The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Cancer that has spread to the bones:
- Tiredness (45%)
- Low phosphate levels (32%)
- Nausea (31%)
Multiple myeloma:
- Diarrhea (34%)
- Nausea (32%)
- Low red blood cells (22%)
- Back pain (21%)
Giant cell tumor of bone: (all ≥ 10%)
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Pain in the arms and legs
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Common cold symptoms
- Muscle or bone pain
- Toothache
- Vomiting
- Low phosphate levels
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Cough
High calcium due to cancer:
- Nausea (30%)
- Shortness of breath (27%)
- Reduced appetite (24%)
- Headache (24%)
- Swelling (24%)
- Vomiting (24%)
- Low red blood cell count (21%)
- Constipation (21%)
- Diarrhea (21%)
Less Common Side Effects
Cancer that has spread to the bones:
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Low calcium levels
- Cough
- Headache
Multiple myeloma:
- Low platelet levels
- Swelling
- Low calcium levels
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Rash
- Headache
Giant cell tumor of bone:
- Jaw problems
- Low red blood cell count
- Pneumonia
- Back pain
High calcium due to cancer:
- Tiredness
- Infection
Xgeva serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: dizziness, trouble breathing, tightness in your throat, swelling in your face and throat, itchiness, rash
- Dangerously low calcium levels: tingling, numbness, muscle cramps, irregular heart rhythm, seizures, confusion
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw: pain, swelling, exposed bone, bad breath, loose teeth, gum infection
- Fractures: thigh pain, hip pain, groin pain
Source: DailyMed
The following Xgeva side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Back pain
blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
bloody or cloudy urine
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
difficult, burning, or painful urination
frequent urge to urinate
muscle or bone pain
pain in the arms or legs
rash
skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
swelling
Less common
Arm or jaw pain
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
body aches or pain
chest pain or discomfort
chest tightness or heaviness
chills
confusion
congestion
difficulty with breathing
difficulty with moving
dryness or soreness of the throat
ear congestion
fast or irregular heartbeat
headache
hoarseness
joint pain
loss of voice
muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
muscle stiffness
numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, hands, or feet
pain in the lower back, bottom, upper leg, or hips
painful blisters on the trunk of the body
pale skin
rapid weight gain
runny or stuffy nose
seizures
stomach cramps
swollen joints
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble swallowing
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
voice changes
Rare
Blood in the stool
change in bowel habits
clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
darkened urine
difficulty with eating
dimpling of the breast skin
indigestion
inverted nipple
itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
lump in the breast or under the arm
lump or swelling in the abdomen or stomach
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
raised, firm, and bright red patches of the skin on the arm or leg
redness or swelling of the breast
sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
stomach discomfort
unexplained weight loss
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
Heavy feeling in the jaw
loose teeth
pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Dizziness or lightheadedness
excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of fullness
lack or loss of strength
passing gas
redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
sensation of spinning
trouble sleeping
upper abdominal or stomach pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
