Denosumab and Muscle Pain: What Users Say

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

For Osteoporosis "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."

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

For Osteoporosis "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."

• Lka...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 1, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I have a BRCA2 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."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I had my first Prolia injection on April 5th, 2023. I was so hopeful it would help my bones. Instead, it made my life worse! I feel terrible. My bones hurt, I have pains in my body where I never had pain before. Muscle aches and cramps. I feel so tired all the time. I'm 80, but I am constantly on the go. I do most of our yard work, take care of the car, and our own home. It is a large home and takes a lot of time. I also am blessed to have a great husband and a cute dog who loves to take walks. I struggle taking care of all of it now. In May, I had a terrible bladder infection. Still not completely over it. I did research on Prolia but did not do enough. I finally got a sheet listing all the side effects. It's a whole page! It's then I started to put two and two together. I am NOT going to take another shot. It's not good for me. I am looking into other ways to improve my bones. Beware! Prolia is not good for you!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• MRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

For Osteoporosis "Since Prolia, I experience intense muscle and joint pain and stiffness in my hips, thighs, and down my legs after exercises such as walking, running, climbing stairs, cycling, or gardening. The pain starts during the exercise activity but grows in severity in the hours and days following, depending on how long the activity was and how demanding. I have changed from being a very active person to someone who worries about all events involving weight-bearing exercises because of the subsequent pain and discomfort, which affects my sleep and rest. I am waiting and hoping the side effects will wear off as time goes on. I have decided not to continue with the treatment unless I get reassurance from healthcare professionals that this is a temporary side effect and the benefits will be worth it, such as the deterioration in my bone density subsides. As it is, I have advanced osteoporosis."

• 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."

• fir...
• February 6, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I received two Prolia shots because I was prescribed Femara after breast cancer. Prolia was supposed to offset the bone loss caused by Femara. I had a lot of pain in my muscles and bones after the first injection but thought I would get used to it. After the 2nd injection, I could hardly walk. It has been 7 months since the injection, and if anything, the pain is debilitating. I can't walk without a walker or cane, cannot turn over in bed at night. As far as the bone loss, I have no idea if it helped, but one thing I do know, I will never take another injection of Prolia. I would prefer the bone loss to the constant pain. I believe if I took the 3rd, I would die. I was a very active 71-year-old, mowed the yard, trimmed bushes, NOT NOW."

• Pai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I had my first and last injection on Dec 15, 2022. The first month was fine, didn't notice a thing. But then, my hips became very sore, my muscles hurt, and I have difficulties walking without pain management. My bedside table is full of pain relief. I have rheumatoid arthritis and take Rinvoq. It is well controlled, however, with the layer of permanent pain, I have no control over how well my other medication works. How can they sell a product which, after you stop it, makes your life even worse? It should not be allowed. I also read through the large study and can't see the benefit of it when your life turns into a pain management exercise. Just don't take it."

• XGy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2019

For Osteoporosis "This is now 1 year, 1 month from my one and only Prolia injection. Reading the other comments from patients who have had poor to terrible side effects, I am certain that one dose of Prolia likely still lingers in my system and the side effects continue. My bone and muscle pain kicked in with a vengeance and has not abated. Walking became and remains difficult due to body pain and loss of strength/balance/pain in addition to which, my skin rashes causing both pain and itching continue. I regret being talked into taking Prolia even though my osteoporosis remains seriously advanced. All of the side effects continue although I only had the first injection due to the severe reaction that kicked in within a few days. Note: Amgen is recently promoting a 'new' drug 'Evenity' ... an almost identical to Prolia... which has major warnings, actual black boxed warning - some even worse than the Prolia warnings. Doctors continue to advise trying the drug. For me, that is not an option."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 29, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I have had 6 Prolia injections. With the first 5 injections, I had muscle pain for a few weeks. This was relieved with ibuprofen. I had my 6th injection in February 2019. One week after the injection, I started experiencing severe hip pain. As the days went on, the pain appeared in my shoulders, hands, feet, ankles, knees, and elbows. The pain is so severe I am having trouble walking. It takes me a minimum of 30 minutes to get out of bed. I have been back to my doctor twice, and she says there is nothing she can do but prescribe pain medication. She said it will take 6 months for the medication to wear off. I have read comments from some saying even after 6 months, the pain does not go away. I have read comments from others saying they have not experienced side effects. You are not safe. Stop taking this drug now. Before this drug, I was a healthy, active woman."

• Joe...
• September 27, 2018

For Osteoporosis "My last shot was May 23, 2015. I am still suffering with muscle and joint pain. Never had vertigo before taking seven shots. I have now fallen 4 times! I cannot say 100% that these were caused by Prolia, but I am 99% sure they were caused by the injections I took. My pains and side effects, sorry to say, have not gone away. I post this hopefully to help others about Prolia. I wish I had known in 2012 before ever taking this horrible drug!"

• 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!"

