Question 1

what are considered the benefits of having denosumab injections?

Accepted Answer

Treat osteoporosis: Denosumab is an antibody that works in a way similar to bisphosponates (like fosamax) to decrease bone turnover and decrease the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis who have had a previous fracture.  Studies suggest that it is more effective than bisphosphonates.  In your age group, unless you have severe osteoporosis or a previous fracture, you would not be a candidate for it.

Question 2

why does denosumab cause muscle pain?

Accepted Answer

Side effect: If it happens within 7 to 10 days, it could be a sign that your calcium level could be low which can occur with this medicine.  If this applies to your situation, you may want to have your calcium level checked.

Question 3

for treatment of bone metastasis associated with prostate cancer, is xgeva (denosumab) a better one compared to zometa? how much does xgeva (denosumab) cost?

Accepted Answer

Slightly better: Xgeva (denosumab) does have some advantages over zometa: quicker administration and no kidney side effects. It is associated with fewer bone complications from cancer than zometa. On the other hand, zometa is now generic, meaning that is a lot cheaper. Neither is a curative treatment for prostate cancer and they are both considered adjunct treatments. Thes small differences   may or may not justify its use.

Question 4

70 yo female w/osteoporosis and family hx of brca breast cancer. ok to denosumab and reloxifene therapy together??

Accepted Answer

Yes it is OK: You can take these medicines together. There is no significant interaction or harm. So relax and take them as advised by your doctor.

Question 5

dad has advanced prostate cancer with bone metastasis. after orchirectomy, psa down from 270 to 10. shall he start zometa or xgeva (denosumab)? which is better?

Accepted Answer

See Below: Use of bisphosphanates for your dad can be controversial. Here is an excerpt from a recent review article on www.cancernetwork.com which you can use to discuss with your father's doctor to decide what is best for your dad.

http://www.cancernetwork.com/bone-metastases/content/article/10165/105118.

Question 6

79 yr old female spine cancer denosumab injections 60mg every 6months,supplement with calcium and vitamin d3 200 iu can i also take daily supplement tablet of 25 iu of d3, could it help in avoiding upper respiratory infections virus like covid-19?

Accepted Answer

Safe but ? Helpful: That total dose of vitamin D3 is definitely safe but it is not really known how much, if at all, it will prevent any infections like COVID 19. Frequent handwashing, healthy diet &amp; good sleep, &amp; avoiding people with respiratory symptoms are still best for prevention

Question 7

what medication has less side effects prolia  or reclast (zoledronic acid)?

Accepted Answer

Prolia: Both medications are anti-resorptive, meaning they prevent breakdown of your bone.  Reclast (zoledronic acid) has been used for longer so has more side-effects that are known.  It also can not be used if you have kidney problems.  Prolia is an injection every 6 months (vs. 12 months with reclast).  Both medications tend to be very well tolerated.

Question 8

which drug would you choose for osteoporosis of hip  prolia or reclast (zoledronic acid)    what is better tolerated less side effects?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Both drugs are effective in the treatment of osteoporosis involving the hip.  Prolia is likely to work better than reclast, (zoledronic acid) though there are no head to head studies comparing the two.  Prolia is typically used in people who have had a previous fracture (spine, wrist), or have very severe osteoporosis. Both are well tolerated with few side effects.  Prolia is given twice yearly, Reclast (zoledronic acid) once yearly.

Question 9

my doctor recommended reclast (zoledronic acid) for" convenience." i'm only concerned about the risks/benefits of a drug. should i choose prolia or fosomax instead?

Accepted Answer

Alendronate is good.: Oral bisphosphonates are generally first line agents becuase of efficacy, price and long term safety record.  Alendronate once a week or risedronate are good choices.  The other meds are second line.

Question 10

what are the long-term health affects associated with prolia injections?

Accepted Answer

Prolia: Prolia is used for just 2 years and is safe and effective in the vast majority of patients.
If you ever feel some symptoms you think might be related to Prolia call your doctor right away.

PS: Just for kicks one of my twin granddaughters is Leah so I like the term Pro"Leah".

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Doctor answers about:

Denosumab medication

A member asked:

What are considered the benefits of having denosumab injections?

A member asked:

Why does denosumab cause muscle pain?

A member asked:

For treatment of bone metastasis associated with prostate cancer, is xgeva (denosumab) a better one compared to zometa? how much does xgeva (denosumab) cost?

A member asked:

70 yo female w/osteoporosis and family hx of brca breast cancer. ok to denosumab and reloxifene therapy together??

A member asked:

Dad has advanced prostate cancer with bone metastasis. after orchirectomy, psa down from 270 to 10. shall he start zometa or xgeva (denosumab)? which is better?

A member asked:

79 yr old female spine cancer denosumab injections 60mg every 6months,supplement with calcium and vitamin d3 200 iu can i also take daily supplement tablet of 25 iu of d3, could it help in avoiding upper respiratory infections virus like covid-19?

A member asked:

What medication has less side effects prolia or reclast (zoledronic acid)?

A member asked:

Which drug would you choose for osteoporosis of hip prolia or reclast (zoledronic acid) what is better tolerated less side effects?

A member asked:

My doctor recommended reclast (zoledronic acid) for" convenience." i'm only concerned about the risks/benefits of a drug. should i choose prolia or fosomax instead?

A member asked:

What are the long-term health affects associated with prolia injections?

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