What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Dental or gum disease
-Had thyroid or parathyroid (glands located in neck) surgery
-Having dental surgery or a tooth pulled
-Kidney disease
-Low levels of calcium in the blood
-On dialysis
-Poor nutrition
-Thyroid disease
-Trouble absorbing nutrients from your food
-An unusual or allergic reaction to denosumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Other medications that contain denosumab
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
You may need blood work done while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this medication. You should not have major dental surgery while on this medication. See your dentist to have a dental exam and fix any dental problems before starting this medication. Take good care of your teeth while on this medication. Make sure you see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments.
This medication may cause low levels of calcium in your body. The risk of severe side effects is increased in people with kidney disease. Your care team may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels while you take this medication. It is important to take calcium and vitamin D as directed by your care team.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects may occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 5 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication may cause low levels of calcium in your body. The risk of severe side effects is increased in people with kidney disease. Your care team may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels while you take this medication. It is important to take calcium and vitamin D as directed by your care team. Call your care team right away if you have muscle pain or cramps, tingling, or numbness in the hands, feet, or around the mouth.