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Compare Prolia vs. Tymlos

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

Key takeaways

Prolia (denosumab) and Tymlos (abaloparatide) are both medications used to treat osteoporosis, but they work in different ways and have different dosing schedules. Prolia is a monoclonal antibody that prevents bone loss by blocking a protein that breaks down bones. It is given as an injection under the skin once every 6 months. On the other hand, Tymlos is a parathyroid hormone analog that promotes bone formation by mimicking the hormone your body naturally makes. Tymlos is injected under the skin once a day and can only be used for up to 2 years due to a theoretical risk of bone cancer. Prolia requires you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements daily, while Tymlos may raise your calcium levels, so you should only take supplements if your provider says it's safe. Prolia may be used long-term as long as it continues to work for you, whereas Tymlos has not been studied for use longer than 2 years. Both medications have their own set of side effects and risks, so it's important to discuss with your provider which one is right for you.

  • Prolia (denosumab)
    Tymlos (abaloparatide)
  • Prolia (denosumab)
    Tymlos (abaloparatide)

  • Summary of Prolia vs. Tymlos

    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

    Tymlos (abaloparatide) is a medication used for osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women at high risk for breaking bones (fractures). It's given once per day as an injection under the skin. This medication can't be used for longer than 2 years because of a theoretical risk of causing bone cancer.

  • Indications of Prolia vs. Tymlos

    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)
    •Osteoporosis in men

  • Pros and Cons of Prolia vs. Tymlos

    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
    •Available as a pre-filled pen with 30 doses
    •Good choice for men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or who've previously tried other osteoporosis medications
    •Can keep at room temperature after its first use for up to 30 days, making it convenient to take it on the go
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected under the skin once per day
    •Not approved for osteoporosis from long-term corticosteroid use
    •Can't use for longer than 2 years

  • Common Side Effects of Prolia vs. Tymlos

    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
    •Redness at injection site (up to 58%)
    •Swelling at injection site (up to 10%)
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Pain at injection site (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)

    *Percentages of people who reported these side effects might differ between men and postmenopausal women taking this medication.

  • Warnings of Prolia vs. Tymlos

    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
    •Sudden low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Kidney stones

  • Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Tymlos

    Learn more about Prolia
    Learn more about Tymlos

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