What is the most commonly prescribed drug for osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
Which drugs are approved for treating osteoporosis?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of breaking a bone (fracture).
Is Prolia available in Canada?
Use in Canada Denosumab is marketed in Canada under the brand names Prolia (denosumab 60 mg) available since 2010, and Xgeva (denosumab 120 mg) available since 2011. Prolia is used to treat weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis) in men and postmenopausal women who have high risk of bone breakage (fracture).
How much is Prolia in Canada?
Denosumab is available as a 60 mg/mL pre-filled syringe at a cost of $357.90 (Ontario Drug Benefit, June 2015). At the recommended dose of 60 mg every six months, the annual cost of denosumab is $716.
What are the dangers of Prolia?
Serious side effects that have been reported with Prolia include:
- severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
- serious infections, including serious urinary tract infections or skin infections.
- unusual fractures in the thigh bone*
- decreased bone production (bones take longer to form new tissue)
Does Prolia really work for osteoporosis?
Clinical trials found Prolia just as effective (but really no more effective) than bisphosphonates, which are the current standard for osteoporosis care.
Is Boniva better than Fosamax?
Based on several studies, we know that Fosamax also reduces the risk of hip fractures and nonvertebral fractures. But we aren’t quite sure whether Boniva reduces the risk of hip or nonvertebral fractures. Because of this, clinical guidelines generally recommend Fosamax over Boniva.