Denosumab therapy and risk for severe hypocalcemia

[Paul Edwards]

Denosumab (brand name Xgeva)  is associated with a rare but well-known risk for severe hypocalcemia (very low calcium in the blood stream).

 

The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink has an article about this risk which includes a very sensible warning:

 

"If your doctor advises you that you would be appropriately treated with denosumab for prevention of skeletal-related events associated with advanced forms of prostate cancer (particularly in men with metastatic disease on long-term androgen deprivation therapy), you need to be sure that your serum calcium and vitamin D levels are monitored prior to initiation of therapy."