Prolia vs. Forteo

Are Prolia and Forteo the Same Thing?

Prolia (denosumab) and Forteo (teriparatide [rDNA origin]) Injection are used to treat bone loss (osteoporosis).

Prolia is primarily used in women who are at risk for osteoporosis after menopause, while Forteo is used in both men and women who have a high risk of bone fracture.

Prolia and Forteo belong to different drug classes. Prolia is a monoclonal antibody and Forteo is a man-made form of parathyroid hormone.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Prolia?

Common side effects of Prolia include:

  • low calcium levels (especially if you have kidney problems),
  • weakness,
  • constipation,
  • back pain,
  • muscle pain,
  • pain in your arms and legs,
  • anemia,
  • diarrhea, or
  • skin problems (eczema, blisters, dry skin, peeling, redness, itching, small bumps).

You may also be more likely to get a serious infection, such as a skin, ear, stomach/gut, or bladder infection while taking Prolia. Tell your doctor if you develop signs of infection, such as:

  • fever/chills, night sweats,
  • red/swollen/tender/warm skin (with or without pus),
  • severe stomach or abdominal pain,
  • ear pain or drainage, trouble hearing,
  • frequent/painful/burning urination, or
  • pink/bloody urine.
  • severe itching, burning, rask, blistering, peeling, or dryness of the skin,
  • cough,
  • shortness of breath,
  • pinpoint purple or red spots under your skin,
  • flu symptoms, or
  • weight loss.
Tell your doctor if your experience serious side effects of Prolia including jaw pain, new or unusual thigh/hip/groin pain, or bone/joint/muscle pain.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Forteo?

Common side effects of Forteo include:

  • muscle cramps or spasms,
  • leg cramps,
  • joint pain,
  • cough,
  • sore throat,
  • runny nose,
  • headache,
  • neck pain,
  • nausea,
  • constipation,
  • diarrhea, or
  • injection site reactions (pain, swelling, bruising, itching, or redness).

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Forteo including:

  • fainting,
  • unusual tiredness, or
  • mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

What Is Prolia?

Prolia (denosumab) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat bone loss (osteoporosis) in women who are at high risk for bone fracture after menopause.

What Is Forteo?

Forteo (teriparatide [rDNA origin]) Injection is a man-made form of parathyroid hormone that exists naturally in the body used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who have a high risk of bone fracture.

What Drugs Interact With Prolia?

Prolia may interact with steroids or cancer medicine, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, basiliximab, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, leflunomide, or etanercept.

What Drugs Interact With Forteo?

Forteo may interact with digoxin.

How Should Prolia Be Taken?

Prolia should be administered by a doctor. The recommended dose of Prolia is 60 mg administered as a single subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once every 6 months.

How Should Forteo Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Forteo is 20 mcg subcutaneously once a day.

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References


Amgen. Prolia Product Monograph.

https://www.prolia.com

Lilly USA, LLC. Forteo Product Monograph.

https://www.forteo.com

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