More about Prolia

[HeronNS]

citizen.org/article/petitio...

[nuigini]

Thanks for this Heron.

[Constance13]

Wow! Please let us know when (if) this is resolved any time soon.

I stopped taking Bonviva (which I suppose is similar) when I read there were restrictions on it. My doctor didn't agree!

[HeronNS in reply to Constance13]

I only come across these things by happenstance!

Boniva is a bisphosphonate so it will not, as far as I know, have the same effect of rebound osteoporosis, so put your mind to rest regarding that.

Denosumab (Prolia) is a "monoclonal antibody", whatever that means.

[Mark_ABH in reply to HeronNS]

Another term you might have heard is "biologics." Denosumab works at the molecular level to prevent osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone mass) from forming.

Here's some more reading about the different kinds of osteoporosis medications. Bisphosphonates (like Boniva) are also called antiresorptives.

americanbonehealth.org/medi...

americanbonehealth.org/medi...

[HeronNS in reply to Mark_ABH]

Thank you for the links. I believe the suffix -mab stands for monoclonal antibody and these drugs were originally developed to treat cancer but now used in many different ways. As far as I can determine from the description of how they are made is they are called biologics because they are developed through genetic engineering. When someone's disease is going to kill them a biologic may be necessary and the risks acceptable. For something like osteoporopsis I'd say they are major overkill, they are not yet ready for use in diseases which can already be adequately treated and are not basically life-threatening.

[Hidden in reply to HeronNS]

Biologics and Biosimilars are becoming more frequently used as treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the UK and maybe in US too.

[HeronNS in reply to Hidden]

They certainly aren't ready for the big time when it comes to treating osteoporosis. Personally I think there should be attention paid to prevention because in most cases there is no reason for anyone to develop osteoporosis. But you can't make a bundle telling people how they can keep their bones healthy!

[sweetsusie]

Finally...maybe people are getting a clue!