Denosumab

What is denosumab?

Denosumab is a medicine used to treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common condition which causes bones to become fragile and brittle so that they break (fracture) more easily. Fractures are painful and restrict a person’s ability to carry out their normal daily tasks. Denosumab reduces the risk of a broken bone or fracture.   

How does it work?

Bone is constantly changing, with old bone breaking down and new bone being formed to take its place. This usually happens in a balanced way. If the cycle becomes unbalanced, bone breaks down faster than it is replaced. This leads to osteoporosis. Denosumab is a biological medicine that blocks the action of a natural protein slowing bone break down and allows it to be formed. As a result, bone strength increases and the risk of bone breaks is reduced.   

What benefit can you expect from your treatment?

Since osteoporosis is usually not painful (unless a fracture occurs) you will not ‘feel’ any immediate benefit from your treatment with denosumab.   

The treatment controls osteoporosis but does not cure it. So, it is important to continue to use denosumab even if you feel well. Do not stop using denosumab unless advised by your rheumatologist/GP.   

You may be asked to have tests to check the effect of treatment on your bones. For example, a bone mineral density test is usually done after two years of treatment. This is a type of X-ray that involves a very small amount of radiation. Tests of urine or blood are also sometimes used to measure the effects of treatment on bone formation and breakdown. 

How is denosumab used?

Denosumab is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). It is very important that you follow the instructions for using denosumab carefully, including the instructions for storage and disposal (see page 3). Ask your rheumatologist/GP or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand.   

How is the injection given?  

Denosumab may be injected into the top of the thigh, the abdomen or the back of the arm. It comes in a single-use pre-filled syringe to make the injection easier.   

You or your carer should be properly trained before using the injection. If you are not sure ask your rheumatologist/GP, nurse or pharmacist before trying the injection. 

For safety, each pre-filled syringe has an automatic needle guard that covers the needle after the full dose is given.
The needle guard contains a latex derivative. If you have latex allergy or sensitivity tell your specialist/GP.
Do not use denosumab if the solution is cloudy or discoloured. There may be some translucent to white particles of protein in the solution; however, the medicine can still be used. 

 What is the dosage and when should it be given? 

The denosumab dose is 60 milligrams. It is given once every 6 months.  

It is important NOT to skip or delay getting your injection. 

Can other medicines be taken with denosumab?

It is safe to take most other medicines when you are taking denosumab. However, it should not be taken with some other osteoporosis medicines (see Precautions on page 3).   

Your rheumatologist/GP may recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D as additional treatment for osteoporosis. Do not stop taking these medicines unless advised to by your rheumatologist/GP.  

How long is the treatment continued?

Your rheumatologist/GP will review your progress each year. Once you have had one fracture your chance of having another one is high, so it is important to keep taking the medicine as long as it is effective and as long as no serious side effects occur.  

Are there any side effects?

Most people who take denosumab do not experience side effects. Tell your rheumatologist/GP if you are concerned about possible side effects.   

Most common possible side effects 

Most common side effects include: 

• fever and chills 
• itchy, hot, tender, red or dry skin including dermatitis or eczema. This may not be restricted to the injection site and may get better on its own.  

Less common or rare possible side effects 

Less common or rare side effects include: 

• Skin infection 
• Persistent pain or swelling and/or non-healing sores in your mouth or jaw
• Loose teeth
• Pain in the upper belly that may be accompanied by back pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Low blood calcium levels 
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rarely denosumab may cause an allergic reaction with a widespread rash or a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing.  
• A very rare side effect of denosumab is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) which may show up as jaw pain. It usually occurs after dental work which does not heal properly. There are a few reports in osteoporosis patients. For most patients receiving denosumab injections, the benefits outweigh the very small risk of ONJ because fractures can lead to serious problems and even death. To be safe, it is recommended that dental infections should be treated quickly and planned dental work such as extractions done before starting denosumab treatment.

There are a number of other uncommon side effects and precautions that are described in the leaflet that comes with the medicine. Read this information and call your rheumatologist/GP if you have any problems while using this medicine.  

What precautions are necessary?

Care of your teeth and mouth 

• Before starting denosumab treatment have your teeth checked by your dentist. If dental surgery (such as extraction) is necessary, this should be done before you start the treatment. 
• While having treatment, you should maintain good oral hygiene (regular brushing and flossing of teeth) and have regular dental checkups.

Blood tests 

• Monitoring blood tests are not usually required for people taking denosumab although in certain situations these may be needed. 
• Denosumab should not be used if you have hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium level). Calcium and vitamin D levels will be checked and corrected (if need be) before you start treatment. You will also need to take additional calcium and vitamin D if you are likely to develop hypocalcaemia. If you have poor kidney function you are more likely to develop hypocalcaemia, so blood tests to monitor your calcium levels will be required.

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding   

• Denosumab should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage or foetal deformity. 
• If you are pregnant or are considering having a child, you should discuss this with your doctor before beginning this medicine.

Your doctor may want to perform a urine pregnancy test (if you are of childbearing age) before starting denosumab to exclude unintended exposure of embryo to the drug. 

• Use an effective form of birth control while taking this medicine and for up to 5 months after you stop taking it.
• Breastfeeding whilst taking denosumab should be discussed with your doctor. There is limited data on the effects of denosumab to the breastfeeding infant. 

Other medical conditions 

• Denosumab can be given if you have severe kidney disease; however close monitoring of calcium levels is needed (see above). 

Use with other medicines   

• You should tell your rheumatologist/GP, about all medicines you are taking or plan to take. This includes over the counter or herbal/naturopathic medicines. You should also mention your treatment when seeing other health professionals. 
• Denosumab should not be taken with some other osteoporosis medicines such as bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax, Alendro), risedronate (Actonel) and zolendronate (Aclasta) or other treatments such as raloxifene (Evista), romosozumab (Evenity) or teriparatide (Forteo).
• The risk of side effects from the low doses of aspirin used to prevent a heart attack or stroke is not increased when taken with denosumab.

How to store and dispose of denosumab 

• Store it in the refrigerator but do not freeze it. 
• Keep the medicine in the pre-filled syringe out of reach of children.  
• Protect it from light (do not leave syringe in direct bright light). 
• Dispose of the syringe in a puncture-resistant container (sharps box). Talk to your rheumatologist/GP or pharmacist about how to dispose of the sharps box. For further details, see: Your Guide to Safe Disposal of Sharps.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER 

• While taking denosumab you should see your rheumatologist/GP regularly to make sure the treatment is working and to minimise any possible side effects.
• If you are worried about any side effects, you should contact your rheumatologist as soon as possible.
• Do not stop using denosumab unless advised by your rheumatologist/GP.

For more information about OSTEOPOROSIS see Healthy Bones Australia website or phone 1800 242 141.

For more information see the Denosumab – printable information sheet.

This Information Sheet has been prepared using materials obtained from various sources which have been reviewed by the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA). It contains general information only and does not contain a complete or definitive statement of all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions of the medicines referenced. This information is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions nor for making an individual assessment of the risks and benefits of taking a particular medicine. Decisions regarding the assessment and treatment of patients are the sole responsibility of the treating medical professional, exercising their own clinical judgment and taking into account all of the circumstances and the medical history of the individual patient.
ARA has used all reasonable endeavours to ensure the information on which this Information Sheet is based is accurate and up to date. However, the ARA accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, currency, reliability and/or completeness of the information contained in this Information Sheet.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, the ARA expressly disclaims any liability for any injury, loss, harm or damage arising from or in connection with use of and reliance on the information contained in this Information Sheet. 

Page updated November 2024