Boniva vs Prolia: How Are These Osteoporosis Treatments Different?

Osteoporosis is a condition sometimes being called “bone loss”. Aptly named, it results in a high risk of broken limbs, fractures, and other unpleasant consequences. When left to its own devices, the disease can stay in a way of living a normal life.

Nowadays, people have a variety of osteoporosis medicines at their disposal. Prolia and Boniva are popular and effective treatments that still have significant differences. Today, it’s time to dig into them.

What Is Prolia?

Prolia (denosumab) is an injectable used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and to increase bone mass in men suffering from its abnormal loss. It’s also medically indicated for people with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Prolia denosumab injection is a sterile and colorless substance provided in a single-use syringe. The vial is pre-filled and has a needle safety guard, so the medication can be self-administered if a healthcare provider isn’t available. Click here to learn more about Prolia.

What Is Boniva?

Boniva (ibandronate sodium) is a medication that treats and prevents bone loss symptoms and complications, such as hip fracture, broken bones, and others. It can be taken by a variety of people, including women after menopause.

Boniva is meant to be taken orally and is produced in pill form. It can be more comfortable to simply take tablets instead of being injected, so Boniva is a good option for people who can’t stand needles. However, this drug is also available in a form of injection. In this case, it should be administered in a clinic.

How Long to Take These Osteoporosis Medications?

Prolia (denosumab) and Boniva (ibandronate sodium) treatments are designed for long-term use. However, while both reduce the risk of broken bones effectively, they do it differently, and they should be taken differently as well.

How Long Can You Take Prolia?

A 1 mL syringe contains 60 mg of denosumab. This recommended dose of Prolia is administered subcutaneously once every 6 months. It’s important for women taking Prolia to use birth control methods during the treatment.

There is no specified period over which denosumab’s use needs to be continued. Usually, the best results of the injection are achieved after 3 years of Prolia treatment. The overall duration of the treatment is determined by a doctor only.

How Long to Take Boniva?

Boniva 150 mg tablet is meant to be taken with plain water on an empty stomach once a month in the morning. It’s important to remember that one hour must pass before eating, drinking, and taking other medications. A person should also maintain an upright posture over this time.

Typically, Boniva treatment continues for 3-5 years. Then, a doctor decides whether to stop or continue it.

What Adverse Reactions Can They Cause?

Prolia and Boniva, despite being differently formulated osteoporosis medications, can cause similar adverse events:

• Injection site reactions
• Low calcium levels
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Flu symptoms
• Pain in your arms or legs
• Jawbone problems
• Malaise
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Allergic reaction
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Bone, joint, or muscle pain
• Vertigo
• Urinary tract infection

Unique Side Effects of Prolia Injection

Some of the Prolia side effects that Boniva treatment normally doesn’t result in are:

• Anemia
• Trouble hearing
• Weight loss
• Urine discoloration
• Spots under the skin

This osteoporosis medication is considered likely to cause serious infections in some people, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before undergoing treatment with Prolia.

Unique Boniva Side Effects

Just like Prolia, Boniva pills can also cause their own unique adverse events:

• Conjunctivitis
• Trouble swallowing
• Heartburn

To minimize and avoid other more serious side effects that Boniva treatment can result in, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, receiving medical advice from a doctor is a must.

In Conclusion

Despite both Boniva and Prolia being effective osteoporosis treatments, they have some different characteristics that will make either one the best option for you.

While a choice is also a matter of preference, patients still need to consult their physicians to learn more about their condition and contraindications, as well as to avoid severe complications and minimize undesired side effects that these drugs can bring.