bone density issues a total of 6" of height I have just shrunk had always been approximately 5'10" now 5'4" I wish I would have taken the injections you may not be facing the same outcome but both do I wish I had taken the injections when offered and possibly not gone thru a mass reduction in my body Good luck and I hope this helps you
Bran2
8 June 2023
After my first shot I had stomach upset, but after my second my face began to tingle and sting, my doctor didn’t warn me about this side effect so I thought it was something I was using, it was really awful, very dry and we cancelled our vacation. Going outside was miserable. I had hydro facials, tried every moisturizer I could get my hands on but nothing worked. Went to two different dermatologist but they were no help. After my third shot it got completely worse my scalp and ears and neck were burning, went to urgent care and they asked what have I changed lately? I told them nothing other than I just got my Prolia shot. They said bingo that’s it! I’m like what? So after suffering for 8 months I just got another shot!!! I called Amgen they said it could last another 18-24 months!!! I missed my daughters graduation from USC. I will never forgive this doctor. Then I found out from Amgen they advise doctors not to give it to patients with autoimmune diseases, I have 2!!! He was totally reckless with my health.
charlottehlm376
24 April 2021
I am replying to the poster who mentioned that her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after prolia. My mum was in good health 3 years ago. Took prolia for suspected arthritis after a fall. Immediate symptoms of massive bone pain, flu like symptoms, poor balance. Inability to concentrate due to pain. Red cheeks constipation and flatulence after the prolia. Its now getting on for a year and four months since mum has been off prolia and she is now diagnosed with parkinsons which I believe is from the prolia as she had none of those symptoms before. She doesn't have a tremor just weak, poor balance, in constant pain, constipated. Any chance these symptoms will go away or is this for good? Any answers appreciated.
MacMac13
25 June 2019
I am speaking on behalf of my sister who is 72 years of age, she has Fibromyalgia, and also suffers from osteoarthritis. She took Fosamax for years for bone density issues and osteoporosis, but recently a new Dr decided she needed to switch and suggested Prolia. She had no real or obvious side effects from all the years taking Fosamax. Prolia, well that is a different story. This drug has basically ruined my sisters life. The pain she has suffered in the past year (she took two shots 6 months apart - Sept and February) is unbearable. She barely leaves her house now, but was fully active prior to the first Prolia shot. She spent a week camping with us last September prior to the shot and other than some minor aches from fibro and osteoarthritis she was active and physically able to enjoy camping life. After taking the first Prolia injection she suffered from constant pain which led normally to her suffering constant depression.
I have witnessed significant changes in my sister since she was introduced to Prolia last September and I can attest to the significant physical pain and mental anguish she has suffered from taking this medication and the transformation to a living hell. Perhaps a person who does not suffer from Fibro, or osteoarthritis, or similar disorders may have a different outcome taking Prolia, but from what I have seen with my sister's reaction to this drug I would strongly caution anyone who suffers from similar ailments, especially Fibro, to stay clear of Prolia. This drug has almost completely destroyed my sister's well being both mentally and physically. It has been just terrible for us to witness the transformation in her since last September. It has been just awful. Please be cautioned this drug has significant side effects which in my sisters case has caused her to basically live in constant pain - joints, arms, knees, hands, jaw basically everywhere. And the resultant depression, fear, and almost completely giving up on life that goes with that. If you can call this living. And the worst part is her new Dr had no clue about the side effects and never warned her about any of them. This is the way Dr's today push meds and drugs on people today. No forthright conversation or open conversation about any potential side effects or possibly a drug interaction. Nothing. Just here it is take it. Side effects which when I looked up Prolia found almost immediately on forums such as this one. Unfortunately, my sister is not a computer literate person and does not look things up including meds prior to taking them and so as a trusting person she was unaware of any potential serious side effects from this drug and believed her Dr advice and took the Prolia injection. After the first injection she had no idea what was causing her to feel so lousy and to ache all over. After approximately 4-5 months the first shot began to wear off and she started feeling somewhat better in January. Then she had a second Prolia shot in February and all of the same pain and side effects from the drug returned, and much worse than the first time, and it was after that we understood what had caused the pain in the first place. Prolia. I did some further research for her into Prolia focusing mainly on the side effects, and found she was suffering from all the same similar stories I was reading on these forums. They just jumped off the computer screen at us. If this commentary about my sister's situation helps anyone from going through what my sister has endured then I feel I have done a service to those about to embark on taking this drug. I cannot emphasize enough how physically and mentally debilitating taking the drug Prolia was in my sister's case. I hope all who read this make a very informed choice whether to take it or not. I know in my sister's case she would never endorse anyone taking it and she will never have a third shot of Prolia. Please be well and be safe and avoid this drug.
