Letter to Patients Regarding Prolia Treatment Los Angeles Heart Specialists 18370 Burbank Blvd., Suite 401 Tarzana, CA 91356 Phone: 818-996-4100 Fax: 818-996-0842
Dear Valued Patients,
We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
At Los Angeles Heart Specialists, under the expert care of Dr. Afshine Emrani, our primary goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all our patients. We are writing to inform you about an important treatment option available at our practice: Prolia (denosumab).
What is Prolia? Prolia is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk of fractures. It works by inhibiting the development and activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption, thus increasing bone mass and strength in the spine and hip. Who Can Benefit from Prolia?
Prolia is beneficial for patients who: Have osteoporosis and are at high risk of fractures. Have a history of osteoporotic fractures or multiple risk factors for fractures. Are intolerant to or have not responded to other osteoporosis treatments.
Safety and Efficacy Clinical trials have demonstrated that Prolia significantly reduces the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral, and hip fractures. In a large study, Prolia reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures by 68%, hip fractures by 40%, and non-vertebral fractures by 20% over three years compared to placebo (Los Angeles Heart Specialists).
Potential Side Effects Like any medication, Prolia may have side effects. Common ones include: Back pain Muscle pain Increased cholesterol levels Urinary tract infections Rare but serious side effects can include: Severe allergic reactions Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood) Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)
Atypical femoral fractures Dr. Emrani and our team will monitor you closely to manage any potential side effects and ensure your treatment is safe and effective. Other Treatment Options for Osteoporosis Bisphosphonates: These include medications like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), and ibandronate (Boniva).
They are typically taken orally and work by slowing bone loss. However, they can cause gastrointestinal side effects and require specific dosing instructions. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Raloxifene (Evista) is an example that mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density without some of the risks associated with estrogen therapy. However, it can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Hormone Therapy: Estrogen or hormone replacement therapy can help maintain bone density but comes with risks, including increased chances of blood clots, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Anabolic Agents: Medications like teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) stimulate bone formation but are typically reserved for patients with severe osteoporosis due to their higher cost and potential side effects.
Why Prolia May Be a Better Option Prolia is particularly advantageous for patients who: Have difficulty adhering to the dosing requirements of oral bisphosphonates. Experience significant gastrointestinal side effects from other treatments. Require a less frequent dosing schedule (Prolia is given twice a year). Have not responded adequately to other osteoporosis medications. Administration and Dosage Prolia is administered as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional once every six months.
It is crucial to maintain this schedule to ensure the medication's effectiveness in preventing bone loss and fractures. Monitoring and Follow-Up Regular follow-ups are essential while on Prolia to monitor your bone density and overall health. Dr. Emrani will work with you to schedule these appointments and any necessary blood tests to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns about Prolia or your treatment plan, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 818-996-4100.
You can also visit our website at LA Heart Specialists for more information. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and are here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
Dr. Afshine Emrani and the Team Los Angeles Heart Specialists For more details on Dr. Emrani's practice and the services we offer, please visit our official website (Los Angeles Heart Specialists) (Los Angeles Heart Specialists) (Los Angeles Heart Specialists).
