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Prolia for Osteoporosis User Reviews

Prolia has an average rating of 2.7 out of 10 from a total of 322 reviews for the treatment of Osteoporosis. 15% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 78% reported a negative experience.

Prolia rating summary

2.7/10 average rating

322 ratings from 360 user reviews.

Compare all 132 medications used in the treatment of Osteoporosis.

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Reviews for Prolia

  • Kitty
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 13, 2021

"I have suffered from severe right hip and thigh pain and lower lumbar pain since I started Prolia injections in August 2020 for Osteopenia (following 6 consecutive fractures). The pain from my lower back, hip and thigh is truly debilitating - I have a throbbing sensation which comes and goes - it is always worse as soon as I've had my injection. I'm now looking at ways to stop taking this medication. It is just the worst feeling in the world to be so reliant on a drug which makes me feel so utterly immobile and in constant pain. I'm 55 years old and have been told I will need to be on this drug for the rest of my life. I will not be doing that. Absolutely no way! My last injection was my last. People PLEASE avoid this drug at all costs."

2 / 10
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  • Dog...
  • March 9, 2020

"Density went from -1.2 to -2.8 in 2 years bc of taking steroids for 2 years .Prior to Prolia, started weight bearing exercise regime to intensify bone building & planned to continue after taking the drug. I can’t because Of pain! Fingers,t humb,& wrist, shoulders, shoulder blades, right groin, hips & pelvic area with the worst In back & neck. Muscle soreness:biceps & thighs. Jaw pain for a month. Weakness: legs,arms, &hands. Major stiffness after short time sitting. Back cracks when I stand up, bend over or stretch. Hearing loss, fatigue & now take meds for insomnia. I was active: went to the gym, out with friends, walked 2 mi/day. No more. I awaken in the morning & can barely move. I’m depressed because of my situation. I had NONE of these Issues prior to taking this drug! Common De-denominator and cause = Prolia! This drug is poison & shame on the FDA. The makers of Prolia have put aside billions of $ 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."

1 / 10
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  • Disil...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 24, 2020

"I had my first Prolia injection in June 2016. I have since had 9 injections. I did not relate the severe muscle soreness, joint and bone pain to the drug. I was fit and healthy prior to taking the drug, walking regularly, swimming and lifting weights. Now my life has been ruined. I have difficulty functioning on a daily basis. Simple tasks like getting out of bed; in and out of a chair; in and out of a car; getting dressed and undressed are painful. My strength has decreased alarmingly. I researched the side effects of Prolia [the only drug I was taking]. I couldn't believe my eyes. The drug that was supposed to be enhancing my life was destroying my life. The sad thing is a bone-density scan revealed that my bone density had not improved. All the technician could say was that "it had not become any worse". I will not be taking Prolia or any other drug again. I will increase the foods in my diet that have high calcium levels and continue to take Calcium and vitamin D and K2."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Ann
  • August 1, 2020

"Prolia, for me it was a nightmare. With my first injection, I had problems in my jaw. My second injection was in early 2020, Covid time. In March while walking, I noticed shortness of breath. Scary. Later developed a lingering Upper Respiratory Infection. Then came heart palpitations. 3 ENTs said it was GERD. Developed no voice, sore and swollen throat and difficulty eating. Sinus issues also. So many tests and many of the doctors indicated possible side effects from the drug. Here it is August and still suffering. The Company just said sorry and did indicate some of the side effects on the list. I am still on meds and hoping my problems disappear and they are not permanent. Over 100 amoxicillin pills, and months of pantoprazone and dozens of other meds. I hope there is a class action suit for this med or a black box warning."

1 / 10
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651 Report
  • Lulu
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 27, 2020

"I had one, and only one, injection of Prolia. The day after as I was sitting at the computer I began having severe chest pains that radiated up to my jaw. Needless to say I thought I was having a heart attack. I took an aspirin, unlocked my doors in case I had to call 911, and in about 50 minutes the pain subsided. A couple of weeks later I had a routine appointment with my cardiologist and was talking with the PA and she told me that her aunt had exactly the same reaction after her first, and only shot. I refused the second shot and will never have another. Nor will I have a bone density test as I refuse to take medication anyway."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Pumpsi
  • February 9, 2020

"In October 2019 I received my second injection of Prolia . I never researched any side effects . All I know is that since the time after my first injection, I have been feeling terrible, but sadly, never related it to this Prolia injection. After my second injection, I started feeling much worse with extreme pain in back and legs. Lots of severe digestive problems and night sweats, also extremely exhausted and to the point that all I want to do is stay in bed. That is when I started researching the only new drug I took since my first injection in April 2019 ! My eyes were opened and I will never take any drug again my doctor recommends without research of possible side effects. I will never take Prolia again and only hope that these horrible side effects will stop after this drug should be out of my system in April 2020 . Thanks for reading and be aware!"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 22, 2020

"The Prolia side effects are real and devastating. My rapid heart rate is out of control. This is dangerous. Not only will I never ever take this drug again, nor will I go to the bone specialist again. The skin rashes, the gut problems, vision loss. So much more! I called Prolia support line. Guess what? No support!"

