This medication guide provides information about the Xgeva brand of denosumab. Prolia is another brand of denosumab used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have high risk of bone fracture.
Do not use denosumab if you are pregnant.
You should not receive Xgeva if you are allergic to denosumab, or if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).
Before you receive this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.
Some people using Xgeva have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre-existing dental problem.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are receiving Xgeva. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Before receiving Xgeva
You should not receive Xgeva if you are allergic to denosumab or if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).
While you are receiving Xgeva, you should not use Prolia, another brand of denosumab.
To make sure you can safely use this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Xgeva may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre-existing dental problem.
Denosumab can harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control while using this medicine, and for at least 5 months after your last dose.
You should not breast-feed while using Xgeva.
