Can You Stop Prolia? Or Will It INCREASE Fracture Risk??

In this episode, Dr. Doug discusses the popular drug Prolia (Denosumab) used for the treatment of osteoporosis. He focuses on the risk of fracture after stopping the drug and addresses the fear surrounding it. Dr. Doug presents research from the FREEDOM trial, which showed a reduction in vertebral fractures with Prolia but also a reduction in bone building. He then discusses the 10-year data from the trial, which showed an increased risk of vertebral fractures after discontinuing the drug. Dr. Doug reassures listeners that with a solid plan and monitoring, the risk can be managed.
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This channel is focused on Bones, Hormones, and Healthspan to help midlife women and beyond aim for optimal, not average, and reignite their spark!
The videos on this channel will be focused around helping women navigate healthspan and longevity through the lens of osteoporosis, perimenopause, and menopause. When it comes to osteoporosis and menopause providers and educators often get tunnel vision and your symptoms might get better, but if you don't keep longevity in mind, symptom improvement may come at the expense of heart and brain health.
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ABOUT DR. DOUG LUCAS
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Dr. Doug Lucas: Owner/founder of Optimal Bone Health and Optimal Human Health. My team and I work together to create custom bone optimization plans for individuals based around supplements, hormone optimization, peptides and more in order to increase bone health and longevity!
Optimal Bone Health www.optimalhumanhealth.com/
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#osteoporosis
#fracture
#healthspan
Watch and Enjoy! Dr. Doug Lucas Key Moments in this Episode =========================
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background on Prolia
07:23 Long-Term Data on Prolia and the Risk of Fracture
13:59 Managing the Risk of Fracture After Discontinuing Prolia

[@terrifiorelli9819]

Took this four times and stopped. It is nasty! I did not start anything else as prefer to try natural ways. Any synthetic drug is an issue to me.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Debbiedo28]

Thank you so much for this excellent, super informative explanation. I stopped Prolia 2 years ago (after 10 years!) and don’t want to start any other drugs for now (much to my doctor’s dismay). I’ve worked with a trainer, dietician and did a ton of research but this made me feel like I’ve definitely made the right decision. Lots of major life changes, although I was a pretty healthy 71 year old, and expect to continue to improve my bones and health. Thank you again!!!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I am very glad to hear that!

[@paulinepaetzy857]

Hi Debbie, I am wondering if you suffered any bone fractures after 10 years? So scary what doctors and pharmaceutical companies tell a person when wanting to quit . Thank you in advance

[@Debbiedo28]

@@paulinepaetzy857 I have not had any fractures but doing a lot of proactive steps like weight lifting, resistance training, supplements and diet changes. Also being very careful with balance, not twisting or rounding my back, etc. but staying active. Time will tell! My very best to you.

[@Indydi]

You just described me a month ago--totally stressed out over stopping Prolia after 4.5 years. I've been all over your comment sections, and I'm sure I lost some bone over all that stress. Now a full service patient, just starting up, I'm very hopeful that I'll get off this bone metabolism poison successfully. But it's not just about stopping it and preventing catastrophe--it's about replacing it with a really solid program afterward, and that's already in the works. Thank you for all you do! Even after watching most of your videos, I still learn a lot in the weekly Q&A on Wednesdays, and have been watching the older ones too. I tell everyone I know--and even many I don't know--about you. 😁 --Diane K Miller

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi Diane! Thank you so much for sharing this, I greatly appreciate your support. I am so glad to hear that these videos and the Q&A sessions are helpful for you!

[@paulinepaetzy857]

Thank you Dr. Doug!I have been on Prolia for 21/2 years and told my doctor I wanted to stop as all the info out there was terrifying for bone fractures and side effects when coming off of it. I have started a weight lighting, weight bearing, and supplement routine. K2, Vit.D and hydrolyzed collagen Protein. I am not due for my next shot til Aug.(which I am not taking) so I have started this routine in advance to avoid any potential risks that may occur. Honestly, just in 2 weeks I feel stronger ! I am 61 years old and I hope to enjoy this time doing things to keep me active, healthy and stronger. My new grandson, has also been a huge motivator for me. ❤️. Thank you for easing my overactive worried mind about this dangerous drug. All the best to you .

