Wellness

[BirkiLady]

My Rheumatologist called today. He wants me to begin Prolia injections in late March due to my fractures in my back. He is trying to prevent further problems. I was on Bonevia for about 7-8 years, which helped strengthen my bones after a couple of fractures to my wrist from falling. After regular DEXA's we decided (together) to discontinue the Bonevia. (My swimming, walking and gardening had really helping more than the meds IMO.)

After reading about the Prolia, I'm concerned about the length of time a patient must be on injections and, most importantly, what happens when stopped.  He said one injection every six months. I'm fine with that.

Would appreciate any comments, side-effects, how long you took the injections and if they helped your bones. Thanks so much! 

[on the bay]

@BirkiLady-

I always like to read askapatient.com before taking any drug. My mother takes it and has had no side effects but there are many awful reviews of it that their doctors have denied are side effects from prolia.

[BirkiLady]

@on the bay  My appointment is March 29th. He knows I always research new meds. He wasn't sure if I was able to sit up long enough to google Prolia. I assured him, "Yes. No problem." We'll discuss first. I'll also have more lab work (as usual), another DEXA (if the Ortho. Surgeon doesn't schedule one in the meantime) and then I'll make the final decision. 

And I have read all about it today. Seems to be the next step in meds (following four such as Boniva, which I've already been on for 7-8 years with no problems). Which is why I have questions about stopping the injections. I have no intentions of long-term use! Thanks for your response. 

[NYC Susan]

I have no personal experience with Prolia, but a very close friend of mine has been receiving the injections for a few years.  She was very apprehensive when it was recommended by her doctor, but she has had no issues.  No side effects whatsoever, and it's working well for her.

[Mermaid22]

I just had my second injection last Wednesday. No side effects. It is very important to get pre injection blood work to check your Vitamin D levels. My doctor says that level must be in the optimum range in order to receive the medication. Good Luck with your decision!

[Still Raining]

If you have history of low calcium from other medical problems, this is not the drug of choice.  Should check that too.

[BirkiLady]

@Mermaid22 @Still Raining  I have lab work done monthly for Lupus and RA. My Rheumatologist would not have suggested Prolia if there was a problem with anything in my recent labs. I've been diligent with my diet, meds and exercise (even with this broken back) and feel he's probably trying to keep my bones healthy following my recovery. I trust his knowledge and expertise completely. (Didn't trust the first Rheumatologist many years ago! She was awful and interested in the labels of my clothes! I walked out.)

I still don't plan to be on Prolia for long-term use. Confident I'm able to keep my bones strengthened through walking, swimming, golfing, gardening, etc.

I'm worried ballet may be a thing of the past, which saddens me. I've enjoyed it for the past year!

Thanks for your comments.

[Mermaid22]

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@BirkiLady wrote:

@Mermaid22 @Still Raining  I have lab work done monthly for Lupus and RA. My Rheumatologist would not have suggested Prolia if there was a problem with anything in my recent labs. I've been diligent with my diet, meds and exercise (even with this broken back) and feel he's probably trying to keep my bones healthy following my recovery. I trust his knowledge and expertise completely. (Didn't trust the first Rheumatologist many years ago! She was awful and interested in the labels of my clothes! I walked out.)

I still don't plan to be on Prolia for long-term use. Confident I'm able to keep my bones strengthened through walking, swimming, golfing, gardening, etc.

I'm worried ballet may be a thing of the past, which saddens me. I've enjoyed it for the past year!

Thanks for your comments.

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They will test your Vitamin D level prior to each injection- must be over 30. Also, please be aware if you go off Prolia you MUST continue with another medication such as Fosomax. My doctor told me that your bones will become even WEAKER if you stop the Prolia without taking another medication. Also, it must be given within a 5 day period every 6 months. 

[Hearts4Me]

I'm following this with much interest as I go tomorrow a.m. for my first visit with the rheumatologist.  Sadly I fractured both of my hips in 2016.  Just had a DexaScan last week, and I obviously have severe osteoporosis to say the least. Long background story.  

Anyway, I am scared beyond belief of these osteo meds after everything I have researched this week.

This is really terrifying for all no matter which decision we make it seems.

[qvcaddition]

@BirkiLady

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@BirkiLady wrote:

My Rheumatologist called today. He wants me to begin Prolia injections in late March due to my fractures in my back. He is trying to prevent further problems. I was on Bonevia for about 7-8 years, which helped strengthen my bones after a couple of fractures to my wrist from falling. After regular DEXA's we decided (together) to discontinue the Bonevia. (My swimming, walking and gardening had really helping more than the meds IMO.)

After reading about the Prolia, I'm concerned about the length of time a patient must be on injections and, most importantly, what happens when stopped.  He said one injection every six months. I'm fine with that.

Would appreciate any comments, side-effects, how long you took the injections and if they helped your bones. Thanks so much! 

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My friend has been on it for a year and her knees hurt, fingers and other parts of her body.  She now can,t close her left hand.  She wants to get off it.  ,