Prosteon® Bone Health Supplement (90-day supply)

Q. How is Prosteon different from other supplements for bone health?

Prosteon contains a higher dose of vitamin D₃ than other calcium + vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. Also, roughly 85% of calcium supplements contain a form of calcium only absorbed in the presence of stomach acid. So, when taken without food, or by individuals on "acid reducing" medications brands such as OsCal®, Tums® and coral calcium are not well absorbed. Prosteon contains calcium citrate, which has been shown to have superior bioavailability. It is well-absorbed with or without food, and "acid reducing" medications will not interfere with its absorption.

Prosteon also contains other vitamins and minerals (magnesium, vitamin K2, and boron) which are also important for bone health.*

Q. Who can benefit from taking Prosteon?

While Prosteon was designed to promote bone health in men who are undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT, also known as hormone therapy), it can be taken by anyone looking to support their bone health.*

Q. I'm taking a bisphosphonate. Why do I need Prosteon?

Bisphosphonates (Fosamax®, Actonel®, Boniva®, Reclast®, Zometa®) are prescription medications that slow the rate of bone loss and decrease bone fracture risk by slowing the natural process that dissolves bone tissue. Bisphosphonates are designed to be taken along with calcium and vitamin D, not in place of these nutrients.

Q. How long should I take Prosteon?

Prosteon is meant for daily, long-term use. Speak to your doctor to determine whether to continue taking Prosteon after ADT.

Q. Can women take Prosteon?

Yes. Women trying to maintain or improve bone health can benefit from Prosteon.* It can be taken in place of other calcium and vitamin D-based (bone health) supplements.

Q. Are there any side effects from Prosteon?

No. There are no expected side effects from Prosteon.

Q. Can Prosteon be taken with other nutritional supplements?

Yes. You can continue to take most other nutritional supplements along with Prosteon. Theralogix Companion Multivitamin is a low-dose multivitamin and mineral supplement specifically formulated for use along with Prosteon.

Q. Does Prosteon interact with any prescription medications?

Yes, as with any dietary supplement, it is recommended you discuss with your pharmacist and or healthcare team to clarify whether Prosteon can be taken along with your medications.

Aluminum Hydroxide (AlternaGEL, Amphojel, Nephrox) - This medication can be taken to reduce phosphate levels in people with certain kidney conditions. Calcium citrate can increase how much aluminum your body absorbs when taken with aluminum hydroxide in people with kidney disease. Discuss with your doctor before taking with Prosteon.

Medications that are changed by the liver Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP34) substrates - CYP34 are important enzymes in your body, mainly found in the liver to break down medications in the body. Vitamin D may increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking vitamin D along with some medications may decrease the effectiveness of some medications. Before taking supplements with high dose vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking medications that are changed by the liver, for example lovastatin, clarithromycin, estrogens, and others.

Prosteon may affect the absorption of certain prescription medications.

Antibiotics: Certain nutrients such as calcium can bind to antibiotics in the stomach and reduce their absorption and effectiveness. Depending on the antibiotic prescribed, you may need to separate taking any calcium containing supplements from antibiotics by at least 2 to possibly 6 hours or discontinue your dietary supplement while taking the antibiotic.

• o Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) – Separate by 2 hours
• o Cephalexin (Keflex) – Take Prosteon 3 hours or more after taking this antibiotic
• o Tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, demeclocycline)- Separate by 4 hours
• o Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), Moxifloxacin (Avelox) – Separate by 6 hours

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - This medication helps control cholesterol levels in the body. Taking it with Prosteon that contains vitamin D may decrease the amount of atorvastatin absorbed by the body. Separate by a minimum of 2 hours

Captopril – This medication helps control blood pressure. Magnesium in Prosteon can affect absorption of this antihypertensive medication. Separate by 2 hours.

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – This medication helps the heart beat more strongly. Taking magnesium which is in Prosteon at the same time as this medication may decrease the absorption of this medication therefore decreasing the effectiveness. Separate by 2 hours.

Dilantin (phenytoin) – This medication is an anti-epileptic drug used to control seizures. Calcium and magnesium in Prosteon can affect absorption of this antiepileptic medication. Separate by 2 hours.

Diltiazem & Cardizem - These medications help with blood pressure and treat angina. Taking supplements that contain a high dose of vitamin D with diltiazem may decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Oral Bisphosphonates (i.e., alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Boniva), tiludronate (Skelid)) – These medications alter bone formation and breakdown in the body, slowing down bone loss and helping to prevent bone fractures. Taking magnesium and calcium along these medications can decrease how much bisphosphate the body absorbs. Separate by 2 hours.

Sotalol (Betapace)- This medication helps the heart beat normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders. Calcium and magnesium in Prosteon can affect absorption of this antiarrhythmic medication. Separate by at least 2 hours.

Thiazide diuretics (aka: water pills) – These medications are used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure as well as the accumulation of fluid and swelling (edema) in the body. These medications also increase the amount of calcium in the body. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Taking Prosteon along with these medications may cause too much calcium in the body.

Thyroid hormone (levothyroxine, Synthroid) - This medication is used to treat an underactive thyroid gland. Calcium in Prosteon can reduce absorption of these thyroid hormone medications. Separate by at least 4 hours.

Warfarin (coumadin): Studies show that low-dose vitamin K (100 mcg) is unlikely to affect INR and may actually help stabilized INR level. Prosteon contains a low dose of vitamin K2 and should be safe to take.

If you still have questions about Prosteon, please visit the general FAQ page.

Feel free to reach out to the Nutrition Department by phone at (888) 899-3899 ext. 2 or by email here.