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

Forteo

(teriparatide)

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Prolia

(denosumab)

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Summary for Forteo

Prescription only

Forteo (teriparatide) is a parathyroid hormone analog used to treat osteoporosis (weak bones). It's used in women who have gone through menopause, men, and people with weak bones from long-term steroid use. Forteo (teriparatide) is for people at high risk of broken bones or those who've already tried other osteoporosis medications. Forteo (teriparatide) is given as an injection once a day using a prefilled pen. Common side effects are body pain and joint pain. Forteo (teriparatide) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Forteo

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

Pros and Cons for Forteo

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 sometimes cause dizziness or low blood pressure after an injection
Usually only used for up to 2 years during your lifetime, except in certain cases

Common Side Effects for Forteo

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 Forteo

Allergic reactions
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 Forteo vs. Prolia

Teriparatide (Forteo)1 pen / 20mcg/dose

$1,035.77$3,087.09

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Prolia1 syringe / 1ml of 60mg/ml

$1,875.95$2,446.54

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Forteo vs. Prolia

Forteo

Prolia

Summary for Forteo

Indications for Forteo

Pros and Cons for Forteo

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Forteo

Warnings for Forteo

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 Forteo vs. Prolia

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Forteo

Prolia

Summary for Forteo

Indications for Forteo

Pros and Cons for Forteo

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Forteo

Warnings for Forteo

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia