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Denosumab Injection

Denosumab is a drug given to prevent excessive bone loss. It is used to increase bone mass for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis as well as to reduce cancer-related bone pain. Denosumab may be in the form of a prefilled syringe or vial.

What is this medication used for

Dosage and How to Use

It is a subcutaneous injection which is given at the upper arm, upper thigh or abdomen. You may need to inject once every 4 weeks or 6 months depending on your requirements.

Do ensure that you are taking sufficient calcium (1000 mg/day) and vitamin D (400 units/day) while you are on Denosumab.

Missed a Dose

If you missed a dose, administer the injection as soon as you remember.

Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication

What are the common side effects of Denosumab?

Muscle, back, bone and joint pain

Increased cholesterol levels

Nausea or vomiting, constipation

Slight tiredness

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Excessive muscle cramping

Giddiness or confusion

Excessive skin dryness, irritation, rashes or sores

Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

Fever, pain upon urination, gum pain or gum bleeding

Severe nausea or vomiting or abdominal pain

What precautions should I take while on Denosumab?

As Denosumab exists under two different brand names (Prolia^®, Xgeva^®) you should not switch between the two brands unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Maintain good oral hygiene. Inform your dentist that you are on Denosumab so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For females: use effective birth control or inform your doctor if you intend to get pregnant or breastfeed.

Handling and Storage

Store Denosumab in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C but do not freeze. You may take it out to reach room temperature (25°C) before injection. It may remain at this temperature for 14 days after which any unused medication must be discarded. Avoid shaking the vial or syringe vigorously.

Additional Information

Other name: Xgeva/Prolia^®

If you have any questions, please call your pharmacist at the National Cancer Centre. The side effects listed above are those that occur frequently. Other side effects may occur. Please contact your doctor to report.

Disclaimer: The National Cancer Centre Singapore does not endorse or promote the use of any product mentioned in this booklet. The information is presented in a summary to provide an understanding and for knowledge only, and may not contain information about all aspects of care. It does not recommend self-management of health problems or replace consultation with your doctor. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read in this booklet.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Document No. PHM-MED-PEM-076/0916