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Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Denosumab may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Denosumab

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for What Conexxence is and how it works Conexxence contains denosumab, a protein (monoclonal antibody) that interferes with the action of another protein, in order to treat bone loss and osteoporosis. Treatment with Conexxence makes bone stronger and less likely to break.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe kidney problems, kidney failure or have needed dialysis or are taking medicines called glucocorticoids (such as prednisolone or dexamethasone), which may increase your risk of getting low blood calcium if you do not take calcium supplements.

Conexxence contains sorbitol This medicine contains 47 mg sorbitol in each ml of solution.

Problems with your mouth, teeth or jaw A side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) (bone damage in the jaw) has been reported rarely (may affect up to 1 in 1 000 people) in patients receiving Conexxence for osteoporosis. The risk of ONJ increases in patients treated for a long time (may affect up to 1 in 200 people if treated for 10 years). ONJ can also occur after stopping treatment. It is important to try to prevent ONJ developing as it may be a painful condition that can be difficult to treat. In order to reduce the risk of developing ONJ, take the following precautions: Before receiving treatment, tell your doctor or nurse (health care professional) if you:

  • have any problems with your mouth or teeth such as poor dental health, gum disease, or a planned tooth extraction.
  • don't receive routine dental care or have not had a dental checkup for a long time.
  • are a smoker (as this may increase the risk of dental problems).
  • have previously been treated with a bisphosphonate (used to treat or prevent bone disorders).
  • are taking medicines called corticosteroids (such as prednisolone or dexamethasone).
  • have cancer. Your doctor may ask you to undergo a dental examination before you start treatment with Conexxence. While being treated, you should maintain good oral hygiene and receive routine dental check-ups. If you wear dentures you should make sure these fit properly. If you are under dental treatment or will undergo dental surgery (e.g. tooth extractions), inform your doctor about your dental treatment and tell your dentist that you are being treated with Conexxence.

Bone is a living tissue and is renewed all the time. Oestrogen helps keep bones healthy. After the menopause, oestrogen level drops which may cause bones to become thin and fragile. This can eventually lead to a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can also occur in men due to a number of causes including ageing and/or a low level of the male hormone, testosterone. It can also occur in patients receiving glucocorticoids. Many patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms, but they are still at risk of breaking bones, especially in the spine, hips and wrists.

Contact your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience any problems with your mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, pain or swelling, or non-healing of sores or discharge, as these could be signs of ONJ.

Surgery or medicines that stop the production of oestrogen or testosterone used to treat patients with breast or prostate cancer can also lead to bone loss. The bones become weaker and break more easily.

Children and adolescents Conexxence should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

What Conexxence is used for Conexxence is used to treat:

  • osteoporosis in women after the menopause (postmenopausal) and men who have an increased risk of fracture (broken bones), reducing the risk of spinal, non-spinal and hip fractures.
  • bone loss that results from a reduction in hormone (testosterone) level caused by surgery or treatment with medicines in patients with prostate cancer.
  • bone loss that results from long-term treatment with glucocorticoids in patients who have an increased risk of fracture.

What you need to know before you take it

e Conexxence Do not use Conexxence

  • if you have low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcaemia).
  • if you are allergic to denosumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Conexxence.

Unusual thigh bone fractures Some people have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone while being treated with Conexxence. Contact your doctor if you experience new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Other medicines and Conexxence Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. It is especially important that you tell your doctor if you are being treated with another medicine containing denosumab.

Driving and using machines Conexxence has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Conexxence contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 60 mg, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. Conexxence contains polysorbate 20 This medicine contains 0.1 mg of polysorbate 20 in each pre-filled syringe which is equivalent to 0.1 mg/mL. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies.

How to take it

Conexxence The recommended dose is one pre-filled syringe of 60 mg administered once every 6 months, as a single injection under the skin (subcutaneous). The best places to inject are the top of your thighs and the abdomen. Your carer can also use the outer area of your upper arm. Please consult your doctor on the date for a potential next injection. You should also take calcium and vitamin D supplements while being on treatment with Conexxence. Your doctor will discuss this with you. Your doctor may decide that it is best for you or a carer to inject Conexxence. Your doctor or healthcare provider will show you or your carer how to use Conexxence. For instructions on how to inject Conexxence, please read the section at the end of this leaflet. Do not shake. If you forget to use Conexxence If a dose of Conexxence is missed, the injection should be administered as soon as possible. Thereafter, injections should be scheduled every 6 months from the date of the last injection. If you stop using Conexxence To get the most benefit from your treatment in reducing the risk of fractures, it is important to use Conexxence for as long as your doctor prescribes it for you. Do not stop your treatment without contacting your doctor. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Uncommonly, patients receiving Conexxence may develop skin infections (predominantly cellulitis). Please tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms while being on treatment with Conexxence: swollen, red area of skin, most commonly in the lower leg, that feels hot and tender, and possibly with symptoms of fever.

