Denosumab (By injection)
den-OSE-ue-mab
Treats osteoporosis, bone cancer, and hypercalcemia and other bone problems in patients who have cancer.
Drug classes
Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Denosumab injection is used to treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in women who have an increased risk for fractures after menopause, and osteoporosis in men. It is given when other medicines cannot be used or after other medicines did not work well.
Denosumab injection is also used to treat bone loss in men with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer who are receiving cancer treatment. It is used to prevent bone problems in patients with bone metastases (cancer that has spread) from tumors. Denosumab is used to treat giant cell tumor of the bone that cannot be removed by surgery. This medicine is also used to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy that has been treated with bisphosphonates (eg, alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, Fosamax®) but did not work well.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A doctor or other health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is usually given as a shot under the skin of your upper arm, upper thigh, or stomach.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use Prolia® and Xgeva® together. They contain the same medicine.
Some medicines can affect how denosumab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to denosumab or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Women who are being treated with Xgeva® should continue using birth control for at least 5 months after the last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, gum disease, or an allergy to latex. Tell your doctor if you have problems with your thyroid, parathyroid, or digestive system.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Low calcium levels in your blood Jaw problems Broken thigh bone Increased risk of infections Rash or other skin problemsYou must have regular dental exams while you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your dentist that you are using this medicine. Do not have a tooth pulled or have other dental work.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Muscle spasms or twitching, numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips
Pain or burning during urination, change in how much or how often you urinate
Pain, swelling, heavy feeling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw, loose teeth or other teeth problems
Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Rash, redness, or itching skin
Tiredness or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Prolia, Xgeva
There may be other brand names for this medicine.