Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
My Wife (86) Is Scheduled To Take Prolia Soon.What Can
Question: My wife (86) is scheduled to take Prolia soon.What can be done to reduce the risk of side effects
Brief Answer:
Several things to consider as explained below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
Prolia is a new drug in the treatment of osteoporosis, which is taking a lot of attention but unfortunately, it does have its potential side effects. To minimize the side effects there are a few things to consider:
- She will have to do some blood tests to make sure she is well, such as Ca+ levels in the blood, Vitamin D level in blood and kidney function (creatinine and electrolytes), CBC, etc. The doctor may decide to do some other tests as well, depending on the findings during the visit.
- If any abnormalities are found, these conditions need to be addressed first. If there is a reduced kidney function she will need to have her Ca+ levels checked quite often during treatment.
- It is important to have a check with the dentist a while before taking the injection. Any dental work has to be done before so as to reduce complications with the jaw bone. Also, she will need regular checks with the dentist during treatment. She needs good oral hygiene as well and should remind the dentist anytime she sees him/her that she is using Prolia.
- Patients who take Prolia are at risk of low Ca+ in the blood, especially when they start the treatment. She should take Ca+ and vitamin D daily to prevent this and also should take at least 700 mg of calcium a day by diet (2 glasses of milk or one glass of milk/yogurt and one piece of cheese) other than the calcium supplement and vitamin D. She will have her Ca+ levels monitored during treatment.
- Prolia may increase the risk for infections so she should avoid visiting people that may be sick and also should be very mindful with the hygiene rules (for prevention of infections)
- She will need regular monitoring and also blood tests with the doctor that will give her the injection to monitor the medical effect and the adverse effects. If she has any symptoms or complaints (even signs of infection) she should let her doctor know.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Several things to consider as explained below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
Prolia is a new drug in the treatment of osteoporosis, which is taking a lot of attention but unfortunately, it does have its potential side effects. To minimize the side effects there are a few things to consider:
- She will have to do some blood tests to make sure she is well, such as Ca+ levels in the blood, Vitamin D level in blood and kidney function (creatinine and electrolytes), CBC, etc. The doctor may decide to do some other tests as well, depending on the findings during the visit.
- If any abnormalities are found, these conditions need to be addressed first. If there is a reduced kidney function she will need to have her Ca+ levels checked quite often during treatment.
- It is important to have a check with the dentist a while before taking the injection. Any dental work has to be done before so as to reduce complications with the jaw bone. Also, she will need regular checks with the dentist during treatment. She needs good oral hygiene as well and should remind the dentist anytime she sees him/her that she is using Prolia.
- Patients who take Prolia are at risk of low Ca+ in the blood, especially when they start the treatment. She should take Ca+ and vitamin D daily to prevent this and also should take at least 700 mg of calcium a day by diet (2 glasses of milk or one glass of milk/yogurt and one piece of cheese) other than the calcium supplement and vitamin D. She will have her Ca+ levels monitored during treatment.
- Prolia may increase the risk for infections so she should avoid visiting people that may be sick and also should be very mindful with the hygiene rules (for prevention of infections)
- She will need regular monitoring and also blood tests with the doctor that will give her the injection to monitor the medical effect and the adverse effects. If she has any symptoms or complaints (even signs of infection) she should let her doctor know.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