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • PAIN
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 11, 2020

"I had my first injection in Aug 2019. I’ve had joint stiffness and muscle aches daily. I’ve also noticed my legs have gotten so weak! When I walk down stairs I have to hold onto the railing for dear life, in case my legs collapse. I’m 58 years old but I feel like I’m 75. I just had my second shot yesterday and a few hours after I had it, I suddenly felt a horrible sharp pain in my lower leg that felt like a spasm, and it quickly spread down into my foot and then my foot became totally numb. I’ve never ever had this happen to me before, but the nurse believes it’s not related to the prolia. I’m convinced that it is."

4 / 10
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  • muffin
  • February 24, 2020

"I have severe osteoporosis. Years ago my GP suggested I take prolia, so I did research and refused the treatment. I am handicapped due to a spinal fusion done 25 years ago, where the spinal cord was damaged. Nonetheless I have been active walking with two canes and doing aquafit. Now the GP is strongly suggesting prolia again, and sending me to a specialist. I'm diligent with the research, and I sincerely thank everyone who wrote on this forum. It is useful. If I were to have any side effects, it would immobilize me. I am leaning towards rejecting prolia again."

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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 21, 2020

"Had my first Prolia injection Feb 2020. Two to three days later upper abdominal swelling indigestion and reflux. Then came the blisters and my whole back peeled. Then came the aches and pains in lower back hip groin and knee. Next my hair started falling out my osteoarthritis in my hands was on fire with reddening of my skin. Constipation like I have never experienced and after 8 weeks a weight gain of 6kg. Blood test revealed raised levels of the parathyroid hormone was 2.7 now 9.7 out of the normal range. Cholesterol up vitamin b down to low levels . It’s called a road of misery. Been to doctors weekly endocrinologist but can do nothing. Have to wait for it to wean out of the body. Totally depressed with mood swings. I give it a zero Will not be getting another injection of it again ☹️"

1 / 10
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  • MissL...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 22, 2020

"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."

1 / 10
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  • Truth...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 7, 2020

"I took two shots of Prolia in Jan and June of 2019. Did not connect the side effects until way late as you don't think of any being due to Prolia. I belatedly read that its made from genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary cells (!) and has tons of bad side effects that Drs ignore. Am looking for unbiased (from drs or drug co) website where affected people can help each other. I notice that the few people here, saying they have no problem with Prolia, have high marks of approval, yet all the others who are hurting have very low. Makes one wonder who is monitoring this site ☹️"

1 / 10
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491 Report
  • Ninet...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 27, 2020

"This drug was recommended by the endocrinologist. Only took the first dose. Although slowed bone loss in the body, it impaired the bone growth in the jawbone and also caused cancer to grow in the jawbone. After visiting dentist, I was educated about drugs like this. I hope before anyone takes this drug or any similar medication, speak to your dentist."

1 / 10
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  • Geminii
  • April 30, 2020

"I dont know what to think about this medication. Been using it for 1 year now. I don't sleep due the the bone pain. My shoulders, elbows and hips are causing excruciating joint pain especially at resting time."

5 / 10
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418 Report
  • Lucy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 21, 2020

"Had my first Prolia injection in Dec, 2019. Within 10 days had severe rolling pain throughout my body. Would go on for hours at a time. It would hit my toes, shins, top of foot, bottom of foot, abdomen, thigh, groin, knees. No energy. Difficulty getting out of chair and walking. Since it is a 6 month injection, it takes time to get out of your body. It is now Feb, 21, 2020. I am still having difficulty walking and so painful getting out of chair. Pain is intermittent and can hit any part of your body at any time. Have to take pain meds and muscle relaxer to get through the night. Will never take another injection. Do not know what drug to take next because if I don't take a drug for bones, I will have fractures of spinal column. I have never had a fracture in my life."

1 / 10
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  • T57
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 27, 2020

"I had one shot of Prolia July 19, went through 6 months of nightmarish symptoms. Bone pain, jaw pain, even my teeth ached and have moved, I now have a gap in my teeth and they're chipping, my hair started to fall out, skin allergies, which I've never had, I am usually fit and healthy but never felt so sick after having Prolia. I'm so scared of rebound vertabrae fractures I'm taking a bisphosphonate as a relay drug. After that I'll never take an osteoporosis drug again."

