How does Prolia differ from the bisphosphonates?    • Q: How
does Prolia differ from the bisphosphonates?   • A: Prolia
(denosumab) is the first "biologic" therapy, a fully human, lab
produced, monoclonal antibody, used to prevent menopausal
osteoporosis in a similar way as the bisphosphonates, Fosamax
(alendronate), Actonel (risedronate), Boniva (ibandronate), and
Reclast (zoledronic acid), but using a different approach. Bones
are constantly being broken down by osteoclasts and rebuilding
by osteoblasts, and all of the above mentioned medications slow
the process of breakdown. However, Prolia (denosumab) works
differently by binding to a chemical signal called a RANK
ligand. This ligand is part of the process for bone breakdown,
but it is also involved in other areas of the immune system.
Women who took it in studies were more prone to infections, as
the immune system was not as strong. Other effects of a weaker
immune system were more cases of skin reactions, such as
dermatitis, rashes, and eczema. While t