Denosumab and Pain: 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."

• Dog...
• March 9, 2020

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

• Dog...
• March 9, 2020

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

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

For Osteoporosis "Had my first Prolia injection in Feb 2020. Two to three days later, upper abdominal swelling, indigestion, and reflux occurred. This was followed by blisters, and my whole back peeled. Subsequently, aches and pains in lower back, hip, groin, and knee emerged. Additionally, my hair started falling out, and my osteoarthritis in my hands flared up with reddening of the skin. I also experienced constipation like never before, and after 8 weeks, I gained 6kg. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of the parathyroid hormone, which were 2.7 and increased to 9.7, surpassing the normal range. My cholesterol went up, and vitamin B levels dropped to low. It has been a road of misery. I have visited doctors weekly and an endocrinologist, but there seems to be nothing that can be done except waiting for it to slowly leave my system. I am utterly depressed with mood swings. I rate this experience a zero and will not be opting for another injection of Prolia again. ☹️"

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2020

For Osteoporosis "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 the spinal column. I have never had a fracture in my life."

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

For Osteoporosis "I had one shot of Prolia on 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 vertebrae fractures I'm taking a bisphosphonate as a relay drug. After that I'll never take an osteoporosis drug again."

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

For Osteoporosis "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."

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

For Osteoporosis "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."

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

For Osteoporosis "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."

• Gra...
• February 17, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had 4 Prolia shots every six months. I started having arm pain. Then the last shot in October 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 doctor 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 Prolia. Don’t take it!"

• koa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2023

For Osteoporosis "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 experienced 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."

• 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!"

• Nev...
• July 20, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Had my first shot of Prolia on 4/4/2019 and will never have another one. Side effects started within 14 days: red hot blotches under my arms, on my hips night sweats, daytime chills, and pain that has impacted my life dramatically. All this started with a Bone Density Scan when turning 70, was told I had a high fracture risk and Prolia would help. I am very active, ran 10k a day until 6 years ago when I started having problems with osteoarthritis in my knees, stopped running, and took up walking 10k instead. However, since this injection, I have found it extremely difficult due to pain and fatigue. Please, if anyone is thinking of taking this poison, do not. Do your research when a doctor recommends a drug, go and research before taking it. Doctors do not mention side effects, and when you go back to see the doctor, you're an oddity because all their other patients on this drug do not have side effects."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Osteoporosis "First time I was asked about taking Prolia, I refused, having read all the side effects. My bone density test was a little better than the previous one 2 years prior. Wasn't warned about the cost that insurance didn't cover, even though I asked to be notified of my copay. My doctor talked me into it and I'm so sorry. Constipation was totally out of control even with medication for it. I started with the leg pain and hip pain waking me up at night! And all of a sudden, my dental health totally went down the tubes! Also, I had times of nausea for no reason. I have always had no trouble sleeping until the shot. Now that I have read extensively about the side effects, I am refusing it. Did I mention I was healthy, on no meds, and do weight exercises and cardio classes along with some yoga, and 76 years old. Hoping some of the side effects go away! So sorry I agreed to take this!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Osteoporosis "First time I was asked about taking Prolia, I refused, having read all the side effects. My bone density test was a little better than the previous one 2 years prior. Wasn't warned about the cost that insurance didn't cover, even though I asked to be notified of my copay. My doctor talked me into it and I'm so sorry. Constipation was totally out of control even with medication for it. I started with the leg pain and hip pain waking me up at night! And all of a sudden, my dental health totally went down the tubes! Also, I had times of nausea for no reason. I have always had no trouble sleeping until the shot. Now that I have read extensively about the side effects, I am refusing it. Did I mention I was healthy, on no meds, and do weight exercises and cardio classes along with some yoga, and 76 years old. Hoping some of the side effects go away! So sorry I agreed to take this!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Had my second shot July 13, 2023, then on July 27, I broke my rib. I’ve never broken a bone in my whole entire life. I am 67 years old now, my whole body is aching. My fingers hurt, my wrist and arms hurt. My jaw hurts. My back is in tremendous pain constantly. I feel like my whole bones are breaking inside. Can’t sleep. I won’t take this again. It really saddens me that they give this to people."

• Liz...
• September 3, 2014

For Osteoporosis "Received the first shot at the end of June. Within a week, I started with a rash on my neck. It was red, swollen, and itched day and night. Second week started with red blotches on either side of my mouth. They blistered and peeled, and were painful and itchy. It is now over 2 months later, and the redness is fading, but the itching is still awful, waking me up at night. I have tried everything with no relief. I will not be taking another shot."

• Pat...
• June 30, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I was fine after the first shot of Prolia. However, after taking the second shot I almost immediately started experiencing side effects. Terrible pain in my hips, back, and legs. For some reason if I drive for more than 10 minutes, the pain becomes so severe that I have to pull over off the road and stand for a while. I told my doctor about these issues and how they began right after my second Prolia injection. She had an X-ray of my back and hips to look for fractures, but none were found. She said that Prolia builds bone! However, I have decided not to take another Prolia shot. In my opinion within 10 years there will be numerous lawsuits about this drug. Disgusting greedy pharmaceutical companies know about this drug!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2016

For Osteoporosis "After getting my 2nd Prolia injection, I've had the worst 4 months of my life!! Within a couple of weeks, I went from a very young 70-year-old to a 90-year-old woman. My back and hips have been so painful that I have to wear a stiff back support to be able to move. Even with this, I can't stand up straight. I am awakened at night because of the pain, and I can't turn over in bed. I am constantly achy and tired. Before Prolia, I was extremely active. I worked with a personal trainer twice a week for six months, before the 2nd injection, but now, I have probably lost all the muscle, strength, and flexibility I gained. I put my gym membership on hold until I can move again without pain. Prolia is the worst!!"

• Ouc...
• May 28, 2016

For Osteoporosis "This has been the worst experience of my life. Two shots of Prolia and nothing but constant pain. Every bone in my body hurts, literally. I feel just awful all day long. Tired, washed out, constant pain that has been, at times, debilitating. Had to use crutches for two days when I developed severe hip pain and again when I developed severe knee pain. I am eating ibuprofen like it was a bag of M&M's. My cholesterol went high and I have never had a problem with cholesterol in my life (found out that it was yet another side effect). I have been to the ER twice and the walk-in clinic three times since starting Prolia. Two shots and I am done with it, no more."

• DMD...
• February 20, 2016

For Osteoporosis "About 3 days after my Prolia shot, I had severe pain in my lower back, right side. Very different from regular lower back pain due to aging. My doctor prescribed physical therapy (not believing it was due to the Prolia injection) which provided temporary relief. But guess what!!! At the 6-month point, when the Prolia was out of my system, THE PAIN WENT AWAY. Duh. In the past, I took Fosamax (for 6 years) with no side effects. But...I am done with patent medicines. Am reading the book Your Bones, and plan on following their 'natural' approach. I did report my experience to the FDA; my doctor (who I really like) didn't react very seriously to my concerns, only listed it as an allergy on my chart. Don't docs ever talk to the FDA???????"

• Cyd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had my first Prolia injection in October and will never have another one! I now live with constant jaw pain, joint pain, and chronic fatigue. I’ve had to cut out many activities because I feel horrible and can barely get through my exercise class... my oncologist recommended I start on a bone strengthener in case my breast cancer spread. However, I have no evidence of cancer in my breast or anywhere at this point and refuse to feel this bad from a medication. Ladies, do your research before you follow everything your health care provider suggests!"

• 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."

• 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."