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Compare Reclast vs. Prolia

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

Key takeaways

Reclast (zoledronic acid) and Prolia (denosumab) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Reclast is a bisphosphonate given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once a year or every two years, while Prolia is a monoclonal antibody given as an injection under the skin every six months. Reclast is available in both brand and generic forms, whereas Prolia is only available as a brand. Reclast works by slowing down bone breakdown, while Prolia blocks a protein that signals bone breakdown. Prolia can also help with bone loss due to certain cancers, which Reclast does not. Both medications can cause side effects like muscle and joint pain, but Prolia has additional risks like dangerously low calcium levels and serious infections. You need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements with both medications to help keep your bones strong.

  • Reclast (zoledronic acid)
    Prolia (denosumab)
  • Reclast (zoledronic acid)
    Prolia (denosumab)

  • Summary of Reclast vs. Prolia

    Summary for Bisphosphonate
    Prescription only

    Reclast (zoledronic acid) is used to treat osteoporosis. It's only available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's given at a clinic or your provider's office. The medication is an option for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who can't take bisphosphonates by mouth or for those at very high fracture risk. Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a long-lasting medication, so the dosing isn't often (either one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years). It can cause side effects like muscle and joint pain, headache, and fever. This medication is available under the brand name Reclast and as a generic.

    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.

  • Indications of Reclast vs. Prolia

    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in men
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
    •Paget's disease
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Reclast vs. Prolia

    Pros and Const for Bisphosphonate
    Pros
    •Lowers the risk of fractures in different parts of the body, including the hip and back
    •Infusions are one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years
    •Can freely choose when to eat, drink, or take other medications
    •Can use if you can't take other bisphosphonates because of trouble swallowing or too much stomach pain
    •Can consider using for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who have very high fracture risk
    Cons
    •Only available as an IV infusion that's given at a clinic or provider's office
    •Risk of many side effects, including joint or muscle pain and severe jaw problems
    •Risk of side effects like fever, pain, and chills after each infusion
    •Might cause breathing problems in people allergic to aspirin
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Reclast vs. Prolia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Joint pain (up to 24%)
    •Fever (up to 18%)
    •Higher blood pressure (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 12%)
    •Arm or leg pain (up to 11%)
    •Arthritis (up to 9%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 9%)
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)
    •Shoulder pain (up to 7%)
    •Bone pain (up to 6%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Reclast vs. Prolia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breakdown of the jaw (osteonecrosis)
    •Low calcium in the blood
    •Kidney damage
    •Leg bone fractures
    •Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
    •Harm to unborn baby
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Reclast vs. Prolia

    Learn more about Reclast
    Learn more about Prolia

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