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Compare Prolia vs. Miacalcin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

  • Prolia (denosumab)
    Calcitonin salmon
  • Prolia (denosumab)
    Calcitonin salmon

  • Summary of Prolia vs. Miacalcin

    Summary for Monoclonal antibody
    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.

    Summary for Calcitonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Calcitonin salmon is a synthetic (man-made) hormone available as a nasal spray. It's used to treat osteoporosis in women who have already gone through menopause (postmenopause). The medication is typically taken once a day by alternating between nostrils each day. Common side effects include back pain and nose symptoms, like runny nose, irritation, and bleeding. The nasal spray used to be available under the brand name Miacalcin, but now only comes as a generic version.

  • Indications of Prolia vs. Miacalcin

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

  • Pros and Cons of Prolia vs. Miacalcin

    Pros and Const for Monoclonal antibody
    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
    Pros and Const for Calcitonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Only need to use it once a day
    •Can store a used bottle at room temperature for about a month
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option for postmenopausal osteoporosis
    •Can lead to low calcium levels
    •Might raise the risk of certain cancers

  • Common Side Effects of Prolia vs. Miacalcin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny nose (12%)
    •Nose irritation, dryness, redness (11%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Joint pain (4%)
    •Bloody nose (4%)

  • Warnings of Prolia vs. Miacalcin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
    •Nasal irritation
    •Cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Miacalcin

    Learn more about Prolia
    Learn more about Calcitonin salmon

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