Denosumab Injection (Oncology)
What is this medication?
DENOSUMAB (den oh SUE mab) prevents weakened bones caused by cancer. It may also be used to treat noncancerous bone tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. It can also be used to treat high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer. It works by blocking a protein that causes bones to break down quickly. This slows down the release of calcium from bones, which lowers calcium levels in your blood. It also makes your bones stronger and less likely to break (fracture).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): XGEVA
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Dental disease
- Having surgery or tooth extraction
- Infection
- Kidney disease
- Low levels of calcium or vitamin D in the blood
- Malnutrition
- On hemodialysis
- Skin conditions or sensitivity
- Thyroid or parathyroid disease
- An unusual reaction to denosumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for injection under the skin. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Other medications containing denosumab
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
- Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medication, unless your care team tells you not to. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
Some people who take this medication have severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. This medication may also increase your risk for jaw problems or a broken thigh bone. Tell your care team right away if you have severe pain in your jaw, bones, joints, or muscles. Tell your care team if you have any pain that does not go away or that gets worse.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 5 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Low calcium level—muscle pain or cramps, confusion, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw—pain, swelling, or redness in the mouth, numbness of the jaw, poor healing after dental work, unusual discharge from the mouth, visible bones in the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Denosumab
Self-Care Tips:
- Take a calcium and vitamin D supplement as necessary to treat and/or prevent low blood calcium levels. Go for blood tests as ordered by your provider.
- Perform proper, thorough oral hygiene and routine dental care. Inform your dentist that you are being treated with denosumab.
- Avoid invasive dental procedures.
- Inform your physician or dentist if you experience persistent pain and/or slow healing of the mouth or jaw following invasive dental procedures.
- Drink at least 2 to 3 quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise, as it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- Acetaminophen may help relieve discomfort from fever, headache and generalized aches and pains, however talk with your provider prior to taking it.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea) and if necessary, follow the regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Use mild, unscented soaps, laundry detergents, and lotions to avoid irritating your skin. Use lotion liberally to keep skin moisturized and prevent cracking. (see managing side effects - dry skin)
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the face/throat
- Confusion
Muscle stiffness, twitching, spasms, or cramps (signs of low blood calcium) Pain, numbness, swelling of or drainage from the jaw, mouth or teeth. Any signs or symptoms of infection, especially involving the skin (redness, drainage, pain) Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) Fatigue and extreme tiredness (unable to perform self-care activities) Nausea that interferes with eating and is not relieved by medications prescribed by your doctor. Vomiting (more than 4-5 episodes within a 24-hour period).
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
