Denosumab
Drug Name(s): Prolia
Class: Biologics
Type: RANK Ligand inhibitor
Used for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy.
Dosage
Form(s): injection
60 mg given by injection every 6 month
Special Instructions
Take at least 1,000 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily.
Injection should be given by a health care provider.
Potential Side Effects
Back pain; bladder infection; high cholesterol; muscle pain; pain in arms and legs
Be Aware
Tell your doctor if you cannot take daily calcium and vitamin D, have had parathyroid or thyroid surgery, plan to have dental surgery or have low blood calcium, kidney disease or trouble absorbing minerals.
Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease are at greater risk of severe hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium) following denosumab administration. Your doctor will test before and during treatment. The risk of fractures, including multiple vertebral fractures, increases after discontinuing this drug. This drug may slightly increase your risk of serious infections — including infections of skin, urinary tract, abdomen and ear — and has been associated with a slightly increased risk of malignancies. Severe bone, joint and muscle pain occurs in some patients. Pain or signs of infection may necessitate discontinuing denosumab.
