Prolia® injection is a brand of denosumab, which treats osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens your bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Xgeva® is another brand of denosumab that treats high calcium levels caused by cancer and prevents bone breaks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic.
What is this medication?
DENOSUMAB (den oh sue mab) slows bone breakdown. Prolia is used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause and in men, and in people who are taking corticosteroids for 6 months or more. Xgeva is used to treat a high calcium level due to cancer and to prevent bone fractures and other bone problems caused by multiple myeloma or cancer bone metastases. Xgeva is also used to treat giant cell tumor of the bone.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prolia, XGEVA
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dental disease
• having surgery or tooth extraction
• infection
• kidney disease
• low levels of calcium or Vitamin D in the blood
• malnutrition
• on hemodialysis
• skin conditions or sensitivity
• thyroid or parathyroid disease
• an unusual reaction to denosumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
For Prolia, talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. For Xgeva, talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bone pain
• breathing problems
• dizziness
• jaw pain, especially after dental work
• redness, blistering, peeling of the skin
• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
• signs of low calcium like fast heartbeat, muscle cramps or muscle pain; pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet; seizures
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain
• runny nose
• tiredness
• upset stomach
