Reclast vs Prolia for Osteoporosis—Comparing Effectiveness and Side Effects
Comparing Reclast vs Prolia? Your doctor may recommend medications like these to treat osteoporosis if you suffer from the condition. Which is better? We will take a deeper look.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease. Your bones are living tissue, being broken down and continually replaced. If you have Osteoporosis, your body may break down bone tissue faster than it can be replaced. The result is bones that are less dense and prone to breakage. Simple things like bending over, lifting something heavy, or coughing can cause a fracture.
A healthy diet and regular weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss and strengthen your bone tissue. When that is not enough, medications can help.
Reclast for osteoporosis
Reclast® is the brand name for a drug called zoledronate, which changes the way bones form and break down in your body. It causes bone building cells, called osteoblasts, to work more effectively. The result is stronger bone mass and lower bone loss. It is particularly helpful for osteoporosis caused by menopause, use of steroids, or certain diseases. If you are at high risk for a bone fracture, your doctor may prescribe it.
While Reclast can help some people, if your blood is low in calcium or you suffer kidney disease, you can’t take it. Several other conditions, like thyroid problems, asthma, nutrient malabsorption, or dental problems, might prevent you from being able to take Reclast. You should not be pregnant or breastfeeding if you are using this drug.
Reclast is a drug taken as an infusion into a vein, a process that takes at least 15 minutes. You may take it once a year or sometimes a bit more often. How long you stay on Reclast depends on your condition, but rarely are people prescribed the drug for longer than five years.
Be sure to let your healthcare professional know if you are taking any medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.
Prolia for osteoporosis
Prolia® is another commonly prescribed drug for people suffering from osteoporosis. It is the brand name of a medicine with the generic name of denosumab.
Prolia is particularly helpful for people on drugs called glucocorticoids. These compounds treat rheumatoid arthritics, lupins, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anti-rejection drugs taken by people with donor organs. A side-effect of these drugs is osteoporosis.
Certain cancer treatments increase the risk of osteoporosis, as well. Prolia is often prescribed to prevent bone loss that these treatments can cause.
As with Reclast, you cannot take Prolia if you have low calcium levels, kidney disease, thyroid and parathyroid issues, nutrient malabsorption, and immune disease, among several others. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid Prolia
Taking Prolia is simple. It is given as an injection just under your skin. While it is possible to inject yourself, doing so can be complicated. You need to prepare by taking extra calcium and Vitamin D. You need to keep the medicine refrigerated and have to protect it from light. You need to take care not to shake the syringe and must wait until it comes to room temperature before injecting it. Getting an injection every six months is common.
Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking vitamins, herbal remedies, and other prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Which is better? Reclast vs Prolia
As with so many things when it comes to health, diseases, and the best treatments, the Reclast vs Prolia debate is answered with: “It depends.”
Several studies have shown that patients got similar results and face similar risks. Both drugs improved bone density. Both drugs had similar risk profiles. The side effects are similar for both, as well.
Your doctor will recommend the option that will best address your specific issues and condition.
Where can you get Reclast or Prolia?
You can get a Reclast infusion at a hospital or at your doctors office. The same is true for getting Prolia injections. These two options are inconvenient and expensive for many people.
You may want to consider Infusion for Health. We are a dedicated infusion care center, with convenentn locations throughout the United States.
At Infusion for Health, you receive treamtment in a fully private suite, with first-class care experience. You’ll be treated in a relaxing environment by people who understand your condition and your treatment. We know how to help you prepare and know what to look for when it comes to potential side effects. You get expert level care and we work closely with your healthcare team.
Talk to your doctor for a referral, and we will work with you and your provider to manage everything from appointment scheduling through to insurance coverage options.
