Bonsity vs. Prolia for Osteoporosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Bonsity

(teriparatide)

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Prolia

(denosumab)

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Summary for Bonsity

Prescription only

Bonsity (teriparatide) is a parathyroid hormone analog that helps build bone. It's used for adults with osteoporosis who have a high risk of breaking a bone or have tried certain other treatments. This includes women who've gone through menopause, men, and people with weak bones caused by long-term steroid use. Bonsity (teriparatide) comes as a prefilled pen that you use for injections under the skin once a day. Some side effects include body pain, joint pain, and nausea.

Indications for Bonsity

Osteoporosis in women who've gone through menopause (postmenopausal)
Osteoporosis in men
Osteoporosis caused by long-term steroid use

Pros and Cons for Bonsity

Pros

A first-choice option for postmenopausal women at very high risk of broken bones
Can be used if other osteoporosis medications haven't worked well or caused bothersome side effects
Helps lower the risk of broken bones in the spine and other areas in postmenopausal women

Cons

Must be injected under the skin every day
Can cause dizziness or low blood pressure after injections
Usually limited to 2 years of lifetime treatment, except in certain situations

Common Side Effects for Bonsity

Body pain (21%)
Joint pain (10%)
Runny or stuffy nose (10%)
Nausea (9%)
Weakness (9%)
Headache (8%)
Dizziness (8%)
High blood pressure (7%)

Warnings for Bonsity

Possible risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
High calcium levels
Risk of worsening kidney stones
Low blood pressure when standing up
Higher risk of serious side effects from digoxin (Lanoxin)

Summary for Prolia

Prescription only

Prolia (denosumab) is an injection that's used to treat osteoporosis in adults at high risk of fracture. It's also for those at high risk of fractures from certain cancer medications. It works as a monoclonal antibody called a RANKL inhibitor to strengthen your bones. Prolia (denosumab) is a convenient option because you only need an injection every 6 months. It's injected under the skin by a healthcare professional at a medical office. Side effects include back and muscle pain. It also has a risk of causing dangerously low calcium levels.

Indications for Prolia

Osteoporosis in women who've gone through menopause and at high risk of fracture
Osteoporosis in men at high risk of fracture
Osteoporosis caused by steroid medications in people at high risk of fracture
Bone loss in men at high risk of fracture taking certain medications for prostate cancer
Bone loss in women at high risk of fracture taking certain breast cancer medications

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Works well at preventing bone loss, which lowers your risk of breaking a bone
Only given once every 6 months, which is less often than most other osteoporosis medications
An alternative option for people who can't take bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax)
A good option for postmenopausal women at very high risk of fractures

Cons

Must go to the medical office to get the injection
Must take with calcium and vitamin D supplements
Can cause bone and muscle pain
Not safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Back pain (35%)
Pain in the arm or leg (12%)
Muscle, bone, or joint pain (up to 8%)
High cholesterol levels (7%)
Pain or discomfort while urinating and other symptoms of a bladder infection (6%)
Sensation that the room is spinning (5%)
Swelling in the hands or feet (5%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)

Warnings for Prolia

Dangerously low calcium levels
Risk of fractures in the thigh bone
Risk of spine fractures after stopping Prolia (denosumab)
Risk of serious infections
Risk of problems in the jawbone
Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions
Severe bone, muscle, or joint pain
Don't take with Xgeva (denosumab)

Prices with our coupons for Bonsity vs. Prolia

Teriparatide Injection1 pen / 20mcg/dose

$1,146.04$3,014.20

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Prolia1 syringe / 1ml of 60mg/ml

$1,875.95$2,455.72

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Bonsity vs. Prolia

Bonsity

Prolia

Summary for Bonsity

Indications for Bonsity

Pros and Cons for Bonsity

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Bonsity

Warnings for Bonsity

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia

Prices with our coupons for Bonsity vs. Prolia

Browse medications by letter

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Bonsity

Prolia

Summary for Bonsity

Indications for Bonsity

Pros and Cons for Bonsity

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Bonsity

Warnings for Bonsity

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia