Xgeva 120 mg Solution for Injection

Recommended Dosage of Xgeva 120mg Injection

The recommended dosage for Xgeva 120mg injection is 120 mg, given as a single subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks. The injection can be administered in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. For the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone, additional 120 mg doses may be administered on days 8 and 15 of the first month of treatment.

Warnings and Precautions

Before starting Xgeva, consult with your doctor.

– Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

You should take calcium and vitamin D supplements while undergoing treatment with Xgeva unless you have high blood calcium levels. Your doctor will discuss this with you. If your blood calcium is low, your doctor may give you calcium supplements before starting your Xgeva treatment.

– Low Calcium Levels in the Blood

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience muscle spasms, twitches, or cramps, numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around your mouth, or if you have seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness while on Xgeva. These could be signs of low calcium levels in your blood.

– Renal Impairment

If you have or have had severe kidney problems, kidney failure, or have needed dialysis, tell your doctor. These conditions can increase your risk of low blood calcium, particularly if you’re not taking calcium supplements.

– Mouth, Teeth, or Jaw Problems

Osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition involving bone damage in the jaw, has been reported in patients receiving Xgeva, especially for cancer-related conditions. To reduce your risk:
Inform your healthcare provider if you have any dental issues before starting treatment. Treatment may be delayed if you have unhealed wounds in your mouth.
Maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental check-ups. Ensure proper fit if you wear dentures.

Tell your dentist you’re receiving Xgeva if you have dental treatment or surgery planned.
Contact your doctor and dentist right away if you have any issues like loose teeth, pain or swelling, non-healing sores, or discharge in your mouth.

– Risk Factors for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Your risk may be higher if you’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, taking steroids or anti-angiogenic medicines, undergoing dental surgery, not receiving routine dental care, have gum disease, or are a smoker.

– Unusual Thigh Bone Fractures

Some people have experienced unusual fractures in their thigh bones with Xgeva. Inform your doctor if you feel new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

– High Calcium Levels After Stopping Xgeva

Patients with giant cell tumor of the bone may develop high calcium levels weeks to months after stopping Xgeva. Your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms of high calcium levels after you stop receiving Xgeva.

Possible Side Effects of Xgeva Injection

Like all medications, Xgeva can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them.

If you develop any of the following symptoms while being treated with Xgeva, inform your doctor immediately, as these may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

Muscle spasms, twitches, cramps, numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth, seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness. These could be signs of low calcium levels in your blood, which may also lead to changes in heart rhythm detectable by an ECG.
Also, notify your doctor and dentist immediately if, while being treated with Xgeva or after stopping treatment, you experience symptoms that may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

Persistent pain, swelling, or non-healing sores in your mouth or jaw, discharge, numbness, a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or a loosening tooth. These could be signs of bone damage in the jaw (osteonecrosis).

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

Bone, joint, and/or muscle pain, sometimes severe.
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

Low phosphate levels in the blood (hypophosphatemia).
Removal of a tooth.
Excessive sweating.
In patients with advanced cancer: development of another form of cancer.

Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people):

High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) after stopping treatment, particularly in patients with giant cell tumor of the bone.
New or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh, which may indicate a possible thigh bone fracture.
Skin rash or sores in the mouth (lichenoid drug eruptions).
Remember, it’s important to report any unusual or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.

Can We Use Other Medicines with Xgeva Injection?

Before using Xgeva, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking, have recently taken, or might take in the future, including those obtained without a prescription. It’s particularly important for you to tell your doctor if you are currently being treated with:

Another medicine containing denosumab.
A bisphosphonate.

You should not take Xgeva in combination with other medicines that contain denosumab or bisphosphonates. It’s essential to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Can Alcohol Drinker Take Xgeva Injection?

It’s important for you to consult with your doctor about the amount of alcohol that’s safe for you to consume while you are undergoing Xgeva treatment. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption and its potential impact on your specific medical condition and treatment.

Can You Take Xgeva Injection If You’re Pregnant?

It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect that you might be pregnant, or intend to become pregnant. XGEVA is not recommended during pregnancy. Women of reproductive age should use effective contraception methods while undergoing treatment with XGEVA and for at least 5 months after stopping it.

If you get pregnant while taking XGEVA or within 5 months of stopping it, it is important to notify your doctor.

It is not clear if XGEVA is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to do so. Your doctor will help you decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking XGEVA, taking into account the benefits for both the mother and the baby.