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Compare Prolia vs. Forteo

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

Key takeaways

Prolia (denosumab) and Forteo (teriparatide) are both medications used to treat osteoporosis, but they work in different ways and have different usage guidelines. Prolia is a monoclonal antibody that prevents bone loss by blocking a protein that breaks down bones, and it is administered as an injection every six months. Forteo, on the other hand, is a parathyroid hormone analog that helps build bone and is injected daily. Prolia is often considered for those who cannot take bisphosphonates, while Forteo is typically reserved for individuals at very high risk of fractures or those who have not responded to other treatments. Forteo can only be used for a maximum of two years due to a potential risk of bone cancer, whereas Prolia does not have this limitation. Additionally, Prolia requires regular calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent dangerously low calcium levels, while Forteo can cause high calcium levels in the blood. Forteo is available as a brand and medication, whereas Prolia does not have a generic form.

drug combination

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  • Prolia (denosumab)
    Forteo (teriparatide)
  • Prolia (denosumab)
    Forteo (teriparatide)

  • Summary of Prolia vs. Forteo

    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 Parathyroid hormone analog
    Prescription only

    Forteo (teriparatide) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It's for people who are at very high fracture risk or people who've already tried other osteoporosis medications. Forteo (teriparatide) is an injection that you give to yourself once a day. Some common side effects include general body pain and joint pain. This medication comes as a prefilled pen, but it doesn't come with pen needles. Forteo (teriparatide) is only available as a brand medication; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Prolia vs. Forteo

    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 females who've gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in males
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids

  • Pros and Cons of Prolia vs. Forteo

    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 Parathyroid hormone analog
    Pros
    •Can use if you're unable to take or still getting fractures with other osteoporosis medications
    •A first-choice option for people at very high fracture risk (have had a fracture caused by osteoporosis before or have many risk factors for fracture)
    •Lowers the risk for back fractures and fractures in other parts of the body (not including the hip) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for most people with osteoporosis
    •Only available as an injection under the skin
    •Can only use for a total of 2 years throughout your entire life because of unclear risk for bone cancer with longer treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Prolia vs. Forteo

    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
    •Body pain (21%)
    •Joint pain (10%)
    •Runny nose (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Body weakness (9%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •High blood pressure (7%)

  • Warnings of Prolia vs. Forteo

    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
    •Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Kidney stones
    •Low blood pressure
    •Higher risk of side effects from digoxin (Lanoxin)

  • Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Forteo

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    Learn more about Forteo

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