Prolia, Xgeva

Prolia is a form of the generic drug denosumab. It is a human monoclonal antibody against osteoporosis, treatment-related bone loss, bone metastases and giant cell bone tumors.

Xgeva is also a form of denosumab. It provides complexes in advanced cancerous units that spread to the bone.

Dosage

Prolia is administered as a regulation by professional healthcare providers. Please follow your instructions and read the information in the manufacturer’s Product Insert that comes with your medicine. Denosumab is free of serious health risks.

In consultation with your doctor, you start treatment with Prolia. This is a medicine for osteoporosis. Another word for osteoporosis is bone loss.

In this leaflet, you will read how this medicine works. You will also read how we give you this medicine. And what side effects this medicine sometimes has.

How does Prolia work?

This medicine ensures that your bones do not get worse. It also makes your bones stronger. This reduces the chance of breaking your bones again. It also reduces the chance of your vertebrae collapsing.

The medicine Prolia contains the substance denosumab. Denosumab inhibits the cells that cause bone breakdown. This results in less bone breakdown.

How do you get Prolia?

We give you injections with Prolia. We put these injections in your abdomen or thigh.

You get an injection with Prolia every 6 months for 3 years. Sometimes you need the injections for longer. You get these injections for a maximum of 10 years. You must get the injections exactly every 6 months.

Never just stop the injections! Always discuss this first with your doctor. What if you stop with the injections? Or wait longer than 6 months with the injections? Then your bones may break down faster. This may cause more vertebrae to collapse.

Possible Side Effects

• Pain in muscles and bones,
• Nerve pain in the buttock or leg,
• Abdominal complaints, constipation,
• Inflammations: of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, nose, throat, sinuses or the skin.

Are you hypersensitive to denosumab? Then you may have an allergic reaction. You then get changes in the skin, fever or you are short of breath. Are you bothered by this? Then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Very Rare Side Effects:

Do you have a new or strange pain in your hip, groin, or thigh? Then contact your specialist or osteoporosis nurse.

Very occasionally problems arise with the bone of the lower jaw. Your lower jaw then becomes thicker, inflamed, and breaks. You also have pain. The chance of this is greater with:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Operations on the mouth and jaw
• Loose molars or teeth
• Smoking
• The placement of dentures

Do you have questions about these rarely occurring side effects? Then discuss this with your specialist or osteoporosis nurse.

A clean mouth is important

1. Tell your dentist that you are using Prolia.
2. Have your teeth checked every 6 months.
3. Keep your mouth and teeth clean. Brush and floss your teeth.
4. Is your dentist or oral surgeon going to pull teeth or place dentures? Then he may first consult with your doctor.