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Prolia vs. Miacalcin

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.

• 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

• 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%)

• 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)

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.

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

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

• Severe allergic reaction
• Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
• Nasal irritation
• Cancer