1 / 10
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  • Slena
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 10, 2020

"I took Prolia for 3 years. I didn't have any side effects until my 6th and last shot. The day I received my shot my gums started bleeding and I've had a bad taste in my mouth that I can't get rid of. I've since stop taking the shot. I'm very disappointed in not being informed that you can't stop taking this drug!"

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

"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."

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  • Grace
  • February 17, 2020

"I had 4 Prolia shots every six months. I started having arm pain then the last shot in Oct. 2018 left me with an arm I could not lift and extreme arm pain. I did physical therapy which helped a little. But it has been over a year and I have daily pain. The Dr. insists it wasn’t the shot that left me with terrible osteoarthritis of my arm. It didn’t happen until the shot. I wish I had researched it more and I wouldn’t have daily pain from taking a Prolia. Don’t take it!"

1 / 10
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  • Dolce
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 15, 2020

"1st Prolia shot on 12/24/19. About 2 weeks later I started having headaches that lasted all day, every day, and I rarely get headaches. On 1/22/20, I had a strange episode where, in conversation with a friend, I couldn't get my words out and I got very agitated and nervous. Ten minutes later I was struck with a severe headache accompanied by a visual disturbance: bubble-like things in both my eyes. Couldn't see. Bubbles went away after 10 minutes but I still had a blazing headache. Went to my doctor several days later. My blood pressure was very high, and I have always had low BP. She thought I might have had a TIA. The headaches continued. Went to my cardiologist because of the high BP; told her I thought it was possible this was all a result of the Prolia. She agreed. On 2/13/20 I had another episode where I got dizzy & started seeing lines in both eyes & couldn't see. Went to the ER. My BP was exceedingly high & my head hurt so badly that only intravenous pain meds helped."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • February 19, 2020

"I had 3 injections of Prolia in the last 2 years and really nothing that I have read has happened to me. Yesterday I had my appointment with my oncology and she told me that after review my bone density results, I don't need the 4th doses of Prolia. My bones are in excellent condition. I had no side effects at all."

10 / 10
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287 Report
  • Lkarty
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 1, 2021

"I have a BRCA 2 mutation so my doctor prescribed Prolia to offset the bone loss caused by the AI I was prescribed to reduce my risk of breast cancer. After the third shot, I started having muscle and bone pain in my leg that was so severe I could hardly walk. My doctor said it was not the Prolia causing it and she administered a fourth shot. That was July, 2020. Since then, the pain has gotten much worse. I stopped my AI in October so Prolia is the only med I am on. The pain can be mild to so severe, I am in tears. I was an active, healthy person before Prolia. Now I can barely walk. I have joined a Facebook group with over 3,000 women having similar and worse side effects. This drug is awful. I have reported to my doctor, the FDA and Amgen but no one has any suggestions to alleviate the horrible side effects. This drug should be removed from the market."

1 / 10
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240 Report
  • bad...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 19, 2023

"My mom had been on Prolia for 5 years with one year of missed doses in the middle of it due to covid and the doctor retiring as well. In total 8 doses. She had foot pain after the 7th dose and could barely walk and also got sepsis after the 7th injection. She survived sepsis and got her 8th injection 2 months after her sepsis and on the day of her 8th injection she got a parotid infection within a couple hours and she passed away 2 weeks later. I believe the doctor never should have given her the last injection as she was in sepsis recovery. She had a very low immune system afterward. There's a black box warning not to give if on immunosuppressive medicine but the warning should also include not to give if a low immune system from a recent severe infection. Also, a low rating as you can't just stop Prolia due to rebound fractures and have to go on a rebound drug until bone turnover is good."

1 / 10
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  • Gramm...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2013

"The side effects of the medicine made me to opt out of taking the 2nd injection. Severe bone pain in the legs, back and hip along with a bladder infection causing me to be on antibiotics for months left me feeling very poorly. I also experienced change in bowel habits as well as loss of appetite. Twenty eight pounds were lost very quickly."

2 / 10
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  • koala
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 15, 2023

"I did not correlate the sudden pain in my jaw, molar, neck, backbones, and joints to the Prolia injections till these symptoms were repeated whenever I got the Prolia injection. It feels as if my own bones are sucked out of me and replaced with Prolia. I went through three injections already, unfortunately. It seems that I can't go back to where I was before Prolia as the pain gets worse signaling to take the next injection. I never experience this pain before Prolia. It makes you completely dependent on Prolia. The saddest part is the pain gets even worse after each injection. I would not recommend anyone go through this."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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