Safely Continuing Prolia Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Importance of Continuing Prolia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions to healthcare and treatment plans. However, experts urge that it remains critical for those with osteoporosis to continue their prescribed treatments, including the drug Prolia. Maintaining bone health is essential even during these difficult times.

What is Prolia and How Does it Treat Osteoporosis?

Prolia is the brand name of the drug denosumab, which is used to treat osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women who are at high risk for bone fractures. It works by inhibiting the development and activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue.

By reducing osteoclast activity, Prolia allows new bone tissue to form more rapidly, strengthening the bones. It helps increase bone mineral density and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of spine, nonspine, and hip fractures.

Why Continuing Prolia is Crucial During the Pandemic

It is understandable that many patients may be inclined to delay or skip Prolia treatments due to lockdowns and concerns about visiting healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, osteoporosis experts strongly advise continuing regular Prolia therapy for the following reasons:

• Missing Prolia treatments can lead to rapid bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. The effects of Prolia on increasing bone density decline quickly once treatment is stopped.
• Those with osteoporosis already have a heightened risk of fractures. Missing Prolia doses further exacerbates this risk.
• Fractures often necessitate hospitalization and surgery, which could increase exposure to COVID-19.
• Recovering from fracture surgery may be more difficult for osteoporosis patients during the pandemic due to reduced access to rehabilitation services.

Therefore, it is vitally important for those with osteoporosis to maintain their bone health by adhering to their prescribed Prolia regimen. Working with your healthcare provider to accommodate safe administration of Prolia injections should be a priority.

Strategies for Continuing Prolia Treatment

Here are some strategies that can allow you to continue Prolia therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Telehealth appointments - Many practices now offer virtual consultations, allowing your provider to assess your health, write new prescriptions, and arrange for safe administration of your Prolia injection.
• Home health nurses - Ask your provider if a home health nurse can be scheduled to give your Prolia injection at home, if you do not feel comfortable visiting the clinic.
• Delayed dosing - If you must miss a Prolia dose, speak to your doctor about when you can safely receive your next injection. They may recommend waiting longer between doses rather than restarting the therapy.
• Supplements - Your provider may recommend temporary supplements like calcium and vitamin D to help support bone health if a Prolia dose needs to be delayed for a short time.
• Lifestyle changes - Implement healthy lifestyle measures like regular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

The COVID-19 Vaccines and Prolia

Many osteoporosis patients undergoing Prolia treatment are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines as they become available. This raises questions about the safety and timing of receiving vaccination in relation to Prolia injections. Here are some key points:

• The approved COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe to receive alongside Prolia therapy. There are no known interactions between the drugs.
• Try to time your vaccine dose and Prolia injection at least 2 weeks apart. This spacing helps avoid confusion over potential vaccine side effects.
• Ideally, coordinate vaccination and Prolia administration with your healthcare provider for optimal timing and safety.
• Remain diligent with public health measures like masking and distancing when visiting healthcare facilities for Prolia or COVID-19 vaccination.

What if I Must Delay Prolia Due to COVID-19?

In cases where patients absolutely must delay a scheduled Prolia dose due to COVID-19 lockdowns, quarantine, or acute illness, here are some expert recommendations:

• Discuss the delayed dosing plan with your osteoporosis specialist to determine the safest strategy.
• Prioritize getting your Prolia injection as soon as safely possible once conditions allow it.
• Ask your doctor about supplementing with calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health until you can receive Prolia again.
• Consider an oral bisphosphonate medication like alendronate (Fosamax) if you will go many months without Prolia and are at high fracture risk.
• Get tested for COVID-19 prior to restarting Prolia if you were ill to ensure you can safely return for treatment.

With some advance planning and coordination with your healthcare team, most patients should be able to safely continue Prolia therapy during the pandemic. Be proactive in taking steps to ensure you don't miss doses, as maintaining your bone health remains just as crucial now as before COVID-19 arrived.

Answering Key Questions About Prolia and COVID-19

Many osteoporosis patients taking Prolia have concerns about how the COVID-19 pandemic affects their treatment regimen and bone health. Here we answer some frequently asked questions:

Is it safe to get the COVID vaccine alongside Prolia treatment?

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for emergency use are safe for those being treated with Prolia. There are no known interactions between Prolia (denosumab) and the ingredients in the Pfizer, Moderna, or other COVID vaccines.

Should I time my Prolia dose around COVID vaccination?

It is recommended to separate your Prolia injection and COVID vaccine dose by at least 14 days. This helps avoid mistakenly attributing any vaccine side effects to Prolia or vice versa. Discuss timing with your healthcare provider.

What if Im afraid to go to my clinic for Prolia due to COVID-19?

Many clinics are implementing safety protocols like screening, masking, sanitizing, and distancing to protect patients. However, speak to your doctor about options like telehealth visits, home health nurses for injections, or temporarily using an oral bisphosphonate medication if you remain uncomfortable visiting facilities.

Can I just take supplements instead of Prolia for now?

Calcium and vitamin D supplements help support bone health but are not potent enough alternatives to Prolia for those with osteoporosis. They do not reduce fracture risk to the same degree. Make every effort to continue Prolia therapy and use supplements only temporarily if absolutely needed.

What if I had COVID - when can I safely restart Prolia?

If you had COVID-19, wait until you fully recover based on CDC criteria and test negative before restarting Prolia. This ensures your immune system stabilizes and minimizes infection exposure risk at healthcare facilities. Discuss the appropriate timing with your doctor.

How long can I safely go between Prolia doses?

The standard dosing is every 6 months. Some patients can safely extend the interval to 12 months if absolutely necessary, but significant bone loss can occur. Have your bone density monitored and consult your doctor before delaying beyond 6 months between doses.

What precautions should I take when getting Prolia during COVID-19?

Take precautions like masking, distancing, and using hand sanitizer when visiting healthcare facilities. Ask your clinic about contactless check-in options. Stay vigilant for COVID symptoms after receiving treatment. Get vaccinated when eligible to protect yourself.

Maintaining Bone Health During the Pandemic

Caring for your bone health remains just as important during the COVID-19 pandemic as it was pre-COVID. Here are some tips to continue strengthening your bones:

Keep Up Your Prolia Treatments

Do everything possible to stay on schedule with your prescribed Prolia regimen. Work with your healthcare provider to make arrangements for safe administration of your injections. Consistency is key to getting Prolia's full benefits.

Discuss Supplements

Ask your doctor about temporary supplemental calcium and vitamin D to support your bone density. This helps compensate if you do need to delay a Prolia dose due to COVID-19.

Adopt Lifestyle Measures

Implement lifestyle habits that safeguard bone health like regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a nutritious diet rich in bone-supporting nutrients.

Evaluate Other Medications

Some drugs like steroids can undermine bone density. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether any medications you take may impact your osteoporosis treatment.

Get Your Vitamin D Levels Tested

Many people are vitamin D deficient, which contributes to weak bones. Ask your doctor to test your blood vitamin D levels so you know if you need more supplementation.

Establish Fall Prevention Strategies

Falls lead to dangerous fractures in those with osteoporosis. Take measures at home like removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars and railings, and improving lighting to prevent falls.

While COVID-19 has posed many complications for osteoporosis management, taking proactive steps will help you continue strengthening your bones. Work as closely with your healthcare providers as possible during this difficult period to maintain your Prolia treatment regimen.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.