You should not use Conexxence together with another medicine containing denosumab.

Rarely, patients receiving Conexxence may develop pain in the mouth and/or jaw, swelling or non-healing of sores in the mouth or jaw, discharge, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or loosening of a tooth. These could be signs of bone damage in the jaw (osteonecrosis). Tell your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience such symptoms while being treated with Conexxence or after stopping treatment.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding Conexxence has not been tested in pregnant women. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant; or plan to get pregnant. Conexxence is not recommended for use if you are pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential should use effective methods of contraception while being treated with Conexxence and for at least 5 months after stopping treatment with Conexxence.

Rarely, patients receiving Conexxence may have low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcaemia). Symptoms include spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscles, and/or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around your mouth and/or seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness. If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor immediately. Low calcium in the blood may also lead to a change in heart rhythm called QT prolongation which is seen by electrocardiogram (ECG).

If you become pregnant during treatment with Conexxence or less than 5 months after stopping treatment with Conexxence, please inform your doctor.

Rarely unusual fractures of the thigh bone may occur in patients receiving Conexxence. Contact your doctor if you experience new or unusual pain in your hip, groin or thigh as this may be an early indication of a possible fracture of the thigh bone.

Whilst being treated with Conexxence you may develop a skin infection with symptoms such as a swollen, red area of skin, most commonly in the lower leg, that feels hot and tender (cellulitis), and possibly with symptoms of fever. Please tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

It is not known whether Conexxence is excreted in breast milk. It is important to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to do so. Your doctor will then help you decide whether to stop breastfeeding, or whether to stop using Conexxence, considering the benefit of breast-feeding to the baby and the benefit of Conexxence to the mother.

You should also take calcium and vitamin D supplements while being on treatment with Conexxence. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

If you are breast-feeding during Conexxence treatment, please inform your doctor.

Rarely, allergic reactions may occur in patients receiving Conexxence. Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Please tell your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms while being treated with Conexxence.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

  • bone, joint, and/or muscle pain which is sometimes severe,
  • arm or leg pain (pain in extremity). Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
  • painful urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine, inability to hold your urine,
  • upper respiratory tract infection,
  • pain, tingling or numbness that moves down your leg (sciatica),
  • constipation,
  • abdominal discomfort,
  • rash,
  • skin condition with itching, redness and/or dryness (eczema),
  • hair loss (alopecia).

Manufacturer Fresenius Kabi Austria GmbH Hafnerstrasse 36 8055 Graz Austria This leaflet was last revised in May 2025.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • fever, vomiting and abdominal pain or discomfort (diverticulitis),
  • ear infection,
  • rash that may occur on the skin or sores in the mouth (lichenoid drug eruptions). Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 000 people):
  • allergic reaction that can damage blood vessels mainly in the skin (e.g. purple or brownish-red spots, hives or skin sores) (hypersensitivity vasculitis). Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
  • talk to your doctor if you have ear pain, discharge from the ear and/or an ear infection. These could be signs of bone damage in the ear. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/ yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Conexxence Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator (2 °C – 8 °C). Do not freeze. Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Your pre-filled syringe may be left outside the refrigerator to reach room temperature (up to 25 °C) before injection. This will make the injection more comfortable. Once your syringe has been left to reach room temperature (up to 25 °C), it must be used within 30 days.

