{"id":3852,"date":"2019-03-12T10:56:49","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T14:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3852"},"modified":"2025-12-02T13:05:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T18:05:19","slug":"reclast-v-prolia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/reclast-v-prolia\/","title":{"rendered":"Reclast vs. Prolia: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Various treatment options are available for bone loss caused by osteoporosis or other conditions. <\/span>Reclast<\/span><\/a> (zoledronic acid) and <\/span>Prolia<\/span><\/a> (denosumab) are prescription drugs that can help treat <\/span>osteoporosis<\/span><\/a> in men and postmenopausal women. They can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of spinal and hip fractures, among other bone fractures. While Reclast and Prolia are brand-name prescription drugs used for similar purposes, they differ in several ways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between Reclast and Prolia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Reclast and Prolia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The main differences between Reclast and Prolia are in their active ingredients, dosages, and uses. Let\u2019s explore some of these differences here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Active ingredients<\/span><\/h3>\n

Reclast and Prolia belong to different drug classes. Reclast contains zoledronic acid, which is a bisphosphonate. It works by binding to an enzyme on osteoclasts, bone cells that break down bone tissue in a process called bone resorption. Other bone cells called osteoblasts then build new bone tissue to maintain the strength and health of the bone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prolia contains denosumab. It is classified as a <\/span>monoclonal antibody<\/span><\/a> and works by binding to a protein called RANKL, which is involved in bone resorption. By blocking the function of RANKL, denosumab helps slow the growth and function of osteoclasts, which leads to slowed bone loss and increased bone mineral density (BMD).<\/span><\/p>\n

Method of administration<\/span><\/h3>\n

Both Reclast and Prolia are administered as injections. However, Reclast is administered as an infusion through the vein (intravenously or IV) by a healthcare provider. Prolia is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously or SQ) by a healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Reclast is usually given as a 5 mg infusion over 15 minutes. It is given once per year or every two years for the treatment or prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. For Paget\u2019s disease, Reclast is given as a single infusion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prolia is given as 60 mg once every six months in the stomach area, upper arm, or upper leg. The same dosage of Prolia is used for all of its approved indications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the table and following sections below, we\u2019ll dive deeper into other differences between Reclast and Prolia. In addition to their active ingredients, dosage, and administration, these drugs may also differ in their approved uses and potential side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Reclast and Prolia<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug information<\/strong><\/td>\nReclast<\/b><\/td>\nProlia<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nBisphosphonate<\/span><\/td>\nMonoclonal antibody; RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic (biosimilars) available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nZoledronic acid<\/span><\/td>\nDenosumab; Jubbonti; Wyost; and others<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nInjection; intravenous (IV) infusion<\/span><\/td>\nInjection; subcutaneous (SQ)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n5 mg once, once per year, or once every 2 years, depending on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\n60 mg once every 6 months\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults or people over the age of 18 without severe kidney disease<\/span><\/td>\nAdults or people over the age of 18<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Reclast and Prolia<\/span><\/h2>\n

Reclast and Prolia are both FDA-approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women. They are also approved to treat bone loss caused by steroids in men and women at a high risk of fractures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike Prolia, Reclast is approved to <\/span>prevent osteoporosis<\/span><\/a> in postmenopausal women and steroid-induced osteoporosis in men and women. It can also treat Paget\u2019s disease, a chronic bone disorder that causes bone tissue to break down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prolia differs from Reclast in that it is also approved to <\/span>increase bone mass<\/span><\/a> in men taking androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy and aromatase inhibitors are known to cause negative effects on BMD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reclast and Prolia are not approved for bone conditions in children. The following lists summarize the FDA-approved uses for both drugs:<\/span><\/p>\n

Reclast<\/span><\/h3>\n

Reclast is FDA-approved to:<\/span><\/p>\n