Comprehensive medication guide to Prolia including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$50 copay for most commercially insured patients; covered under Medicare Part B (80% covered; Medigap may cover remainder) and Part D. Prior authorization and step therapy commonly required. Amgen SupportPlus Co-Pay Card can reduce cost to $0 for commercially insured patients.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$2,296–$2,547 retail for a single 60 mg dose (given every 6 months); as low as $1,891 with SingleCare discount coupon at participating specialty pharmacies. No generic available; biosimilars (e.g., Jubbonti, Bomyntra) may be priced lower.
Medfinder Findability Score
78/100
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Prolia is the brand name for denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody manufactured by Amgen Inc. and FDA-approved on June 1, 2010. It belongs to the drug class of RANKL inhibitors — biologic medications that reduce bone resorption by blocking a key signaling protein in the bone remodeling process. Prolia is given as a 60 mg subcutaneous injection once every six months at a healthcare provider's office.
Prolia is FDA-approved for five indications: osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high fracture risk, osteoporosis in men at high fracture risk, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, bone loss in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy, and bone loss in women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitor therapy.
As of 2026, nine FDA-approved biosimilars to Prolia exist, including Jubbonti (denosumab-bbdz), Bomyntra (denosumab-bnht), Enoby (denosumab-qbde), Osvyrti (denosumab-desu), and Ponlimsi (denosumab-adet), among others. Many insurance plans now require or prefer biosimilars over brand Prolia.
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Prolia works by targeting and blocking RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand), a protein that acts as the key "ON" signal for osteoclasts — the specialized cells that break down old bone. By binding RANKL with high affinity and specificity, Prolia prevents osteoclasts from forming, functioning, and surviving.
The result is a significant decrease in bone resorption and, over time, measurable increases in bone mineral density in both cortical (hard outer) and trabecular (inner spongy) bone. In clinical trials, Prolia reduced vertebral fractures by 68%, hip fractures by 40%, and non-vertebral fractures by approximately 20% over 3 years.
A critical distinction from bisphosphonates: Prolia's effect is fully reversible. When stopped without transitioning to another antiresorptive agent, bone resorption rebounds rapidly — sometimes exceeding pre-treatment levels — dramatically elevating fracture risk within months.
60 mg/mL — subcutaneous injection (prefilled syringe)
Single-dose prefilled syringe, 1 mL. Administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting once every 6 months.
Prolia is not on the FDA Drug Shortage Database as of 2026 — national supply from Amgen is generally stable. However, patients frequently experience delays due to the unique nature of how Prolia is dispensed. It is not available at retail pharmacies; instead, it must be ordered by your healthcare provider through a specialty distributor and administered in a clinical setting.
Common access barriers include prior authorization lapses, insurance formulary switches to biosimilars, office-level ordering failures, and specialty distributor backlogs. The ongoing transition to biosimilar denosumab products (nine approved as of 2026) is creating additional administrative complexity that can delay care.
To find a provider or infusion center near you that can administer Prolia or a denosumab biosimilar, use medfinder — we call local providers on your behalf and text you results.
Prolia (denosumab) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber with appropriate clinical training and prescribing authority can prescribe it. Because it is a specialty biologic requiring in-office administration, prescribers typically have established relationships with specialty distributors or infusion services.
Providers commonly prescribing Prolia include:
Telehealth providers can prescribe Prolia in most states; however, the injection must be administered in person at a clinic, infusion center, or medical office. Patients in rural areas may find telehealth a convenient way to obtain the prescription while arranging a local clinical site for the injection.
No. Prolia (denosumab) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. There are no special DEA license requirements for prescribers, no restrictions on how many refills can be prescribed, and no special pharmacy storage requirements related to controlled substance status.
Any licensed prescriber — including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with prescribing authority — can prescribe Prolia without DEA special registration. However, as a specialty biologic, Prolia does require prior authorization from most insurance plans, and must be administered in a clinical setting rather than self-administered at home.
The most common side effects (occurring in 10% or more of patients) include:
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Alendronate (Fosamax)
First-line oral bisphosphonate taken weekly; widely available as generic for $4–$15/month. Effective for vertebral, hip, and non-vertebral fracture reduction. Unlike Prolia, has residual bone protection after stopping.
Zoledronic Acid (Reclast)
Once-yearly IV bisphosphonate infusion; ideal for patients with GI intolerance to oral bisphosphonates. Most commonly used transition drug after stopping Prolia to prevent rebound fractures.
Romosozumab (Evenity)
Monthly injection for 12 months that both builds bone and reduces breakdown. Reserved for severe osteoporosis at very high fracture risk; contraindicated with recent heart attack or stroke.
Teriparatide (Forteo)
Daily injection PTH analogue that stimulates new bone formation. For very high-risk patients; limited to 2 years of use and must be followed by antiresorptive therapy.
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Xgeva (denosumab)
majorMust never be used concurrently with Prolia — both contain denosumab, and concurrent use causes excessive RANKL blockade with dangerous side effects.
Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, corticosteroids)
moderateAdditive immunosuppression increases the risk of serious infections including cellulitis and endocarditis.
Cinacalcet (Sensipar)
majorAdditive calcium-lowering effect; combination can cause severe hypocalcemia especially in patients with CKD.
Loop diuretics (furosemide)
moderateIncrease urinary calcium excretion; can worsen Prolia-induced hypocalcemia.
Adjuvanted influenza vaccines
minorProlia may reduce the immune response to adjuvanted flu vaccines. Get vaccinations on schedule but discuss timing with your provider.
Prolia (denosumab) is a highly effective treatment for osteoporosis that has demonstrated sustained fracture reduction over 10+ years in clinical trials. For patients who cannot tolerate bisphosphonates, have renal impairment, or need more robust fracture prevention, Prolia is a well-established option. The twice-yearly dosing schedule is convenient, but strict adherence is essential — missing a dose carries genuine clinical risk.
The cost of Prolia — over $2,500 per dose without insurance — can be a barrier, but multiple programs including Amgen SupportPlus, the PAN Foundation, and biosimilar alternatives can dramatically reduce what patients pay. Work with your healthcare team to find the right coverage and access solution.
If you're having trouble accessing Prolia or a denosumab biosimilar, medfinder can help you locate a provider near you who can administer your injection — without spending hours on hold.
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