Drugs and high Calcium

[Poollover]

My Oncologist wants me to take Prolia, but the Insurance will not pay for it and wants me to take Zometa. However, I did research on Zometa and its reputation is questionable. What are the alternatives? Xgeva seems better. Any thoughts about this.

[MJCA]

Xgeva IS Prolia. It is a stronger dose for men on ADT. Prolia is for women normally.

[skiingfiend in reply to MJCA]

Prolia is for Osteoporosis, and is a shot given every 6 months.

XGeva is for mCRPCa with significant bone metastasis and is a shot given every 4 weeks.

Both are the same drug Denosumab, and both can be prescribed for PCa. Which one depends on how serious your condition is.

Twice a year Prolia will be cheaper than 12 times a year XGeva. Start with the lowest dose that gets the job done.

I am taking Prolia.

[Poollover in reply to skiingfiend]

Thanks, that helps.

[Tall_Allen]

Zometa works just as well as Xgeva. They gave Xgeva more often, so it appeared to work better.

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

Xgeva and Prolia are essentially the same. They both use denosumab a monoclonal antibody. My understanding is the difference is in the dosage. Prolia is normally given to prostate cancer patients who have weakened bones due to hormonal therapy. Xgeva is a higher dose of denosumab that is given to prevent bone problems such as fractures. As for the difference between Prolia and Zometa (Zoledronic acid). Each one has its advocates. I was told by my medical oncologist that Prolia requires less monitoring of kidney function and was better at preventing skeletal related events (SREs). Hope that helps!

[Poollover in reply to RyderLake2]

It does, thanks.

[Har036]

My husband gets the Xgeva as a preventative med for SRE. Recently he’s had to get zometa infusions for high blood calcium levels.

[dhccpa]

I've been on denosumab (not sure which brand) 120 mg (I think) given in a shot every three months. Kind of a hybrid dose with my MO being conservative.

Next bone scan 9/2024. Previous one 9/2022.

[TommyCarz2]

I went from , once monthly Xgeva, to every 3 months Xgeva. At Insurance renewal time, Aetna too, wanted me to switch to 3 month Zometa Infusions..... Like you, I read the horror stories of Zometa, my Oncologist told me Zometa Infusions were fine, and perhaps even more effective, but the horror stories arose from "Oral Zometa"...something I'd never heard of. He contacted Aetna, and they agreed to allow me to continue on Xgeva. Acid Reflux was my reasoning, as all materials I've read recommend that Gerd Patients NOT use Zometa.

Good luck, I hope you get it figured out

[j-o-h-n]

Prolia® (Denosumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women* after menopause who are at high risk for fracture or cannot use another osteoporosis medicine or other osteoporosis medicines did not work well.

1 Injection every 6 months.

*And I think it's good for your Mantits.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[SteveTheJ]

You said high calcium or low calcium? If your calcium is too high consider seeing an endocrinologist because the issue might be with your parathyroid.

[Professorgary]

I was on Xgeva for four injections and pulled the plug. Mo started me when I started abiraterone and before dexa scan results. Two years on adt and BMD normal. I had skin issues as well as fatigue and shortness of breath. This drug has a half life of 30 days which means when you get your second injection you still have half of your first injection in your system. After you receive your 4th dose you have almost two full doses in your system. I guess this is why many push for an injection every 3 months instead of monthly. My question is are you getting this for bone problems or simply to reduce calcium. Best wishes and God bless.

[Atdabeach]

I developed severe low back pain and sciatica, and MRI showed sacral insufficiency fractures, after RT (proton) and a year into ADT. A Dexascan showed osteopenia, and my orthopedist and radiation oncologist both cited radiation damage as a contributing factor. After a round of testing (serum calcium, 24-hour urine calcium, parathyroid, and c-telopeptides), as well as clearance from my dentist, my endocrinology bone specialist ordered Reclast (same as Zometa) as an annual infusion, along with upping my calcium supplement and switching it from calcium carbonate to calcium citrate. All I can say is I was doing much better within a month or so, and I will have the Reclast annually for 3-5 years. I am back to hard weight-training workouts with no pain.

[Jewelrylady]

My husband is getting Prolia (he was diagnosed with osteoporosis). He has had no side effects so far. He’s had two injections. I have a female friend who has been on it for two years and has had no side effects. But it is scary when you read about possible side effects!