Differences Between Evenity and Prolia Explained
Evenity and Prolia are two brand-name solutions for osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with a high risk of bone fractures. These medications, though similar in purpose, have distinct differences in their mechanisms, dosages, and side effects.
Evenity, with the active ingredient romosozumab-aqqg, is a sclerostin blocker. It works by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption. This medication is meant for postmenopausal women for whom other osteoporosis treatments didn't work or caused bothersome side effects. The dose of Evenity is 210 mg (two injections at once), and it is administered once per month for no more than 12 months.
On the other hand, Prolia, with denosumab as its active ingredient, is a RANK ligand (RANKL) blocker. It primarily works by reducing bone resorption through inhibition of osteoclast formation and activity. Prolia has broader approvals, treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk for fracture, osteoporosis caused by steroids, and bone loss related to certain cancer treatments. The dose of Prolia is 60 mg (one injection) and is given once every 6 months.
Both medications are approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal females and are given as subcutaneous injections by healthcare professionals. However, Evenity is administered more frequently than Prolia and isn't recommended for use beyond 12 months.
Mild side effects of both medications include joint pain, headache, swelling or fluid retention, muscle spasms, feelings of burning, tingling, or "pins and needles," pain in the back, arms, or legs, neck pain, high cholesterol level, mild urinary tract infection, common cold, and mild allergic reaction.
Evenity and Prolia can cause some of the same side effects, as well as some different ones. For example, Evenity has been linked to certain serious heart-related side effects, including heart attack, while Prolia has been associated with severe pain. Serious side effects of both medications include increased risk of serious cardiovascular problems, unusual fractures in the thigh bone, osteonecrosis (bone tissue death) in the jaw, low blood calcium level, broken bones in the spine after stopping treatment, serious infection, severe pain in bones, muscles, or joints, decreased bone production, and severe allergic reaction.
It's important to note that the cost of Evenity or Prolia depends on the treatment plan, insurance, pharmacy, and healthcare professional visits. Your doctor will consider your medication history, health history, and specific needs when determining whether Evenity or Prolia is better for you.
In conclusion, Evenity and Prolia offer different approaches to treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evenity is used for postmenopausal women at high fracture risk on a monthly schedule with a unique mechanism and some cardiovascular warnings, while Prolia has broader indications including men and secondary osteoporosis, is dosed every 6 months, and has well-characterized side effects including infection and jaw necrosis risks. The choice depends on patient specifics, fracture risk, and tolerability.
[1] Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Evenity. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/evenity-romosozumab-aqqg-injection-0-21-mg-ml-single-use-vial
[3] Food and Drug Administration. (2010). Prolia. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/prolia-denosumab-injection-60-mg-single-use-vial
[5] National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2021). Prolia. Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/medication-therapy/prolia/
- Evenity and Prolia are medications used to treat osteoporosis, a medical-condition that affects women in menopause, as well as other chronic-diseases.
- Both drugs are administered as subcutaneous injections, but Evenity's dosage is 210 mg (once a month for 12 months) and Prolia's is 60 mg (every 6 months).
- While both drugs can cause common side effects like joint pain, headache, and fluid retention, Evenity has been linked to serious heart-related side effects, and Prolia has been associated with severe pain.
- The choice between Evenity and Prolia depends on the patient's specific needs, considering factors like treatment history, health status, and individual risk factors for certain side effects.
- Long-term use of these medications, especially over a year for Evenity, may not be recommended due to possible complications, and their cost can vary based on treatment plans, insurance, pharmacy, and healthcare professional visits.
