Xgeva (denosumab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat some kinds of cancer. Xgeva comes as a solution inside prefilled, disposable pens that’s injected under the skin. It’s usually given once every 4 weeks.
Xgeva is used to:
- prevent serious bone problems in adults with multiple myeloma or cancerous solid tumors that have spread to bone
- treat giant cell tumor of bone that can’t be operated on in adults and in adolescents whose bones have finished growing
- treat hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) in adults that’s caused by cancer and doesn’t respond to treatment with bisphosphonates (a group of drugs that’s used for certain bone problems)
The active ingredient in Xgeva is denosumab.
Xgeva belongs to a group of drugs called RANK ligand inhibitors. It’s sometimes called a bone-modifying agent.
This article describes the dosages of Xgeva, including its form, strength, and how the drug’s given. To learn more about Xgeva, see this in-depth article.
Below is information about dosages for each condition Xgeva is approved to treat.
Note: Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements for you to take with Xgeva. These supplements treat or help prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Make sure to take them as prescribed.
What is Xgeva’s form?
Xgeva comes as a clear to pale yellow solution (liquid mixture) in a single-dose vial. Your doctor or healthcare professional will inject Xgeva under your skin using a syringe and needle.
What strength does Xgeva come in?
Xgeva comes in a strength of 120 milligrams (mg) per 1.7 milliliters (mL).
What are the typical dosages of Xgeva?
The dosage and administration frequency for Xgeva injections depends on the condition being treated. The information below describes common dosages that are typically recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for multiple myeloma and bone metastasis from solid tumors
Xgeva’s dosage for multiple myeloma and cancerous solid tumors that have metastasized (spread) to bone is 120 mg every 4 weeks.
Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements for you to take with Xgeva. These supplements treat or prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Make sure to take them as prescribed.
Dosage for giant cell tumor of bone
Xgeva’s dosage for giant cell tumor of bone is 120 mg every 4 weeks. On days 8 and 15 of the first month of treatment, you’ll receive another injection of 120 mg.
Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements for you to take with Xgeva. This helps treat or prevent hypocalcemia. Make sure to take them as prescribed.
Dosage for hypercalcemia caused by cancer
Xgeva’s dosage for hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) that’s caused by cancer and doesn’t respond to treatment with bisphosphonates (a group of drugs that’s used for certain bone problems) is 120 mg every 4 weeks. On days 8 and 15 of the first month of treatment, you’ll receive another 120-mg injection.
What’s the dosage of Xgeva for children?
Xgeva is approved to treat giant cell tumor of bone in adolescents whose bones have finished growing. The dosage for these adolescents is the same as the dosage for adults, which is described in “Dosage for giant cell tumor of bone” just above.
Is Xgeva used long term?
Yes, Xgeva is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Xgeva is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll receive it long term.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xgeva.
Can Xgeva injections be given once every 3 months?
No, Xgeva is not given every 3 months. Xgeva injections are given every 4 weeks to help prevent serious bone problems.
Xgeva can be used to treat cancerous solid tumors that have spread to bone. Zoledronic acid is a drug that’s used to treat breast cancer that has spread to bone. This drug may be given every 3 months instead of every 4 weeks, if approved by your doctor.
But zoledronic acid is a different kind of drug than Xgeva. These drugs have different doses and amounts of time needed between injections. Make sure to not change your treatment or Xgeva dosage without first talking with your doctor.
Is Xgeva used to treat osteoporosis? If so, what’s the dosage?
No, Xgeva is not approved to treat osteoporosis (weakened bones).
Xgeva contains the active ingredient denosumab, which is also the active ingredient in a different drug called Prolia. Prolia is approved to treat osteoporosis. Although Xgeva and Prolia have the same active ingredient, they have different uses and dosages. These drugs should not be taken together.
Xgeva is given by a doctor or healthcare professional as an injection under your skin. It may be injected into your abdomen, upper arm, or upper thigh. It’s not approved for injection into a vein, muscle, or just below the skin’s surface.
For information on Xgeva expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.
If you miss an appointment to receive an Xgeva injection, call your doctor to reschedule as soon as possible. It’s important to get an injection of Xgeva every 4 weeks. It might be helpful to schedule your next dose before you leave each appointment.
To help remember appointments, you could set a reminder on your phone or mark your injection schedule on a calendar.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by Xgeva’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Xgeva for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Xgeva without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Xgeva exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
Q:
Will my doctor change my Xgeva dosage if my calcium levels decrease during treatment?
AnonymousA:
No, your doctor likely won’t change your Xgeva dosage if your calcium levels decrease while you’re taking the drug.
They’re more likely to recommend that you take more calcium and vitamin D supplements. Your doctor might prescribe these supplements at the same time as Xgeva, to help prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). But if your calcium levels become severely low during treatment, your doctor may recommend that you be treated at a hospital.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.