Prolia and Headaches: What Users Say

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

For Osteoporosis "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."

• Dol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Osteoporosis "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 and my head hurt so badly that only intravenous pain meds helped."

• bba...
• June 22, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I had my first injection in April 2021 and started having side effects right after-severe headaches, muscle pain, and dizziness. It has been 2 months now, and my bp has gone up, severe headaches, hip pain, and every muscle in my body aches. I was told by the doctor that this was unrelated to the Prolia. I had none of these until I had the injection. I will never take this again and be warned-this is a horrible drug and should be taken off the market. I suffer daily and do not know how long this horrible drug will stay in my body and give me side effects. I live in severe pain every day, and my doctor had to increase my pain meds. There are days I feel like I am never going to be the same person! Please read all about this horrible drug and do not listen to your doctor as it is horrible!"

• LMa...
• July 29, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I am a 45-year-old female with severe osteoporosis of the spine, osteopenia of the femur and hips. I took Prolia in September of last year and it will be the one and only time that I take it! I was sick within two months of taking this drug! I have been running a fever nonstop, terrible headaches, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weakness in legs, joint pain, and rashes! This drug is so bad! My life has been turned upside down with this sickness from Prolia, numerous ER visits, doctor appointments, and missing work. I am a single mother who couldn’t afford any of this. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!"

• Smu...
• January 5, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I took my 1st & last Prolia shot in Nov. 2019. Immediately, my mouth and tongue went numb and has continued to happen off and on. Severe headaches, the worst jaw and ear pain ever. I’ve also had 2 different cases of MRSA in my right ear. My leg muscles feel locked up at times, making it hard to walk, and sometimes causes me to lose balance. I have constant bone and muscle pain in my neck, shoulders, back, ribs, and abdomen. I itch so bad at times I scratch constantly. Severe constipation. Bouts of vomiting that come out of nowhere. Fever and chills. I’m sure I’m leaving other side effects out. I was already living with chronic pain daily basis, this shot has caused my pain level to skyrocket and become constant. I hope the side effects will subside soon and go away completely at some point. My GP asked me to at least try one shot. In 2018, I fractured my back at the L-2, Oct. ‘19, another fracture at the T-8. I would strongly advise you to not take it, based on my experience."

• nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I had my 1st Prolia shot 2 weeks ago. 24 hours after injection, I got a severe headache which I still have. I am having bone and joint pain to the point I have to take prescription pain meds to even function. Previously, I had taken a Reclast infusion, I almost died from side effects. So, my doctor put me on Fosamax. I had no reaction to Fosamax, but my bone scan showed only minimal improvement. That's when my doctor suggested Prolia. I should have refused and stayed on Fosamax, but unfortunately I didn't."

• Win...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Osteoporosis "After refusing this for the past 2 years, I finally relented and had the shot about 2 weeks ago. I felt okay for the first 3 days, after that, I experienced severe headache with immense fatigue that lasted for 2 days. The headache passed but still much fatigue, muscle pain & burning in arms & legs, lower back pain, ankles & hips. I should have followed my instincts. I am 66, do have osteoporosis (supposed bones of an 80-year-old). I will not be continuing with this."

• ang...
• August 25, 2015

For Osteoporosis "HORRIBLE side effects! Loose tooth, needed extraction. Dentist found a healthy root, no problem with tooth. Lumps formed in several places. Rashes, shortness of breath. Hoarseness, headaches, joint pain...many more complaints."

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2016

For Osteoporosis "One shot in March 2016 and have experienced the worst seven months of my life, began with a headache so bad, I had an MRI three weeks after the shot and another two weeks before the headache stopped. Then the infections started - ear, bladder, kidneys, and chest. It has been a living hell, cost a fortune, and I can't even translate the pain and suffering. It would take a book that no one wants to read. And it's not done with me, after seven months, I have a chest infection now that I can't get rid of. Worst experience of my life!"

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I have found my back pain is worse than ever, my immune system has declined, my cholesterol went way up, I developed a skin rash, and I still have a lack of appetite, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, swelling, jaw pain, chills, mouth and legs tingling, pain in my arms, sore throat, trouble sleeping, and more pain. I do not recommend the Prolia injection. It is bad, bad, bad, you start feeling miserable because the pain is unbearable."

