What is Prolia: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Prolia overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Prolia, Xgeva

Generic Names:

  • Prolia

Uses:

  • Treats osteoporosis, bone cancer, hypercalcemia, and other bone problems in patients who have cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Immunological Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Prolia used for?

What form(s) does Prolia come in

  • Injectable

What are common Prolia doses?

  • Syringe 1ML of 60MG/ML

Common Prolia prescriptions

  • Prolia
    1ml of 60mg/ml syringe

How to take Prolia

  • A doctor or other health professional will give you this medicine. It is usually given as a shot under the skin of your upper arm, upper thigh, or stomach.

  • You may receive other medicines (including calcium supplements, Vitamin D) to prevent unwanted effects.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • A doctor or other health professional will give you this medicine. It is usually given as a shot under the skin of your upper arm, upper thigh, or stomach.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • You may receive other medicines (including calcium supplements, Vitamin D) to prevent unwanted effects.

What to do if you miss a dose of Prolia

Prolia contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to denosumab, or if you are pregnant.

Prolia warnings

  • This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 5 months after the last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, gum disease, allergy to latex, or a history of fractures. Tell your doctor if you have problems with your thyroid, parathyroid, or digestive system.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of broken thigh boneIncreased risk of infectionsSerious skin reactionsSevere bone, joint, or muscle pain

  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Doing so may increase your risk for more fractures. Talk to your doctor about other medicines that you can take.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Pain, swelling, heavy feeling, or numbness in your mouth or jaw, loose teeth or other teeth problems

  • This medicine can cause jaw problems. You must have regular dental exams while you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your dentist that you are receiving this medicine. Practice good oral hygiene.

  • Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain

  • Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip

Prolia interactions

  • Do not use Prolia® and Xgeva® together. They contain the same medicine.

  • Some medicines can affect how denosumab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine that weakens your immune system, including a steroid or cancer medicine.

  • This medicine can cause jaw problems. You must have regular dental exams while you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your dentist that you are using this medicine. Practice good oral hygiene.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low calcium levels in your bloodIncreased risk of broken thigh boneIncreased risk of infectionsSerious allergic reactions, including rash

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Prolia side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain

  • Muscle spasms or twitching, numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips

  • Pain or burning during urination, change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Pain, swelling, heavy feeling, or numbness in your mouth or jaw, loose teeth or other teeth problems

  • Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, nausea

  • Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

  • Tiredness or weakness