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing all of this, I am so glad to hear that!!

[@lebooshdiaries]

Still watching your videos every day...still lifting, still eating as well as i can, thank u doc!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

You got this! Thank you for watching!

[@linastockley4544]

Ty well informed video. Ty for easing my mind. I now know what to do. Sooo relieved.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for watching, very glad to hear that!

[@superfit60]

HRT is the way to go with a modest bump of testosterone, eat protein lots of good protein, lift the absolute heaviest weight you can safely with a trainer... Tell the bones to grow... The body is an amazing thing, it will adapt... Start shooting some jump shots(gym floor not cement driveway)... I am doing this again even with two bum knees, arthritis in one hip and a total hip replacement in the other. Make yourself a goal... in a month I will be shooting threes again...Pharma is not the way to go... don't do it... unless you absolutely have too...Do not be afraid of a little muscle soreness that is actually a good sign you did something...

[@sandramorton5510]

Best Advice.

[@katieking8830]

Can’t do if you’ve had breast cancer

[@superfit60]

@@katieking8830 sorry! still lift... you can do it... even if it's the bar only for squats. The liftmor exercises compound movements are the way to go... search it you see what they are..

[@dspann2799]

Can't do it if you've had breast biopsies and bulging discs in your back. But I agree with any physical activity you can tolerate. Wishing you the best.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing all of this!

[@ellenmumford3843]

Thank you! I finally got the information on Prolia I was looking for. I still want to take a year to try increasing bone on my own. Heel drops and foot stomping are very interesting to me. I already tap dance so I could do dropping and stomping to the tapping music without my tap shoes. I’m still figuring out my diet to work for my kidney disease and bones. I’m on it! Thanks again!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am glad to hear these videos have been helpful!

[@user-pq5xz7ts3d]

6 Love listening to you. Such great information. Would like you to do the same for Evenity. Are there studies for long-term use of this drug. Especially concerning jaw, and heart and strokes studies. Thanks so much for all the good information.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question! Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. These are things that we discuss in there and it allows us to go into detail rather than doing short chats through this platform. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@reimaravalk7679]

Thank you very much, Dr. DOUG for this insightful video about proglia. I am using it in a perimenopausal state, and with your info I can make a decision whether to continue and if so for how long. Many thanks, Ms Reimara

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi! Thank you so much for watching, I am glad to hear that this video was helpful!

[@robyn3349]

Thank you!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for watching!

[@cindysharp4466]

I just started the Algaecare bone builder pack. Hoping for the best. Want to avoid the pharmaceuticals if possible.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing!

[@lizparkermusic]

Have been told to take it and refused at 71. Lost 50 lbs, do weight baring exercises and walk/trot downhill. I have not thought about HRT and wonder if I should ask about it. My t scores just hit Osteoporosis and I am following much of your protocol. Guess we'll see next year how that's going. Still won't take the drugs, tho. Thanks for your podcasts!

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@superfit60]

Start this now... you will need a blood test and mammogram. I had to do additional tests, a CT leg scan as sticky blood runs in my family, and a calcium scan for the heart. If all is clear with the testing, a compounded pharmacy will make a nice cream with the three compounds in it in the right amounts for you... This works!!! Another positive is that my skin quality has gotten so much better. I think estrogen stimulates collagen production. I feel 20 years younger...its amazing....the old study on hormone replacement was flawed and untrue...hormones keeps us young

[@marysalinas3692]

I am being pressured significantly by my endocrinologist and my rheumatologist. I have read so much and it's not rocket science to see how questionable it is taking these drugs. I'm 62, and I want to take natural supplements to help with my osteoporosis.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this. It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here -->www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@Lyn4817]

