All medications
Bone health
Denosumab
Brand names: Prolia and biosimilars (Jubbonti, Ospomyv, Stoboclo, Conexxence)
An injection every 6 months that strongly reduces bone loss.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Osteoporosis at high fracture risk, and bone loss from hormone therapy for cancer.
How it works
An antibody that blocks RANKL, the signal osteoclasts need to form and break down bone.
How it’s taken
An injection under the skin every 6 months, on schedule.
Side effects
Low calcium (especially with kidney disease), skin infections and rare jaw or thigh bone problems.
Monitoring
Calcium and kidney function, bone density.
Good to know
Never stop denosumab without a plan: missing doses can cause rapid bone loss and spine fractures. A bisphosphonate is usually given afterward.
At a glance
Class
Bone health
Brand names
Prolia and biosimilars (Jubbonti, Ospomyv, Stoboclo, Conexxence)
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.