• MTC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2017

For Osteoporosis "Received injection 02/20/2017. Upon the 3rd day, overall body hurt. On the 8th day, with no relief, I contacted the infusion center. They stated it was unusual. On the 12th day, they advised me to contact my primary care physician. I experienced severe thigh bone, muscle, and joint pain in my hips, legs, arms, and shoulders. This discomfort impeded my abilities to exercise. Prior to this injection, I would swim 3 times a week, do daily light weights, and yoga for exercise. I could not put any pressure on my knees if I attempted to kneel down because it felt like my thigh bone was going to break, as well as getting sharp pain in my groin area. To date, August 2017, still discomfort, however, not as severe. Refused 2nd injection. Do not recommend Prolia."

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2016

For Osteoporosis "58 years old. Had the Prolia injection for newly diagnosed osteoporosis 3 months ago. Experienced flu-like symptoms for 2 weeks; muscle aches, constant burping, loose stools, extreme fatigue in thigh muscles. The manufacturer side effects list included depression. I wouldn't classify it as that, but, I definitely felt very exasperated for a couple of weeks, and, just not my usual cheery self. Then it all went away. I have no symptoms now & I don't know if it's helped my disease or not."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

"I was diagnosed with Osteopenia and on Dec. 3, 2018, I was talked into a shot of Prolia. Within a couple of weeks, I started with a rash on my face. Red spots raised, red spots, some having white spots on them, quite severe. I also experienced knee joint pain. Sometimes when it hit both knees at once, it was difficult to walk. I also experienced back pain, muscle pain ongoing for 6 months. Most of the itchiness on neck and chest has dissipated. The rash on my face will not go away, blotchy and red. So, I am going to my dermatologist. Never again will I take this drug!! All of this has produced stress and depression. It is now June 17, 2019."

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2018

For Osteoporosis "After my third shot of Prolia, I have had so much joint pain and muscle pain in my hips that I cannot walk without a walker. It started the day after the shot. I also have bad back pain. It has been one and a half months now, and the pain has not resolved. Does it ever go away?"

• Jud...
• May 9, 2018

For Osteoporosis "My side effects began after my 2nd of 3 injections. Terrible skin rashes on face, hands, legs. Sores in my mouth that prohibited me from eating, so I suffered weight loss. Terrible muscle pain in my shoulders, resulting in severe bursitis. The worst was infections in my teeth, resulting in the loss of a front tooth. It wasn't until I reread the side effects that others were experiencing that I connected my problems to Prolia. I no longer am taking it but am still dealing, 2 years later, with muscle pain which comes and goes, and huge dental bills re bone grafts and dental implants. I had previously taken Actonel with no problems and still wonder why I agreed to Prolia!"

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2017

For Osteoporosis "After my 3rd injection, I did get some horrible side effects, the worst is the intense itching over my entire body, including my ears and head. It has taken over my life. Back pain, muscle pain, joint pain. I cannot do a normal day's work. I am hoping that the drug will wear off. I will never ever use this awful drug again. It should be removed from the market after reading so many negative comments. I am not alone."

• Joa...
• May 3, 2021

For Osteoporosis "After a severely painful experience with a Reclast infusion (which are once per year), I was put on Prolia injections every six months. After a yearly infusion of Reclast and two 6-month intervals of Prolia, I have pain in my joints, muscles, groin, tendonitis in my Achilles tendons and thumb, headaches, nausea, confusion, weakness, fatigue, at least 40 pounds of weight gain, and severe back and hip pain. Before, I was on the go all the time, walking, exercising, and busy constantly, now I don't feel like doing anything because I never feel good and hurt all the time. Needless to say, I canceled my next injection and will take nothing for the osteoporosis. Even though I have a pretty good chance, even more so now, of having a fracture since I took the injections. Can you believe this? When you stop taking Prolia, you are more at risk than you were before you took it! Thanks to all the doctors that only think of how much money they can make off of someone instead of thinking of their health."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2022

For Osteoporosis "After one injection of Prolia, I began experiencing severe muscle and bone pain. My joints also ache horribly. Then the headaches began. It took me a week of this pain to make the connection. THIS DRUG IS AWFUL! I will refuse to continue with this drug. At least broken bones will heal and not be nearly as painful. I urge the FDA to re-examine this stuff. The side effects are not worth it. Think twice before agreeing to start Prolia."

• Unh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Terrible side effects-first and ONLY shot. Persistent bone pain-legs, ankles, wrists, arms, back, hips, neck, and shoulder pain. Muscle pain, extreme fatigue x 2 months so far. Side effects persist. Vague information from doctor. Was not advised regarding danger to people without all intestines, they are not supposed to use this drug-I had intestinal surgery 30 years ago, had no idea this was contraindicated. Not advised about dangers if the drug is stopped: increased chance of bone breaks, especially in spine. Must take other drugs if you stop it. Be informed. Read all information on side effects found on this site, some are serious and may be more common than reported-report all side effects to Amgen. Bone pain in back and other areas is COMMON. Per Amgen-they did not study bone loss in other areas that might occur as it takes calcium from some areas and moves to others. I do not recommend this drug."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I received the Prolia shot 12/29/22. Eight days later, I started having all the side effects, my arms, legs, back, muscles, and joints hurt. 3/4/22, I had an appointment at the hair salon. I was told that I was losing hair. After shampooing, I was given the hair that fell out. I was told by the hair salon not to take any more Prolia shots and to call my doctor regarding all the side effects that I had endured. Prolia should be taken off the market."