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Denosumab
INFORMATION ABOUT DENOSUMAB
Denosumab Uses
Denosumab is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. It is also used to treat bone loss in men with prostate cancer and in women with breast cancer who are receiving certain treatments that increase their risk for fractures.
How Denosumab works
Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein that causes bone loss, thereby strengthening the bone and minimizing the risk of fractures.
Common side effects of Denosumab
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Rash, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Eczema, Upper respiratory tract infection, Sciatica, Pain in extremities, Back pain, Joint pain, Urinary tract infection, Constipation, Abdominal discomfort, Hair loss, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), Cystitis
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
10 Apr 2025 | 06:02 AM (UTC)
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Expert advice for Denosumab
  • Denosumab is a medication used to treat thinning of the bones (called osteoporosis).
  • Take calcium and vitamin D to help build your bones when taking Denosumab.
  • Do not take if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • May cause a rare problem of the jaw (osteonecrosis), mostly seen after a dental procedure. Tell your doctor if you develop sudden jaw pain.
  • Denosumab may also increase the risk of infection. Avoid being close to people with cold, flu or other contagious illnesses.
  • Tell your doctor if you develop a rash while taking Denosumab.
  • Denosumab is a medication used to treat thinning of the bones (called osteoporosis).
  • Take calcium and vitamin D to help build your bones when taking Denosumab.
  • Do not take if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • May cause a rare problem of the jaw (osteonecrosis), mostly seen after a dental procedure. Tell your doctor if you develop sudden jaw pain.
  • Denosumab may also increase the risk of infection. Avoid being close to people with cold, flu or other contagious illnesses.
  • Tell your doctor if you develop a rash while taking Denosumab.
Frequently asked questions for Denosumab
There is no optimal duration of treatment of osteoporosis with Denosumab. The patient’s response and tolerability to the medicine is continuously monitored through periodic assessments, especially after 5 years of use of Denosumab. Depending on this, the duration of taking Denosumab is decided.
Yes, hair loss is a common side effect of Denosumab though it does not affect everyone. Discuss with your doctor if you have concerns regarding your hair loss.
Denosumab is not a chemotherapy drug. It is a protein (monoclonal antibody) that interferes with the action of another protein in order to treat bone loss and osteoporosis. Treatment with Denosumab makes the bones stronger and less likely to break.
Denosumab is available as an injection and is given by a healthcare professional. It is given once in 6 months. Your doctor may also advise you to take calcium and vitamin D while taking Denosumab.
No, pregnant women should not take Denosumab. You must use an effective method of birth control during and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Denosumab if you can become pregnant.
Denosumab should be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton. Warm temperatures can make it ineffective, and therefore proper storage is necessary. When you remove it from the refrigerator, keep it at room temperature [up to 77°F (25°C)] in the original carton and use it within 14 days.
Osteonecrosis is a rare side effect of Denosumab. It refers to the damage caused to the bone of jaw. To avoid this, you should maintain good oral hygiene and receive routine dental check ups while taking Denosumab. Contact your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience any problems with your mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, discharge, pain or swelling, or non-healing of sores. These could be signs of osteonecrosis of jaw.