Conexxence® 60 mg/mL Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe

denosumab Subcutaneous use.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Conexxence contains

  • The active substance is denosumab. Each 1 ml pre-filled syringe contains 60 mg of denosumab (60 mg/ml).
  • The other ingredients are acetic acid, sodium acetate trihydrate, sorbitol (E420), polysorbate 20 (E432), and water for injections. What Conexxence looks like and contents of the pack Conexxence is a clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution for injection provided in a ready to use pre-filled syringe. Each pack contains one pre-filled syringe with a needle guard. Marketing Authorisation Holder Fresenius Kabi Limited Cestrian Court Eastgate Way, Manor Park Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1NT United Kingdom

M0FO0014/00 UK

Conexxence 60 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe denosumab

You may have low levels of calcium in your blood while receiving Conexxence. Please tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscle, and/or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around your mouth, and/or seizures (fits), confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Conexxence®

Package leaflet: Information for the patient

60 mg/mL

Operator: Peter Schaffer

1. Draft 19.08.2025, 15.15 1. Corr 2. Corr 3. Corr 4. Corr 5. Corr 6. Corr 7. Corr 8. Corr 9. Corr Template:

Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe

Indication only – not to be printed:

  • Fold lines
  • Position Cover

denosumab

Colours:

  • Black
  • Cyan
  • Magenta
  • Yellow
  • Pantone 2602 C
  • Pantone 233 C
  • Pantone 300 C

Subcutaneous use.

Product name: Territory: Conexxence (Deno) 60mg PFS UK Type of packaging: Dosage: Leaflet IFU 1 Material number: 2-D-Matrix-Code: M0FO0014/00 UK M0FO0014/00 UK Pharma-Code (Laetus): EAN-Code: Dimension: Font: Size: 588 x 360 mm Interstate 10 Folded format: 155 x 65 mm

Step 1

7. Instructions for use

Conexxence®

1.1 Gather supplies On a clean, well-lit work surface, gather the supplies needed for your injection (see Figure A):

  • alcohol wipes
  • cotton ball or gauze pad
  • adhesive bandage
  • sharps disposal container (see Step 4 Throw away your pre-filled syringe)

60 mg/ml Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe denosumab Subcutaneous use.

Guide to parts: Before Use

Clear needle guard

Liquid-filled syringe barrel (inside)

Let it warm at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes (see Figure C)

Figure B

Do not shake the pre-filled syringe

Needle covered

Plunger

Needle guard spring extended

Before you use a Conexxence pre-filled syringe with automatic needle guard, read this important information:

  • It is important that you do not try to give yourself the injection unless you have received training from your doctor or healthcare provider.
  • Conexxence is given as an injection into the tissue just under the skin (subcutaneous injection).
  • Do not remove the grey needle cap from the pre-filled syringe until you are ready to inject.

Keep the pre-filled syringe out of sight and reach of children.

1.3 Wash your hands Wash your hands well with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel (see Figure D).

  • Do not try to push the plunger rod of the pre-filled syringe before the injection.
  • Do not shake the pre-filled syringe.
  • Important: Keep the pre-filled syringe out of the sight and reach of children.

Storing Conexxence pre-filled syringe

  • Store Conexxence in a refrigerator between 2 °C to 8 °C in the original carton. Do not freeze.
  • Before giving the injection, Conexxence may be allowed to reach room temperature up to 25 °C in the original container. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. Do not warm Conexxence in any other way.
  • After Conexxence is removed from the refrigerator, it must be used within 30 days. If not used in 30 days, it should be thrown away (discarded).
  • Do not use Conexxence after the expiration date printed on the label.
  • Protect Conexxence from direct light and heat. Call your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions.

3.3 Inject Push the plunger with slow and constant pressure (see Figure M) until you cannot press anymore and have injected all of the liquid under the skin (subcutaneously) (see Figure N). You may hear or feel a "click".

Figure J

Throw away (dispose of) the needle cap in your sharps disposal container (see Step 4 Throw away your pre-filled syringe). Do not touch the needle or let it touch any surface after removal of the needle cap.

Figure E

Figure Figure L L

Medicines should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Figure Q

Do not reuse the pre-filled syringe. Do not throw away (dispose of) used syringes in your household trash. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container. Keep Conexxence pre-filled syringes, sharps disposal container and all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Figure M

Do not lift the pre-filled syringe off the skin.

3.4 Release plunger Slowly release the plunger and allow the needle to come out of the skin at the same angle it was inserted. The clear needle guard will safely cover the needle (see Figure O). Do not put the needle cap back on the needle.

Do not put the needle cap back onto the pre-filled syringe.

Do not grasp the plunger.

1.5 Inspect pre-filled syringe and medicine Check the pre-filled syringe to make sure that: Conexxence

  • The name on the label says Conexxence (see Figure F).
  • The expiration date on the label has not passed.
  • The pre-filled syringe is not cracked or broken.

2.3 Remove needle cap Carefully pull the needle cap straight off and away from your body (see Figure J). It may take some force to remove the needle cap.

Do not twist or bend the needle cap.

1.4 Remove pre-filled syringe from tray Place two fingers on either side, in the middle of the clear needle guard. Pull the pre-filled syringe straight up and out of the tray (see Figure E). Do not grasp the needle cap.

Let your skin air dry.

Do not remove the needle cap from the pre-filled syringe until you are ready to inject.

3.2 Insert the needle Quickly insert the needle straight into the pinched skin at a 45 to 90-degree angle (see Figure L). Do not inject into muscle or blood vessel.

Do not hold the pre-filled syringe by the plunger rod.

Figure D

  • Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the carton is damaged or the seal is broken.
  • Do not use the pre-filled syringe if it has been dropped on a hard surface. Use a new pre-filled syringe and call your doctor or healthcare provider.

Figure K Figure H

Throw away your pre-filled syringe

4.1 Dispose Put your used pre-filled syringe and needle cap in a sharps disposal container right away after use (see Figure Q).

Note: It is important to keep the skin pinched when injecting.

Figure I

Figure C

Step 4

Inject medicine

3.1 Pinch the skin Pinch your injection site to create a firm surface (see Figure K).

Do not blow on or touch the injection site after cleaning.

Do not leave the pre-filled syringe in direct sunlight.

Clear needle guard

2.1 Choose an injection site You can inject into (see Figure H):

  • upper thighs
  • belly, except for a 5 cm area around the belly button
  • outer area of upper arm (if you are injecting into someone else) Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.

2.2 Clean the injection site Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe (see Figure I).

Do not try to warm the pre-filled syringe by using a heat source such as hot water or microwave. Expiration date

Step 3

Prepare to inject

Avoid injecting into areas with scars or stretch marks 1.2 Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature Remove the carton from the refrigerator (see Figure B) and place it on a flat surface.

Back view

After Use

Figure A

Plunger

Front view

Needle cap

Step 2

Prepare materials

Figure N

Figure O

3.5 Treat injection site If there is blood or liquid at the injection site, gently press a cotton ball or gauze on the skin (see Figure P). You may use an adhesive bandage if needed. Do not rub the injection site.

Figure P

Figure F

Check the liquid to see if there are any particles or discoloration (see Figure G). Do not use the pre-filled syringe if:

  • The name on the label is not Conexxence.
  • The expiration date on the label Figure G has passed.
  • Any part appears cracked or broken.
  • The needle cap is missing or not firmly attached.
  • The medicine is cloudy or there are particles in it. It must be a clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution. In all cases, use a new pre-filled syringe and call your doctor or healthcare provider. M0FO0014/00 UK

Frequently asked questions about Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection

How do I take Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection?

Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection comes as injection containing 60mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection?

The active substance in Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection is denosumab.

Are there equivalent medicines to Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Acvybra 60 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, Bildyos 60 mg Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, Izamby 60 mg Solution for injection In Pre-Filled Syringe. In total there are 9 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Conexxence 60 mg Solution for injection without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Denosumab (22 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men at increased risk of fractures. In postmenopausal women denosumab significantly reduces the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures.

Treatment of bone loss associated with hormone ablation in men with prostate cancer at increased risk of fractures (see section 5.1). In men with prostate cancer receiving hormone ablation, denosumab significantly reduces the risk of vertebral fractures.

Treatment of bone loss associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy in adult patients at increased risk of fracture (see section 5.1).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The recommended dose is 60 mg denosumab administered as a single subcutaneous injection once every 6 months into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm.

Patients must be adequately supplemented with calcium and vitamin D (see section 4.4).

Patients treated with denosumab should be given the package leaflet and the patient reminder card.

The optimal total duration of antiresorptive treatment for osteoporosis (including both denosumab and bisphosphonates) has not been established. The need for continued treatment should be re-evaluated periodically based on the benefits and potential risks of denosumab on an individual patient basis, particularly after 5 or more years of use (see section 4.4).

Elderly (age ≥ 65)

No dose adjustment is required in elderly patients.

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.4 for recommendations relating to monitoring of calcium).

No data is available in patients with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy and severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min).

Hepatic impairment

The safety and efficacy of denosumab have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population

Denosumab should not be used in children aged < 18 years because of safety concerns of serious hypercalcaemia, and potential inhibition of bone growth and lack of tooth eruption (see sections 4.4 and 5.3). Currently available data for children aged 2 to 17 years are described in sections 5.1 and 5.2.

Method of administration

For subcutaneous use.

Administration should be performed by an individual who has been adequately trained in injection techniques.

The instructions for use, handling and disposal are given in section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. Hypocalcaemia (see section 4.4).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation

Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important in all patients.

Precautions for use

Hypocalcaemia

It is important to identify patients at risk for hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia must be corrected by adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D before initiating therapy. Clinical monitoring of calcium levels is recommended before each dose and, in patients predisposed to hypocalcaemia within two weeks after the initial dose. If any patient presents with suspected symptoms of hypocalcaemia during treatment (see section 4.8 for symptoms) calcium levels should be measured. Patients should be encouraged to report symptoms indicative of hypocalcaemia.

In the post-marketing setting, severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia (including fatal cases) has been reported (see section 4.8), with most cases occurring in the first weeks of initiating therapy, but it can occur later.

Concomitant glucocorticoid treatment is an additional risk factor for hypocalcaemia. Renal impairment

Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) or receiving dialysis are at greater risk of developing hypocalcaemia. The risks of developing hypocalcaemia and accompanying parathyroid hormone elevations increase with increasing degree of renal impairment. Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D and regular monitoring of calcium is especially important in these patients, see above.

Skin infections

Patients receiving denosumab may develop skin infections (predominantly cellulitis) leading to hospitalisation (see section 4.8). Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of cellulitis.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)

ONJ has been reported rarely in patients receiving denosumab for osteoporosis (see section 4.8).

The start of treatment/new treatment course should be delayed in patients with unhealed open soft tissue lesions in the mouth. A dental examination with preventive dentistry and an individual benefit-risk assessment is recommended prior to treatment with denosumab in patients with concomitant risk factors.

The following risk factors should be considered when evaluating a patient's risk of developing ONJ:

· potency of the medicinal product that inhibits bone resorption (higher risk for highly potent compounds), route of administration (higher risk for parenteral administration) and cumulative dose of bone resorption therapy.

· cancer, co-morbid conditions (e.g., anaemia, coagulopathies, infection), smoking.

· concomitant therapies: corticosteroids, chemotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, radiotherapy to head and neck.

· poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, poorly fitting dentures, history of dental disease, invasive dental procedures (e.g., tooth extractions).

All patients should be encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene, receive routine dental check-ups, and immediately report any oral symptoms such as dental mobility, pain or swelling or non-healing of sores or discharge during treatment with denosumab. While on treatment, invasive dental procedures should be performed only after careful consideration and be avoided in close proximity to denosumab administration.

The management plan of the patients who develop ONJ should be set up in close collaboration between the treating physician and a dentist or oral surgeon with expertise in ONJ. Temporary interruption of treatment should be considered until the condition resolves and contributing risk factors are mitigated where possible.

Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal

Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal has been reported with denosumab. Possible risk factors for osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal include steroid use and chemotherapy and/or local risk factors such as infection or trauma. The possibility of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal should be considered in patients receiving denosumab who present with ear symptoms including chronic ear infections.

Atypical fractures of the femur

Atypical femoral fractures have been reported in patients receiving denosumab (see section 4.8). Atypical femoral fractures may occur with little or no trauma in the subtrochanteric and diaphyseal regions of the femur. Specific radiographic findings characterise these events. Atypical femoral fractures have also been reported in patients with certain co-morbid conditions (e.g., vitamin D deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, hypophosphatasia) and with use of certain medicinal products (e.g., bisphosphonates, glucocorticoids, proton pump inhibitors). These events have also occurred without antiresorptive therapy. Similar fractures reported in association with bisphosphonates are often bilateral; therefore, the contralateral femur should be examined in denosumab-treated patients who have sustained a femoral shaft fracture. Discontinuation of denosumab therapy in patients suspected to have an atypical femur fracture should be considered pending evaluation of the patient based on an individual benefit-risk assessment. During denosumab treatment, patients should be advised to report new or unusual thigh, hip, or groin pain. Patients presenting with such symptoms should be evaluated for an incomplete femoral fracture.

Long-term antiresorptive treatment

Long-term antiresorptive treatment (including both denosumab and bisphosphonates) may contribute to an increased risk for adverse outcomes such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures due to significant suppression of bone remodelling (see section 4.2).

