The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Prolia (denosumab) on June 1, 2010. Prolia is an injectable treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are considered to be at high risk for fractures. Prolia works to decrease destruction of bone and increase bone mass and strength, according to the FDA. An injection of Prolia is recommended once every six months.
Of those who have osteoporosis in the United States, 80% are women. One out of every two women over age 50 will break a bone during their lifetime related to osteoporosis. The statistics associated with osteoporosis are quite striking, making it a serious public health concern. Though Prolia has some common side effects, as most drugs do, having another treatment option for osteoporosis is important.
Related Resources:
- Bone Up on Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis Risk Factor Quiz
- Osteoporosis Screening Quiz
- Americans Over 50 at Risk for Bone Fractures
- What Should People With Arthritis Be Doing to Prevent Osteoporosis?
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