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Can you drink alcohol while taking Prolia?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on April 9, 2024.

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

While there are no known drug interactions between Prolia (generic name: denosumab) and alcohol, you should check with your doctor first before you combined the two. Some research has shown that drinking alcohol may increase your risk of osteoporosis, a bone fracture or impaired healing after a fracture.

Alcohol can affect the amount of calcium that is available in your body to make bones more strong. Drinking alcohol may also increase your risk for dizziness, sleepiness or a fall that can lead to an injury or bone fracture.

Excessive alcohol consumption may cause liver problems like cirrhosis, hepatitis or liver inflammation. However, no clinical studies have been done to evaluate how liver disease affects Prolia.

If you choose to drink, contact your healthcare provider first. Ask if it is safe to drink alcohol with Prolia, how much you can safely consume, or if you should stop drinking altogether.

How does Prolia work in osteoporosis?

Prolia (denosumab) is classified as a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor and works to increase bone density. It does this by stopping cells that lead to bone breakdown and damage in your body.

You will receive your Prolia injection from your healthcare provider at their office or clinic. It is a prescription medicine injected under the skin (a subcutaneous injection) and is given once every 6 months. It is used along with daily oral vitamin D and calcium supplements as directed by your doctor.

The FDA has approved Prolia for:

  • the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture
  • the treatment of bone loss in patients with prostate cancer or breast cancer undergoing hormone ablation therapy
  • the treatment of men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture to increase bone mass
  • the treatment of osteoporosis due to use of corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) in men and women at high risk of fracture.

This is not all the information you need to know about Prolia (denosumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full Prolia product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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How do you give a Prolia injection?

Prolia is a prescription medicine injected under the skin (called a subcutaneous injection) and is given once every 6 months. You do not give Prolia to yourself. You will receive your Prolia injection from your healthcare provider at a their office or clinic. Continue reading

Does Prolia increase bone density?

Prolia (denosumab) does increase bone density. Prolia works by targeting a molecule called RANKL that osteoclasts need to work. By stopping RANKL from binding to its receptor Prolia reduces bone breakdown, bone loss, bone pain, and other bone complications. BMD was increased by 8.8% at the lumbar spine, 6.4% at the total hip, and 5.2% at the femoral neck in trials that measured BMD after three years of treatment with Prolia. Continue reading

Xgeva vs Prolia. How do they compare?

Xgeva and Prolia are both brand names for the generic drug denosumab. Both are injectable preparations, both are made by Amgen, and both have similar side effects; but they differ in their indications, the way they are given, and their dosage. Continue reading

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