While on long term Actonil followed by Prolia I started taking 5,000iu of Vitamin D3 in 2020. Taking my calicium level from approximately 75 nmol/L to 122 nmol/L in November 2023. I have only become aware of requiring vitamin K2 which I have been taking this year. I fractured my wrist in 1997, a compression fracture of my T12 and prolapsed lumbar vertebrae in 2005. Approximately I started Actonil in 2011 then my Dr transferred me to Prolia after about three years. In 2015, I fractured my Distal Femur, however I had bilateral total knee replacements in 2000. NOW I need all but six teeth removed as they have become rotten from the inside out, according to dental x-rays. So much for strengthening my bones when so much dental damage has been done.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this. It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here -->www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@BronzeOrwin]

My biggest question is what happens if you have a fracture while on the stuff? If it reduces bone building..

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question! Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. These are things that we discuss in there and it allows us to go into detail rather than doing short chats through this platform. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@Lyn4817]

I fractured my femur in April 2015 and my bone had regenerated sufficiently in October 2016 to remove the plate and screws which had damaged my ITB (Iliotibial band). Having been on Prolia following on from Actonil, all up about 12 years. I now have to have all but 6 teeth removed as they have rotted from the inside out. I had been spending a fortune at a Dentist for surface repairs. It was only this year of going to a University Dental Clinic I was told my teeth were rotten on the inside as well. So please pay attention to your teeth. It wasn't until two molars fractured down to the gum line I knew something was wrong.I also had bone fractures both sides of starting injections. It was a case of starting therapy due to fractures but I still suffered fractures while on the injections.

[@fadiiraqi9397]

My mom on prolia from 2015 Until now I don't know if she needs to switch to Actonel or continue prolia

[@leeanneburchell7053]

Dr. Doug, Have you heard that melatonin can help bone growth? And what do you think about it?

[@Haidji.]

There is a study about it www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7979260/#:~:text=Melatonin%20contributes%20to%20bone%20repair,oxidative%20stress%20and%20osteoclastogenesis%2C%20respectively. I hope Dr Doug speaks about it

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi! Checkout the video on my channel called "Melatonin's Surprising Impact on Osteoporosis"

[@DankDragon62]

My problem is that I have acromegaly & can't get a straight answer from 4 different doctors if my osteoporosis is from the medication I have to take for the excessive growth hormone or if indeed this is just from the acromegaly, surgery was almost 20yrs ago,but 3 yrs later I had to start the sandostatin, most confusing.....only 64yrs young & Osteoporosis is worse than my 80 yrs old mom

[@DankDragon62]

Sorry so long, take reclast once a yr

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this. It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here --> www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@kimdavis1091]

Too late for me as I’ve been on Prolia for 3 years now… I’m afraid to stop … I’m 62 & moderate fracture risk as per my bone density scores.. I was a high fracture risk level …& im on HRT, TRT

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here -->www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@user-kb6to4wm2t]

I can’t find where to join the Masterclass. I’m using an IPad. Can someone help please?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi! You can register directly through this link --> www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@poetmaggie1]

My doctor had trouble billing for Prolia from Medicare and Tricare so I only got a couple of shots, We tried another product but I don't like the side effects that develop. I am depending on vitamins and minerals supplements in stead, at worse my body just dumps them, also I am now in my 80's my life expectancy if family history is a clue is as much as 20 more years and I know at this age that 20 is not a long time. I am taking for Thyroid but I am tired of taking pills and doctors not trying to help me get out of my health problems.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this. It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here -->www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@mpoharper]

Anabolics are scary if one has cancer.

[@Indydi]

But they don't cause new cases of cancer, at least not in humans. Only in rats.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing!

[@raunetty]

I am surprised that my answer to one comment was deleted twice. Anything wrong about me explaining my case? anyway, just to let you know before you delete this one as well.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Hi! We very rarely delete any comments. You may want to double check that they are fully going through. I often reply to comments on here that never send, it will say replied but does not go away when refreshing the page as if it has not actually been answered.

