WHAT
IS XGEVA INJECTION?
Xgeva is a monoclonal antibody that works as a RANK ligand
(RANKL) inhibitor. This medication is classified as a “bone-modifying
agent”. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain
cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.
USES OF XGEVA INJECTION:
Denosumab is used to prevent bone fractures and other
skeletal conditions in people with tumors that have spread to the bone. It is
also used to treat giant cell bone tumor in adults and teenagers with fully
matured bone structure. It is also used to treat high blood levels of calcium
caused by cancer, when other medicines such as pamidronate or zoledronic acid
have been used without success.
POSSIBLE
SIDE EFFECTS:
Along with its needed effects, denosumab
(the active ingredient contained in Xgeva) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these
side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: itching, rash, hives; difficult breathing; feeling like you might
pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE:
A side effect is an unwanted response to
a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or
severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone
who takes this medication. If
you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this
medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1%
of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed,
and some may go away on their own over time.
DRUGS PRECAUTIONS:
This
medication may cause infections that in some cases are serious and require
hospitalization. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of an
infection such as fever, abdominal pain, earache, painful urination, or blood
in the urine, or if you notice a red, swollen, or tender area on the skin.
People who are taking medications that suppress the immune system (e.g.,
prednisone, azathioprine, anticancer medications) or who have a suppressed
immune system may be more at risk of developing infections.
Denosumab
may cause problems with your upper or lower jaw. You may be at a higher risk of
these problems if you have cancer that has spread to the bones, are taking
certain medications (e.g., prednisone, anticancer medications), are having
radiation treatments, have poor oral hygiene, or are having a tooth extracted.
Your doctor may recommend that you see a dentist before starting this
medication. It is important to practice good oral hygiene while taking this
medication.
DRUGS INTERACTIONS:
His safety and effectiveness
of using this medication have not been established for children. Denosumab is
only recommended for adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone whose bones
have stopped growing. Denosumab has not been studied in children and
adolescents with other cancers that have spread to bone.
Tell your doctor or
prescribe about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and
herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you
take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs
can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescribe know
if you use them.