Uses of undefined

• Osteoporosis in women postmenopause who are at high risk of fracture
• Men with osteoporosis who are at increased risk of fracture
• Bone loss in men due to reduced levels of testosterone caused as a result of prostate cancer surgery or treatment with medications
• Osteoporosis in patients with a high risk of fracture due to long-term treatment with glucocorticoids.
• And increase bone mass in women at high risk of fracture due to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Denosumab is to be administered by a healthcare provider. It is injected subcutaneously under the skin of stomach, upper thigh or upper arm. Denosumab is to be given once every six months.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

• Denosumab should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
• Denosumab may be unsafe during pregnancy and is not recommended while being pregnant. Inform your doctor if you think you might be pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.
• Denosumab may be unsafe during breastfeeding and hence it is essential to inform doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication.
• Do not take Denosumab if you have hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in your blood). Inform your doctor about the same.
• Hypersensitivity might occur in some patients, in such case discontinue the use of denosumab and contact your doctor immediately.

Precautions

Before starting treatment with denosumab, inform your doctor:

• About any medication you are taking or if you are using any other medication containing denosumab.
• If you have a kidney disease or if you are on dialysis
• If you have hypocalcaemia
• In case your immune system is weak
• If you have hypoparathyroidism
• If you’ve had a thyroid surgery
• In case you have malabsorption
• If you have any problems in the mouth or teeth like gum disease, poor oral health, a planned tooth extraction or if you have nit visited a dentist in a long time
• In case you smoke as it might cause dental problems
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw may occur in some patients. Hence regular oral examination must be done by the doctor before starting treatment with Denosumab.

Side Effects

Bone, joint or muscle pain that might become severe sometimes, severe pain in arm or leg, frequent or painful urination, blood in urine, inability to hold urine, infections in the upper respiratory tract, loss of hair, pain in the abdomen, constipation, itchy, red or dry skin, Tingling, pain, or numbness that moves down the leg are some common side effects of Denosumab.

Word Of Advice

• Effective contraception should be used while being treated with Denosumab. Contraception must be followed for at least 5 months after you stop using this medication.
• Calcium and vitamin D must be taken adequately while using Denosumab
• Proper oral and dental health must be maintained while being treated with this medication.

Frequently Asked Question

• Does Denosumab cause loss of hair?
• Yes, a very common side effect of denosumab is hair loss. However, not everyone will experience it.

• Can I take denosumab during pregnancy?
• Denosumab may be unsafe during pregnancy and is not recommended while being pregnant. Inform your doctor if you think you might be pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.

• How is Denosumab given?
• Denosumab is injected subcutaneously under the skin of stomach, upper thigh or upper arm. It is to be given once every six months by your healthcare provider.

• How does Denosumab work?
• Osteoclast breaks the tissues in the bones and releases calcium into the blood. This process is called bone resorption. Denosumab acts by inhibiting osteoclast formation, thereby decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone mass and strength.