[@kathybirkland1212]

This happened to me in October 2023, I have a total of 5 fractured vertebrae now. It may never get better. Am I angry yes.

[@amalalnadree354]

Sorry to hear that but did the fracture happen after you take the injection?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this. It sounds like you could benefit from the next free Bone Foundations Masterclass we have coming up if you have not attended one before. You can find more information here -->www.optimalhumanhealth.com/build-bone

[@kathrynfriedrich276]

Bisphosphonate is required, temporarily, to combat the REBOUND.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Thank you for sharing!

[@bornagainchristian2501]

Dr. Dough with what I've read and learned about Prolia, what would you suggest alternative medication instead of Prolia My endo doctor recommended me for a shot of Prolia but I have several apprehensions taking my doctor advice.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question! Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. These are things that we discuss in there and it allows us to go into detail rather than doing short chats through this platform. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@raunetty]

and what about getting out of an anabolic drug. Like if I am 6 months on forteo, and really ready to go for exercise and supplements to carry on stimulating my oasteoblasts, can I stop forteo without having to switch to any other drug? being diagnosed with osteoporosis and going for exercise right away is a tremendous challenge. Doing LIFTMOR, even if you increase your weight lifting very very carefully, how can you know how much is too much? We now that lifting too little is useless... It's a whole challenge.

[@Indydi]

Forteo is the drug he speaks most positively about. It's not like the others, because it's not suppressing bone turnover. The problem is, it's so expensive. I was on it for 2 years when it was new, and didn't do anything after coming off, so I lost what I gained (it's still not a rebound, not like Prolia). I would do Forteo again, and probably could, as my insurance is thru Eli Lilly. But next time after coming off, I would do HRT and other supplements, as well as the resistance training, weighted vest, and PowerPlate that I'm already doing, to prevent losing the gains.

[@raunetty]

@@Indydi thanks so much for sharing. I just started forteo, and in france it is cheap because it is made here! and I have in mind to do everything you enumerate except HRT since I am a man. I hope I can totally stop forteo after six months, if dexa and bone markers show improvements. I was even thinking to do injection every other day instead of daily, but too little is said about it. (japanese reported of twice-weekly 28 mcg teriparatide injection giving good result. google about it) You see last year, full of enthusiasm, I dead power plate and LIFTMOR and supplements, but in my progression, I increased the weight a little too fast and damaged my L4 verterbrae, I finally had to change, and to turn to drug for a while, and be very very cautious when returning to exercise,,,that's the spice of life! thank you again.

[@raunetty]

@@Indydi thanks so much for sharing. I just started forteo and it is cheap in france because it is made here. I plan to do all what you enumerate, except HRT, since I am a man. I hope to stop after 6 months if dexa and bone turnover markers show clear improvements. I even thought of injecting every other day instead of daily, but too little is said about it. (japanese report twice-weekly 28 mcg teriparatide injection giving good results. google about it) you see, last year, full enthusiasm I started all the program of exercise, power plate and supplements, but in my progression, I increased the weight in LIFTMOR too fast and damaged my L$ vertebrae... so I finally had to start anew and turn to drug temporaly... spice of life! thanks again

[@beverlybrouwer3457]

What is the power plate you use?

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question! Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. These are things that we discuss in there and it allows us to go into detail rather than doing short chats through this platform. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@user-pq5xz7ts3d]

Would HRT be safe for women in their 70 for osteoporosis? Hate all these other drugs.

[@Dr_DougLucas]

Great question! Checkout our health span nation if you have not yet, you get exclusive access to me and a community of people pursuing health and longevity. These are things that we discuss in there and it allows us to go into detail rather than doing short chats through this platform. You can find more information here --> www.drdouglucas.com/healthspan

[@jcurrie2947]

Hi I’m 65 and started 2 months ago, and feel amazing. There is a new study that came out early April that should make HRT a positive choice for everyone. Even us old ladies😂. Check out the Ten Million Women study. Puts the WHI away,I hope, finally