Denosumab Flashcards
1
Q
Mechanism of action of denosumab
A
human monoclonal antibody
prevents the development of osteoclasts by inhibiting RANKL
2
Q
How is denosumab given and how often?
A
60mg subcutaneous injection, every 6 months.
Larger dose (120mg) may be given every 4 weeks for the prevention of pathological fractures in adults with bone metastases from solid tumours.
3
Q
When is denosumab used in osteoporosis management?
A
- Oral bisphosphonates = 1st line
- Raloxifene and strontium ranelate were recommended as next-line drugs in the NICE criteria but following recent safety concerns regarding strontium ranelate it is likely there will be an increasing role for denosumab.
4
Q
Adverse effects of denosumab
A
Dyspnoea
diarrhoea
Less common: hypocalcaemia and URTI
5
Q
A
