Prolia - swelling-itching at injection site - anyone else?

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Mockingbird114
Mockingbird114 Member Posts: 22
edited January 2022 in Bone Health and Bone Loss

Hello Everyone,

Can anyone offer me any advice? I received my first Prolia injection yesterday around 2:00 PM, and all seemed fine. However, around 10:00 pm I start burning, itching, and swelling at the injection site, on the stomach, eventually looking like mosquito bite, the size slightly larger than a quarter. It lasted about 45 minutes, then subsided. I would like to keep using this medication, and not sure if this is typical, or unusual allergic reaction. Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks for your help!


Comments

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2021

    Mockingbird - you need to call your doc & describe your symptoms. Did you go to the manufactures web site & read what's on their literature? I don't recall that, but then again I wasn't looking for that.

    I have have completed my 11th Prolia shot and so far have had no side effects except some fatigue.

  • KIDI919
    KIDI919 Member Posts: 425
    edited December 2021

    I have received 3 prolia injections and have not had that kind of reaction. As far as fatigue...well I feel like that is my normal. Between a dead thyroid and the AI's side effects it's hard to say. Dr just upped thyroid med so maybe I will perk up. I too would call, maybe it's just a localized reaction. It's good that it subsided.

  • Mockingbird114
    Mockingbird114 Member Posts: 22
    edited December 2021

    Hi MinusTwo,

    Thank you for your reply and the suggestions! You've helped me so much. I do plan on calling the MO office and letting them know I had a bit of a reaction. I looked on the manufacture's site, and it mentioned the following about reactions - this seemed to be a systemic type of allergic reaction:

    "Serious allergic reactions have happened in people who take Prolia®. Call your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including low blood pressure (hypotension); trouble breathing; throat tightness; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue; rash; itching; or hives."

    My reaction was local - only the skin at the injection site and it resolved fairly quickly. Looking at other references on the web I've found this:

    "Some side effects of denosumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts the the medication..." Here is one that relates to me: - redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given"

    Hopefully I will adjust, or with the doctor's ok, I could take some antihistamine if needed. I just don't want to overreact and report a major allergy if this is the best treatment for bone density building.

    KIDI919,

    Thanks for your feedback as well! It helps to know what others are experiencing and that we are not all alone as we navigate through these new processes.

  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited December 2021

    My doctor is recommending I get the Prolia infusion. I’ve been taking Boniva plus other calcium supplements and 2 years ago my Dexa scan showed my numbers were now in the osteopenia range. Fast forward to my scan in December I’ve lost 4% in the hip area.

    The problem is my insurance company will only cover 50% after I reach my deductible of $3k so I’m calculating 3-4k for just one shot. The next shot would be less but still at least $1k. I simply cannot afford this. We are helping our son who is a single dad with twin 6 year old boys who has been affected by the pandemic - job, etc.

    The thing is though even if we weren’t helping him the cost is just too high. Unfortunately all the shots and infusions don’t offer a generic version so I’m stuck paying it if I choose to.

    My doctor understands and I want to do everything possible to keep bone fractures at bay but there has to be something less expensive. Btw I read about all the possible side effects from Prolia. That worries me too.

    Anyone have success with anything other than Prolia?

    Thanks.

    Diane



  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2022

    edwards - have you had treatment for breast cancer? There are some other things that are around but I believe most of them are even more expensive. What other things did you discuss w/your doctor? My endocrinologist is talking about transitioning me to the new Fossamax (once a week I think) after 5 years on Prolia..

    BTW- if the drug is cost prohibitive, don't worry about the side effects. Otherwise there are LOTS of thread here about Prolia. If you decide to go ahead, get your dental work all done first & you should be OK.

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