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

Prolia

(denosumab)

Forteo

(teriparatide)

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)

Summary for Teriparatide

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 for Teriparatide

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

Pros and Cons for Teriparatide

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 for Teriparatide

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

Warnings for Teriparatide

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. Teriparatide

Prolia1 syringe / 1ml of 60mg/ml

$1,824.75$2,443.19

Get free coupons

More Information

Teriparatide (Forteo)1 pen / 20mcg/dose

$1,160.74$1,584.44

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Prolia vs. Teriparatide

Prolia

Forteo

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia

Summary for Teriparatide

Indications for Teriparatide

Pros and Cons for Teriparatide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Teriparatide

Warnings for Teriparatide

Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Teriparatide

Compare other Osteoporosis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Prolia

Forteo

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia

Summary for Teriparatide

Indications for Teriparatide

Pros and Cons for Teriparatide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Teriparatide

Warnings for Teriparatide