• Jil...
• September 17, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Please do your homework before taking this awful drug. My Dr. never told me about any potential side effects, and I got them ALL. So sick for months with severe lower back pain radiating around the front. Severe upper GI issues with nausea and haven't been able to eat for months. Lost 15 lbs so fast that my skin is all wrinkles and loose. I look 20 years older than before taking this drug. Spent so much time at Dr's trying to figure out what was wrong with me, and all tests came back negative. Only possible thing is Prolia shot. Headaches, chronic fatigue, poor sleep. Ended up in ER thinking I was having a heart attack...pain was debilitating. At least I found out my heart is good. Have had 3 additional episodes like this. BEWARE"

• sha...
• March 11, 2017

For Osteoporosis "My mom got this shot a month ago and her life has been hell. Extreme pain that she ended up in the hospital getting injections for pain and on morphine. Extreme headaches to where she cannot function, along with godawful headaches. Jaw pain, muscle cramps, fevers, stomach issues, bladder issues, short-term memory issues, and with all this happening she is now depressed from all the issues which now gives her anxiety wondering if these will go away or not. The sad thing is that not all the symptoms show up right after the shot. They show up weeks later and no one can tell you how long they will last."

• Hel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Prolia should be outlawed. Initially, I had severe headaches that woke me during the night. Then fatigue and breathlessness began and increased. My vision became somewhat blurred, and I had to visit an ophthalmologist. Then severe, I mean severe, diarrhea began and has lasted now for 4 weeks. My neuromuscular coordination was affected, especially my piano playing. I feel unsteady, not dizzy, but unconfident of balance when I walk. This was my first and last shot of Prolia. It really dragged me down. Horrible experience."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 12, 2019

For Osteoporosis "My first 2 shots of Prolia were positive, and my T-score improved by 25% in my hips and back from -2.8. I took my 3rd shot in July 2019 and have been having increased pains ever since, from my hip folds all the way down to my toes, in my lumbar spine region, and in my ribs. I get severe headaches on and off and experience nausea (extremely flu-like) every day. The doctor never mentioned the side effects of Prolia, and I trusted him so much that I didn’t do any investigating before taking it. I also have what seems like a never-ending cold. Even nasal spray gives very little relief. I’ve been to my new GP doctor twice since my 3rd shot, but she has never seen a connection between my symptoms and Prolia. I put a message in MYCHART yesterday saying I am done with Prolia! It’s not worth being sick all the time."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I am 61 years old, in general excellent health. After menopause, I had issues with insomnia, headaches, lethargy, and a bad mood. As time went on, these symptoms abated. I also began Synthroid for low thyroid function and was feeling better than I had in years. Since taking Prolia one month ago, my headaches have returned, I feel fatigued, have constipation, and generally in a poor frame of mind. I am sure this medication is good for bone density, but these quality of life issues are not acceptable for me. Will not be taking it again."

• sde...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2021

For Osteoporosis "After one injection in April 2021, I have been miserable! My hair is coming out in clumps (I am so depressed), I have muscle aches, night sweats, jaw pain, and headaches. I feel like a bone on the outside of my foot broke just from walking. I will never take another Prolia injection! I feel like I’m on my own with medical care, as I have lost confidence in my doctor after this horrible experience!"

• j f...
• October 8, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Had 3 shots: #1. The provider knew nothing other than she was supposed to administer the shot. #2. Did explain somewhat about the shot. #3. Did not know where on the arm for the injection. Should have not taken #3. Several days after each shot, sweated at night. The bone between knee and hip hurt tremendously for several days, had headaches. It has been 2 years since the last Prolia shot. Maybe things would have been different if all had started correctly. Explain, explain is important for administering any drugs to patients."

• Ind...
• June 5, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I just had my second shot last week. With my first, I erupted in eczema that lasted about a week. That's all I noticed until putting pieces together this time. I got the first shot at the end of November. In December, I started having sudden episodic nausea and even vomiting. Until then, I had not vomited in more than 30 years. I lost 20 pounds in 4 months without doing anything. It began to even out and the nausea episodes were less. I got a consult for an EGD to see if there is a problem with my stomach. I also seemed to have a lot more headaches. I never connected any of it to Prolia. Then a week ago, I got the second shot. Four days later, I got a migraine that has lasted the past three days, and I am having constant nausea and vomiting. I still didn't connect it to the Prolia until last night when eczema broke out all over, and I have blisters on my back. I suddenly lost 5 pounds this week, and I am getting to the point now that I can't afford to lose it. I can't live like this."

