stellamaris - just wanted to comment - Prolia is not a bisphosphonate, it is a monoclonal antibody drug. Bisphosphonates (Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva and IV Reclast) work to strengthen bone by coating it and when the bone breaks down the bisphosphonate is absorbed in, whereas Prolia works by slowing the old bone removal process which can accelerate in post-menopausal women with less estrogen and then allows the new bone creation process to catch up. Also because bisphosphonates are absorbed into the bone they tend to stay in the body longer than Prolia does.

stellamaris - it's hard to keep it all straight - you're not alone in that! Plus, both drugs have the same end goal in the final analysis

I just took my first Prolia shot but I don't think I will take it again. I have Astopenia but my hip went to osteoporosis just a bit. So I don't think I need it. I will only take it if I am at risk of breaking bones. I am two years since the diagnosis of BC. I had chemo and radiation taking Anastrozole now but I don't think my bone density is that bad. I am 70 years old. Any comments? I just don't feel right by taking an injection. My oncologist didn't push it. But when I heard osteoporosis I got scared. But I am more scared with the shot. I am very active hike, walk a lot, lift weights. I think I will wait until the next bone density test and see what happens. My friend takes the shot and no side affects and her astopenia turned around. I am just too scared to take it again. It reminds me of taking chem. Any thoughts?

Thanks Minus Two. I am just a neurotic. How long have you been taking the Prolia? Like I said I just don't like to take any meds. I am taking Anastrazole and at the beginning I had joint pain but not anymore. Thanks for the info. I really had no side affects from the chemo and the Neulasta because they gave me pre-meds. But when I had to go back to the chemo room to get that Priola shot I got a little nutty. Please let me know how long you have been taking the shot and if you had any side affects? Thanks.

The problem is I am not sure if I am at risk of breaking bones. My hip is only slightly off. But they still called it osteoporosis. I think it was off 1 point.

Dpako, I am now 67. I understand your trepidation. My first bone scan showed osteoporosis in spine and osteopenia in hips. I have had 2 shots of Prolia. It is intended to reduce the expected deterioration of your bones, which my onc said was about 10 per cent per year on the blocker (I am on Femara). I would rather take the shots as long as I can, so that my bones thin as little as possible. I am also very active (hiking, kayaking, etc.). I want to be as strong as possible when I am done with the meds.

Hi Stellamaris,

I think we are in the same boat 6/15 lumpectomy 3 nodes involved chemo for 4 months and radiation so I didn't want to introduce anything else in my body. But I don't want to break bones either. Thanks for your comments.

dpako - my center has a special injection room just for people needing Neulasta, Prolia, or other injections, but I am willing to bet if you request to have your injection in an exam room that you would be accommodated. You are far from alone in that the chemo room creates some anxiety - lots of folks have that same reaction.

dpako - here is a list, but know that the majority, at least on BCO, seem to experience no side effects at all. As with many side effect lists, these may have been caused by the drug, or may have happened to the participants in the drug trial independently - they still have to be noted even if they happened to one individual.

http://www.rxlist.com/prolia-side-effects-drug-center.htm

Hi Special K,

I just read the side effects. I don't think I will take it anymore. Do you take it?

I have had 3 Prolia shots with no side effects. My MO believes the Prolia helps protect the bones from mets. I'm all for that!! I envision it like a protective coating that helps keep the cancer out and helps strengthen.

I have osteopenia as well and will continue to get the Priolua as recommended.

Just my 2 cents.

SpecialK you are a big help. What about your cholesterol has that gone up? I just don't want to add anymore complications to my life and are you allowed to take it for so many years?

dpako - I know you asked Special K and I'm sure she will answer, but from me - after a year - two shots at 6 months apart - NOTHING has changed. Cholesterol is the same. Blood pressure is the same. All of my blood work is the same - including Vit D, THS and Cancer antigen tests.

if you could go to My Profile and add your diagnosis & treatment, and make it "public", it would help us better understand your situation. Thanks.

Minus Two I went to my profile and added my diagnosis and treatment but I don't see it show up. Maybe I don't know how to make it public.

dpako - after you fill in your diagnosis and treatment lines you should see that there is a private/public choice that you can click. Private is the default, so you have to make the choice for the info to appear in your signature line.