Prolia is a medication that is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and men who are at high risk for fractures.

This medication works by inhibiting the activity of a protein called RANK ligand (RANKL), which is responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By blocking RANKL, Prolia helps to preserve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Post-menopause osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. In women, bone loss increases after menopause when estrogen levels drop. In the 5-7 years after menopause, a woman can lose up to 20% of their bone mass putting her at risk for fracture.

Everyone has cells that remove bone in your body and other cells that rebuild bone. This ongoing process is what helps keep your bones strong. With post-menopause osteoporosis, bone-removing cells call osteoclasts cause you to lose bone at a rate that is too fast. ​

Prolia targets RANKL, a protein essential for the creation of osteoclasts.

Prolia binds to RANKL which inhibits osteoclasts and decreases their formation, function, and survival, decreasing bone resorption. By preventing the development of bone-removing cells, Prolia can prevent further bone damage.