• MR...
• July 1, 2017

For Osteoporosis "Will never take it again. Worst experience in my life. Took it twice, the first time, rashes all over my back, spent a lot of money going to the dermatologist. Second time, severe pain in the body, especially in both legs, still going to the doctor to try to solve the problems. On top of that, lots of headaches. Can't sleep at night due to pain in my legs. No one should have to go through that much suffering to treat an illness. FDA should stop this drug on the market. Not recommended for anyone."

• Tob...
• August 6, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I had my first injection of Prolia 5 weeks ago. Two weeks later I was admitted to the hospital with severe headache, weakness, dehydration, and generally feeling dreadful. I was treated for meningitis, and I am still waiting for the results of X-rays, MRI scans, and CAT scans. The pain down the left side of my neck was unbearable. I am convinced all this was a result of Prolia. I won't be taking a second shot of it and would urge anyone thinking of taking it to think twice before you do."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Where do I start, rash on face, loss of hair at one stage, fatigue, jumping out of bed at night with severe cramps in the legs, itchiness all over, pain in the knee, pain in the joints, pain in the side of the head, pain in the feet and big toes, sick in stomach, hearing loss, general weakness, mood change very angry, frequent urinating, weight gain, breathing difficulty, aware of heart rate changing, slight soreness in the mouth nose run-off and on like sinus problem, numbness in hands and arms, I have just had my third shot wish I never did"

• Gin...
• April 24, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I had my first injection on August 22 in 2022. I started having severe muscle spasms in my toes and calves. Headaches and fatigue. Then I started having pain in the lower and upper muscles in my legs. A little at first, and it has increased to where I am in tears when this happens. I had my second injection and now, along with that, I’m waking in the night with a severe rapid heartbeat. Can’t sleep and have such bad body weakness that it just overwhelms me. I would never recommend this poison to anyone. I have had test after test and been in the hospital several times. No answers. Not thinking about Prolia being so bad, I said let’s take a look at the side effects of Prolia. There it was in print: everything that was happening to me. It also said these side effects could continue on. Prolia is supposed to stay in your body for about four months, but it can be longer."

• Rud...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Well, it scares the crap out of me reading many of the reviews. I have had five Prolia shots so far and thought I was okay. My T-score was very poor and is now in the 'osteopenia' range, which, according to the guy who did the scan, is not too far from normal for a 72-year-old male in this area. I have hopes for even better results next time. However, in hindsight, I have had symptoms that might be related to Prolia. I've experienced slight headaches, although very slight, which I initially blamed on sinusitis. I have also been feeling like I am 'down a quart' for quite a while. So, my GP sent me for a blood test and ECG, and everything came back okay. Now I'm wondering if this fatigue is actually a side effect of Prolia. I have an appointment with the rheumatologist in August and will discuss the possibility of weaning off the medication. Does anyone know if lower doses of Prolia are given? I would rate the drug 7/10 for improving my bone mass, but if the way I feel is caused by it, then the rating drops. I am in Canada, so I'm not sure if this will be displayed."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I just had my first injection last week of Prolia. I already have psoriatic arthritis on Enbrel with some days of pain anyway, so at this point it would be hard to say any joint pain related to this drug, and I haven’t noticed any unusual increase. What is different is the last 2 days of a mild headache, dizziness and vertigo, weakness, and nausea. I am not yet convinced it is from this drug, but after reading these reviews, I am concerned that it is. I had two rheumatologists and my internist recommend I go on this drug, and they told me that they have not seen side effects in their patients."

• Old...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I was given this drug in September. I was cautioned about possible heartburn. Given that I have a hiatus hernia, this should have been a warning. The next day, I suffered severe heartburn and back pain. This continued for two weeks and, coupled with a spike in blood pressure, resulted in a GP visit. I was told to take Gaviscon, in addition to my regular meds. Three months later, the same symptoms are reoccurring: an unrelenting headache, chest pains, and reflux. I’m assuming that this is still as a result of Prolia. I do not want to take this again."