What is this medication for?
Denosumab is used to treat high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer. It may also be used to reduce the risk of bone fracture or bone pain related to your cancer.
How should I take or use this medication?
Denosumab is injected into the fatty tissue under the skin.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
- Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have any other medical conditions.
- You are going to receive any vaccination or surgery, including dental surgery.
- You should not breastfeed during treatment.
- You should not become pregnant during treatment. You should use an effective birth control method during treatment and for at least 5 months after stopping Denosumab.
- If you have a partner who could become pregnant, you should use an effective birth control method during treatment and for at least 5 months after stopping Denosumab.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
The table below will list some of the common side effects as well as the rare but serious side effects.
| Side Effect | Management |
|---|---|
Symptoms of drug allergy including one or more of the following:
| If you experience any of these symptoms, you should proceed to the A&E Department immediately. |
Nausea or vomiting |
|
Decreased level of calcium in the blood Calcium is a type of electrolyte (mineral) needed by the body. If your calcium level is too low, you may experience symptoms such as:
|
|
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
|
|
| New or unusual pain in groin, hip or thigh |
|
Headaches |
|
| Muscle aches and/or joint pain |
|
| Feeling tired or lack of energy |
|
What else should I know about this medication?
Tips to help manage your condition while you are on Denosumab
| Exercise | Light exercise is recommended as it helps to improve mobility, balance, and even emotional well-being. Avoid strenuous exercise, and rest when you are feeling tired. |
| Adequate hydration | Maintain adequate hydration with 2 to 3 litres of fluids per day unless you have been informed by your doctor to limit how much fluids you can drink. This will decrease your chances of getting constipation and prevent dehydration. |
| Medical and dental treatment | If you need to go to the hospital for any reason other than cancer, always inform the doctors and nurses that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. Talk to your cancer doctor if you think you need dental treatment. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. |
| Seek support if you feel overwhelmed | It is normal to feel fearful or worried about your condition. Do not be afraid to talk about your concerns with your healthcare team or loved ones. There may be resources and support available to help you. |
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore