Xgeva (denosumab): What side effects and how do you manage them?

At 89 I would think your father would have options. Xgeva is for bone strengthening, If it’s not working well, you could switch to Zometa, Another injection that works pretty much the same way.

An easier solution would be for him to switch to Fosamax. It’s a pill you take once a week and it does the equivalent of what Xgeva does with minimal side effects. I was on it for 5 years. Ask your doctor about other options.

Thanks for the info.

Recent case of serious jaw bone issues while taking Xgeva infusions. Anyone else had this side effect from this drug.

wden: Tell us more - did you have the infusion or experience issues?
My endocrinologist discussed this Tx for me. Since I was undergoing dental work (tooth extraction), we've delayed starting. I have a friend who had it with no problems.

How are you being treated for this? Osteonecrosis is very difficult to treat once it starts. Usually hyperbaric oxygen is used.

Before starting infusion had to have a tooth extraction in Jan 2025. 1st infusion in February. After 5 infusions had what at first thought to be a canker sore but worsened within a week. Oral surgeon examined. Thinks a result from Xgeva infusions ~ osteocronosis. Biopsy next week to verify then treatment. A common side effect for Prostate metastasis in the bones with these type of treatments.

Waiting on biopsy results to determine treatment plan.

I've been on Xgeva about one year and, so far, have had no complications. My oncologist opted for treatments once every 3 months, rather than monthly. His thousands of patients have responded about the same as other documented monthly treatments without as much risk. This is my personal experience having stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer for a decade, a radical orchiectomy and the full range of drugs and targeted beam radiation, including Pluvicto.
Good luck, and do your homework to make the best decisions.

It would have been better if they had waited for more complete healing before starting the infusions.
Some extractions can take months for the socket to heal over, and complete bone fill can take over a year. Of course, your life depended on the infusions so waiting for complete healing was not possible…but another month would have probably made a difference…best of luck!
Phil

My MO has set me up for a 120mg injection of Xvega the end of May, I am concerned about the ONJ aspect of this treatment. I have been researching (clinical trials, manufacturers literature) and have learned that the odds of contracting necrosis of the jaw are more than what was previously thought. The longer Xgeva is administered the greater the risk of ONJ and the discontinuation of the drug can also cause this side effect. Prednisone (with Zytiga) can make the chances of ONJ worse. Along with the text, I have viewed several photos of ONJ, much to my dismay. I have an appt with my dentist in a week and will learn more then about my specific situation. Once again I am learning that cancer is a business, the cost of each subQ injection is 3500 to 4200 dollars. And is given every month. Not that I will have to pay that...insurance will cover it but that is the problem with our healthcare system. I digress, pardon me. Any thoughts or experiences? I am early in my stage 4 treatment, ADT and ARPI only
for the last 2 months. Seems early to be taking Xgeva. Thanks for reading my post, I will be reading yours....