Does Prolia cause weight gain?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on March 10, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Prolia (denosumab) has not been associated with weight gain in clinical studies. Prolia can cause peripheral edema (fluid retention) or swelling, and this may lead to weight gain in some people. Speak with your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

In studies, peripheral edema (fluid retention in the areas like the arms or legs) was reported in 4.9% of patients compared to 4% receiving a placebo. Edema may occur at the administration site. Swelling may also occur in the facial area due to a serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help right away if you are having a serious allergic reaction.

What are the most common side effects of Prolia?

Back pain, joint pain and pain in the legs and arms are some of the most common side effects reported with Prolia (denosumab).

The most common side effects in women who are being treated for osteoporosis after menopause are:

back pain
pain in your arms and leg
high cholesterol
muscle pain
bladder infection

The most common side effects in men with osteoporosis are:

back pain
joint pain
common cold (runny nose or sore throat)

The most common side effects in patients with osteoporosis due to corticosteroid use (like prednisone) are:

back pain
high blood pressure
lung infection (bronchitis)
headache

The most common side effects in patients receiving certain treatments for prostate or breast cancer are:

joint pain
back pain
pain in your arms and legs
muscle pain

These are not all of the possible side effects of Prolia. Review Prolia side effects (in more detail) here.

Why is Prolia prescribed?

Prolia is classified as a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor and is approved by the FDA:

for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture
for the treatment of bone loss in patients with prostate or breast cancer undergoing hormone ablation therapy
as a treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture
for the treatment of osteoporosis due to use of corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) in men and women at high risk of fracture.

This is not all the information you need to know about Prolia (denosumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full Prolia product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Prolia (denosumab) product information. Amgen Inc. Accessed March 19, 2022 at https://www.pi.amgen.com/~/media/amgen/repositorysites/pi-amgen-com/prolia/prolia_pi.pdf

Evenity vs Prolia: Which is right for you?

Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) and Prolia (denosumab) are two injectable medications that help lower the risk of bone fracture. When deciding which treatment option is best for you, it is important to consider factors such as who these medications are approved for, dosing, and side effects. Continue reading

Does Prolia increase bone density?

Prolia (denosumab) does increase bone density. Prolia works by targeting a molecule called RANKL that osteoclasts need to work. By stopping RANKL from binding to its receptor Prolia reduces bone breakdown, bone loss, bone pain, and other bone complications. BMD was increased by 8.8% at the lumbar spine, 6.4% at the total hip, and 5.2% at the femoral neck in trials that measured BMD after three years of treatment with Prolia. Continue reading

Xgeva vs Prolia. How do they compare?

Xgeva and Prolia are both brand names for the generic drug denosumab. Both are injectable preparations, both are made by Amgen, and both have similar side effects; but they differ in their indications, the way they are given, and their dosage. Continue reading

Does Prolia cause weight gain?

What are the most common side effects of Prolia?

Related questions

Why is Prolia prescribed?

Read next

Evenity vs Prolia: Which is right for you?

Does Prolia increase bone density?

Xgeva vs Prolia. How do they compare?

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