What is Prolia?
Prolia (denosumab) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat osteoporosis and bone loss in adults at high risk for fractures. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting RANKL, a protein involved in the formation and function of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. By reducing bone breakdown, Prolia helps increase bone mass and strength.
Prolia is for:
- Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or who have failed or are intolerant to other osteoporosis therapies.
- Men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.
- Men and women with osteoporosis associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy.
- Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer.
- Women receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.
Before starting Prolia, patients should ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to minimize the risk of hypocalcemia.