Ausra
3 April 2019
I had my first injection of Prolia on March 7 th and have had adverse effects ever since then. Excessive pain behind right knee, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea. The worst was I experienced angioedema of the face. Does anyone know how long this lasts?
Gelfling
30 March 2019
I will get my 2-year Prolia shot next month, May 2019. From the very first, the back of my right knee has hurt. Some days it's enough to drive me over the edge. Other times, it is just a constant hurt, but it hurts all the time. Also, I've had back surgery for a broken vertebra and just had a broken neck fused last month. I'm horrified my hip will break and I will fall. I don't think I like this stuff, either.
Sunnyshy
27 March 2019
I had my first and last injection one month ago. The day after felt like the flu with pain all over. I have had horrible joint pain in my hands like never before ever since I’m places that never hurt. I am fit and 46 and this shot made me feel 20 years older overnight. It’s awful and I’m so sorry I had it. I am waiting it out... five months to go hoping it will improve.
ProAbby
10 March 2019
I was on Prolia from aprox. 2009 to 2012 with no side effects that I knew of. On Nov. 7. 2018, I had my first Prolia shot after almost five years. About a week after receiving the shot I started to feel faint, weak, dizzy went to see my family doctor really didn't get any answer for the feeling the and Prolia never came up we did not give it a thought. Then I was at home in the kitchen and blacked out my husband caught me but still I fell on the side of kitchen table and chair and hit my left side of my back/ribs so hard. We called our family doctor and went to his office first thing the next day. Right in front of him I had a seizure. He called 911 -- I told everyone about the Prolia but no one at the hospital would listen. I was in the hospital for five days they could not find anything wrong with me.
When I saw my family doctor again my husband did some research and found the Mayo Clinic web site which listed my side effects including irregular heartbeat and seizures but are not listed by Prolia. There are other websites that list these same side effects but Prolia's website does not. It's been four months and I have irregular heartbeat, seizure, pain in my hands, pain in my bones, weak, dizzy and not thinking as clearly as I should, also feel very hot. I have not had any more big seizures and everything is getting better but not by much. So tired and I require so much rest and sleep all night. On all kinds of medication. I was advised by my doctor that it will take six months for the Prolia to get out of my system. I do not recommend Prolia to anyone.
rmd1050
24 Jan 2019
I the person with all the dental and jaw problems. I understand Prolia says that it leaves the system after 6 months without it. My last injection was April 2018. This is January 2019 my score is 7
cavities, 1 root canal, and am losing the other 3 implants (I had 4). I was told there isn't much research on the drug and it was fast-tracked by being attached to another drug they wanted the FDA to pass. Who knows? My bone density showed a small improvement in the spine, but more bone loss in the hip. I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing and I hope it subsides soon.
Nell Duquette
23 Jan 2019
I had a bad skin rash after my first Prolia. It went away (no treatment) after about three or four weeks. I had my second shot in November and the skin problem was much more severe. The doctor who prescribed the gave me oral steroids that helped a little but not a lot. Within 5 days of stopping steroids I was worse than ever. He decided to send me to a dermatologist but they were out over the holidays and I couldn't get in until January 17. Dermatologist did a biopsy which said my skin problem was definitely drug induced. Since Prolia was all I took at that time he was quite sure Prolia caused my skin problem. With topical steroid ointment I am much better (over two months after rash first started). He told me and sent a letter to my doctor that I should never take Prolia again. My concern is that the stuff stays in your system about six months and I worry it will cause my problem to flare back up. I feel it is either accumlative or I am allergic to it.
Jocrum
24 Jan 2019
My grandma only had 1 injection and the symptoms recurred off and on for 5 years, up until her recent passing. Please make sure you keep open lines of communication with your doctors.
JOeerika1
9 Jan 2019
I am 53 years years old, and have had 5 Prolia injections. After the first two injections, I noticed it taking longer and longer for the pain I felt to go away. It would last usually about three weeks, but then got to lasting about 3 months after the shot. And also after the first two injections, the pain would start reappearing about 3 weeks before the next shot was due. Then the pain started appearing about two months before the shot was due.
I had injection #5 on 8-6-18, and the pain after this injection was horrible. It radiated throughout my body, and kept me awake at night for almost a month. This time the pain would not quit. It is mostly centered in my right shoulder blade, shoulder, elbow, arm and wrist. I also feel it in my lower back and sometimes in my knees and ankles during the day. At night, it is back to radiating throughout my body and is keeping me awake. On a scale of 1-10, it is a constant dull roar of a 4 during the day. At night, it can get up to a 6.
I also experience tingling in the tips of mostly my right fingers and right elbow, but sometimes my left fingertips tingle, too. Sometimes I feel a burning sensation from my right shoulder all the way down to my right pinkie.
I have had 5 rib fractures since starting Prolia. My most recent fracture was in September, 2018. I am meeting with my doctor next week, as I told him I refuse to take any more Prolia injections; however, I have read about the possible complications of discontinuing it, and it really scares me -- but not enough to continue with it.
