Prolia (denosumab) has been used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. More recently, Prolia has also been used for the treatment of osteoporosis in men, hormone-induced osteoporosis, and bone loss in prostate and breast cancer treatment.

Prolia, a monoclonal antibody, prevents the binding of RANKL and RANK on the osteoclast surface, thus leading to reduced bone loss, resorption, and increased bone mass in osteoporosis.  

One of its dangerous side effects is low body calcium. If you are experiencing numbness, tingling around your fingertips, toes, and legs, muscle aches, spasms and abnormal heartbeat, you need to call your doctor immediately! 

An investigation by the FDA in patients with advanced stages of kidney disease showed that calcium loss could lead to hospitalization and death. While the FDA is continuing its investigation into this severe adverse effect of Prolia, they are advising prescribers and pharmacists to increase the monitoring of serum calcium levels in patients. It is also recommended that patients take Calcium and vitamin D supplementations with Prolia.

If you are currently on Prolia and you have underlying kidney disease, discuss with your prescriber and watch out for any of the above dangerous side effects of low calcium.  

Here at Ask Us Pharmacist, we care and are here for your medication needs!

References

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-investigating-risk-severe-hypocalcemia-patients-dialysis-receiving-osteoporosis-medicine-prolia?utm_medium=&utm_source=