Denosumab is used to prevent serious complications caused by certain types of cancer (e.g. cancer of the white blood cells, or a cancer that has spread to the bone).
This medicine may be used to reduce high levels of calcium in the blood that are associated with a cancer.
Denosumab may also be used to treat bone tumour which cannot be treated by a surgery or to those whose bones has stopped growing.
Denosumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on the type of condition you are being treated.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Denosumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low levels of calcium in the blood
- unhealed lesions from dental or oral surgery
as Denosumab may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Denosumab if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Denosumab may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for at least 5 months after you stopped using Denosumab.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease or are on dialysis
- other types of cancer
- dental problems
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have previously been treated with certain medicines such as bisphosphonate (medicines used for bone disorders) or are taking a medicine called corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone, dexamethasone).
Ensure an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Denosumab. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements you may need to take.
Maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with this medicine. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any problems with your mouth, teeth, or jaw.
Denosumab is available in different brands. Each brand of this medicine has its specific use and indications. Do not substitute this medicine with any other brands.
If you are going for certain dental treatment or surgery (e.g. tooth extraction), inform your dentist that you are using Denosumab.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have pregnancy tests to check if Denosumab is suitable for you to use.
- Your doctor may do routine tests (e.g. blood tests, dental exam) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: bone, joint and/or muscle pain, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, headache, tiredness and sweating.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- dental problems: e.g. loose teeth, pain or swelling, non-healing sores or discharge
- signs of low calcium levels in the blood e.g. spasms, twitches or cramps in your muscles, and/or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around the mouth, and/or seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- pain in the hip, thigh or groin area
- signs of high calcium levels in the blood after stopping treatment e.g. nausea, vomiting, decreased alertness and headache
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines: for bone disorders e.g. bisphosphonates.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Keep this medicine in their original package to protect from light.
Do not shake this medicine.
Do not use this medicine if it becomes cloudy or if it has changed in colour.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Return any unused or expired medicine to your pharmacist, clinic or hospital for disposal.
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