On some mornings, the weakness and pain in my right arm is so severe that it hurts to raise my arm to blow my hair dry or brush my teeth.
I really am not one to complain, and I can put up with a lot if I know it will benefit me. But I am not seeing any benefits (especially with 5 rib fractures since I started it), and I will not put up with these side effects.
I am fairly active, I hike a lot with my dog, drink lots of milk and take both Vitamin D and Calcium as directed by my doctor.
Whew!!! It feels good to vent about this nasty medicine!!!
HERCULES8
3 Dec 2018
I'm having pain too. I realize I need take extra calcium. I take calcium tablets and make milk shakes with almond milk and take a pain pill. I'm on cancer treatment and this seems to work. I also looked up hip and back exercises on Google. There are some good ones. My spine hurts and I lift my hands up to the ceiling helps. I'm going to try yoga. Best wishes for you to feel better.
HERCULES8
3 Dec 2018
Hello I'm sorry to hear about everyone's pain. I was in bone pain taking anastrozole and then took my 1st Prolia shot. The pain is still here mostly in my hips and spine. I am taking Norco which helps a lot.
Jocrum
4 Dec 2018
Please read the many side effects from this drug. My grandma had taken one dose and experienced so many terrible side effects. To include hip pain, hip infection, bone pain and unable to stand because it hurt so bad. Deterioration of the jaw, unable to eat and so many more.
Please push your doctor to get you information
Good luck and I wish you well.
CharmCity
5 Nov 2018
Hi All,
Any advice or words of wisdom are welcomed! My mom was recommended Prolia after her breast cancer diagnosis. She took it in August and after a month, she started to feel pain in her neck and upper back. Over the last 2 months it has spread to all her back and legs. Now it is hit to an unbearable level of pain.
Has anyone experienced this level of pain and has it gotten better? If it has, how long did it take and what did you do?
Her medical team is giving her the run around so I am trying to find answers elsewhere. Any input is greatly appreciated!!
Cedars66ace
10 Dec 2019
I would also like to know if there is hope that this poison eventually leaves the body so I can get my life back.
SueBear1115
26 Sep 2018
I'm hoping someone can answer this for me. My Mom, who is pretty healthy, had her first Prolia shot in January. I noticed a hand tremor in February and by April it was worse. Long story short, she was just diagnosed with Parkinson's. She hasn't had another shot (because I told her tremors were a side effect) but a neurologist seems sure it's PD. We have no family history of PD. Has anyone else experienced this? Was it really PD? Did the tremor ever go away? I'm pretty upset so any guidance etc would be so appreciated. Thank you.
sara12345
27 Sep 2018
With all the horror stories listed in this one question, I wouldn't have my mother get another Prolia injection. Look at other questions re. Prolia and you will see more problems. If the Prolia injection did cause PD, then perhaps it will go away if your mother doesn't get another injection. Don't lose your hope, because everyone is different, but my bad reactions have lasted 6 years now.
SueBear1115
27 Sep 2018
Thanks Sara. She refuses to get another shot. One was enough. It's really scary to read all the stuff about Prolia. She said her doctor is a HUGE advocate for the drug and when she mentioned concerns they weren't really recognized... even after she refused the second shot and brought a printout of all the side effects to the appointment. I keep hoping it's going to go away but it hasn't. If anything it's gotten a little worse, even on PD medicine and doing PT.
sara12345
28 Sep 2018
Thanks so much for responding! All the doctors that I have heard about, including mine, are enthusiastic about Prolia. The people with bad reactions are probably just a few percentage points, so the doctors tell you that none of their other patients have had any problems. But for the 1% to 5%, don't really know what the percentage is, this is a nightmare for us. I wouldn't take any of the other bone medications either. Fosamax can have long term bad effects, e.g. none of them build back bone properly. The bone is more brittle. And I took Fosamax for 5 years, but I still have osteoporosis. So what was the big success with it? My gynecologist told me that taking estrogen (patches) was the best way that I could prevent my bones from deteriorating further. The risks with estrogen are very minimal. I am 66 years old and am happy with all the other benefits from it. Sorry for my long tirade. I hope that your mother does better.
jillb234
6 Nov 2018
I have had 4 shots after second one I wanted to stop Dr said no. Went in for forth one I was saying no and he insisted that prolia was not causing my pain it was fibromyalgia. Well I go next week and I'm not doing it anymore. I swear right now I can barely get out of bed bc of hip and thigh pain.ive lost hair and I have roaming pain all over. This week it's in my hands and my knuckles are swollen. I am 63 and feel 83. Praying for relief.
Jill
Related topics
Further information
- Prolia uses and safety info
- Prolia prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prolia (detailed)
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