Prolia=Exgeva ???

[51na1a]

MO is recommending 6 month infusions of Prolia (which does contain Exgeva along with other feminine based drugs).

Xgeva is much newer and specific to males.

My question is as follows:

Is a single 6 month infusion of Prolia=6 months of Xgeva infusions for effectiveness ????

Took note that once on Prolia, Xgeva is OUT for subsequent infusions.

Concerned about overall effectiveness of Prolia versus Xgeva.

Don't want to limit my options and want the greatest effectiveness against osteoporosis.

Appreciate all opinions and comments.

[Tall_Allen]

It has nothing to do with male or female. They are both the same chemical, "denosumab." Xgeva is a higher dose - 120 mg per month. It is indicated for men with bone metastases. Prolia is a weaker dose - 60 mg given every 6 months for men who do not have bone metastases, but who have osteoporosis from their hormone therapy.

Before taking either, you should have a DEXA scan that indicates osteoporosis. You should also monitor blood Vitamin D and calcium levels. Side effects go up with cumulative dose, so only take what is needed.

[Hidden in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you Tall_Allen

[51na1a in reply to Tall_Allen]

Done the Dexa (1.9 hip).

MO recommends Xgeva (6 month).

Side effects one issue with me AND want to do whatever is necessary, with correct drug, to address issues.

Thank you for your input !!

[Philly13 in reply to Tall_Allen]

This thread is timely for me, and I have a follow-up question for Tall_Allen for clarity.

Reviewing my circumstances. I started firmagon on May 8th and Zytiga generic version on June 9th. Key markers have steadily improved. PSA from 47 to 4.7 yesterday. ALP from 149 to 63 yesterday. They told me today the CRNP told me they wanted to add Xgeva. I asked why. The response was general. “That is what we do for metastatic,” I asked why and if there were any indications that my bones are deteriorating or if there developing signs of Osteoporosis. She said that has nothing to with it. I told her I was not ready to commit to this and wanted her to provide me with written information on why it is indicated. She said she would. I also told her I would speak to the oncologist before starting the treatments.

I need to understand why and what the goal is. Her response is basically saying, because I said so.

I see your response to 51na1a and would like to ask if it is your opinion that the DEXA scan should be done before deciding to begin the Xgeva should begin. I would prefer not to subject myself to more Side Effects unless there is a reason. Either reactive or prophylactic.

Thanks for your thoughts if you see this and have time to respond.

For this reason and others, I am not satisfied with this woman being the person, I spend most of my clinic time with. I will figure out how to deal with that shortly.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Philly13]

Absolutely get a DEXA scan first. Why take a medicine for osteoporosis if you don't have it? My friend has been on Zytiga for two years but he has higher than average bone mineral density because he works out so much. He can avoid the side effects of Zometa.

[Philly13 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you seems inadequate, but it’s all I got. 2 years in and my intuitive response seem to be getting better. It is wonderful to have a forum where I can have people listen and give valuable and sometimes life saving feedback. They had the injection teed up today. I hope I don’t need it. If I do, I wonder if they will comprehend it was still the wrong thing to do without any indication it is needed.

[tallguy2 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have osteopenia per the DEXA scan, closing in on osteoporosis. Per my MO I started on Prolia a year ago. No obvious side effects thus far.

[Hidden]

After RT and over four years of adt and castration my recent dexa scan shows that I’m in osteopenia . My Mo just gave me my first shot of prolia. I’m now 58.. I felt a little dizziness but no other side effects yet fortunately . I’m taking simple bone health nutrients and recently moved my ass off the couch to the gym ... All of this is a pleasure without t . For me it’s a case of whithering away without activity and exersize .... Our bone and heart health are reasons to work out often . I’m weak and frail compared to my old self . But I ve got to keep pushing body into moving ... lethargy will do us in . I recommend you to jump aboard this train in the attempt to strengthen our bones .. unless you have a better method .? My MO said I’ll do only 4 six months shots then stop.. I didn’t really want to do prolia .. neither did I want RT or adt ,but all roads in the persuit Of life are worth it .. good luck .

[GranPaSmurf in reply to Hidden]

Lulu700, I've dealt with degerative spinal stenosis for years. Walking more than about 20 yards or standing more than about 5 minutes hurts like hell.

The only exercise this lazy slug's ever actually enjoyed is water aerobics. That old fat man bobing around like a fishing cork isn't putting any pressure on the back. And lots of muscles are getting a little use. . I've got a mean serve on the beach ball our volleyball bunch uses.

I've laid off for a couple of years, but I'm getting back into the routine - a couple of days a week.

Anyone in a Medicare Advantage plan has a free pass to Gold's Gym (and many others), most of those plans throw in a Silver Sneakers membership.

[Hidden in reply to GranPaSmurf]

I’ve got the silver sneakers too . I will apply it to the local y where I can swim . Only prob is that dam chlorine .. prefer to jump in the ocean but that’s a far stretch from Az. .......we all are trying to tread water and keep this boat afloat . Sorry to hear about this painful stenosis for you . My pain pales in comparison . Take care GranPaSmurf 🌵 .

[Magnus1964]

T-A gave the best explanation. I get 120 mg of xgeva every month. I have had bone mets plus years of ADT . I have no side effects with xgeva.

[leo2634]

I've been on Xgeva 20 months now no significant side effects other than calcium drops once in awhile so doc will hold off a month until levels come back .

[Hidden in reply to leo2634]

Are you taking calcium . And how much ?

[leo2634 in reply to Hidden]

Yes 1200 units

[Hidden in reply to leo2634]

👍

[Hidden]

You taking calcium?

[monte1111]

Never had a DEXA scan or had testosterone checked. Have been taking Xgeva every month for 2 and a half years. Maybe with spinal compression and a couple of deteriorating disks they figure I don't need the DEXA scan. Maybe because I've started to come to appointments wearing a dress and making sure everyone sees my fashion handbag they think a testosterone test is unnecessary. Well, fooey on them.

[Hidden in reply to monte1111]

Now that you mention it? I’m neither male nor female on the scale ...I’m somewhere In that gray area..in between ..unique or in my case “ Eunuch ” . For us the chosen few totally castrated bastards .. although sexual identity is only one way to identify a man ...I Still have my Adam’s apple ? Thank God for life ...

[monte1111 in reply to Hidden]

I immediately felt my Adam's apple to see if it had shrunk. Thank God. We are still in the game.

[Hidden in reply to monte1111]

Still in this!😂

[Shooter1 in reply to Hidden]

Remember to add me to the total list. Doing well in Idaho. PSA stable at o.120-0,130 range.

Doug

[Hidden in reply to Shooter1]

Great news . Keep on truckin !