Concomitant treatment with other denosumab-containing medicinal products

Patients being treated with denosumab should not be treated concomitantly with other denosumab-containing medicinal products (for prevention of skeletal related events in adults with bone metastases from solid tumours).

Hypercalcaemia in paediatric patients

Denosumab should not be used in paediatric patients (age < 18). Serious hypercalcaemia has been reported. Some clinical trial cases were complicated by acute renal injury.

Warnings for excipients

This medicine contains 47 mg sorbitol in each mL of solution. The additive effect of concomitantly administered products containing sorbitol (or fructose) and dietary intake of sorbitol (or fructose) should be taken into account.

This medicine contains 0.1 mg of polysorbate 20 in each mL of solution. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 60 mg that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

In an interaction study, denosumab did not affect the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, which is metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). This indicates that denosumab should not alter the pharmacokinetics of medicinal products metabolised by CYP3A4.

There are no clinical data on the co-administration of denosumab and hormone replacement therapy (oestrogen), however the potential for a pharmacodynamic interaction is considered to be low.

In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of denosumab were not altered by previous alendronate therapy, based on data from a transition study (alendronate to denosumab).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of denosumab in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Denosumab is not recommended for use in pregnant women and women of child-bearing potential not using contraception. Women should be advised not to become pregnant during and for at least 5 months after treatment with denosumab. Any effects of denosumab are likely to be greater during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy since monoclonal antibodies are transported across the placenta in a linear fashion as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether denosumab is excreted in human milk. In genetically engineered mice in which RANKL has been turned off by gene removal (a “knockout mouse”), studies suggest absence of RANKL (the target of denosumab see section 5.1) during pregnancy may interfere with maturation of the mammary gland leading to impaired lactation post-partum (see section 5.3). A decision on whether to abstain from breast-feeding or to abstain from therapy with denosumab should be made, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the newborn/infant and the benefit of denosumab therapy to the woman.

Fertility

No data are available on the effect of denosumab on human fertility. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to fertility (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Denosumab has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most common side effects with denosumab (seen in more than one patient in ten) are musculoskeletal pain and pain in the extremity. Uncommon cases of cellulitis, rare cases of hypocalcaemia, hypersensitivity, osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures (see sections 4.4 and 4.8 - description of selected adverse reactions) have been observed in patients taking denosumab.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The data in table 1 below describe adverse reactions reported from phase II and III clinical trials in patients with osteoporosis and breast or prostate cancer patients receiving hormone ablation; and/or spontaneous reporting.

The following convention has been used for the classification of the adverse reactions (see table 1): very common (? 1/10), common (? 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (? 1/1 000 to < 1/100), rare (? 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000), very rare (< 1/10 000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping and system organ class, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1. Adverse reactions reported in patients with osteoporosis and breast or prostate cancer patients receiving hormone ablation

MedDRA system organ class

Frequency category

Adverse reactions

Infections and infestations

Common

Common

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Urinary tract infection

Upper respiratory tract infection

Diverticulitis1

Cellulitis1

Ear infection

Immune system disorders

Rare

Rare

Drug hypersensitivity1

Anaphylactic reaction1

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Rare

Hypocalcaemia1

Nervous system disorders

Common

Sciatica

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Common

Constipation

Abdominal discomfort

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common

Common

Common

Uncommon

Very rare

Rash

Eczema

Alopecia

Lichenoid drug eruptions1

Hypersensitivity vasculitis

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common

Very common

Rare

Rare

Not Known

Paininextremity

Musculoskeletal pain1

Osteonecrosis of the jaw1

Atypical femoral fractures1

Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal2

1 See section Description of selected adverse reactions.

2 See section 4.4.

In a pooled analysis of data from all phase II and phase III placebo-controlled studies, influenza-like illness was reported with a crude incidence rate of 1.2% for denosumab and 0.7% for placebo.

Although this imbalance was identified via a pooled analysis, it was not identified via a stratified analysis.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hypocalcaemia

In two phase III placebo-controlled clinical trials in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, approximately 0.05% (2 out of 4,050) of patients had declines of serum calcium levels (less than 1.88 mmol/L) following denosumab administration. Declines of serum calcium levels (less than 1.88 mmol/L) were not reported in either the two phase III placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients receiving hormone ablation or the phase III placebo-controlled clinical trial in men with osteoporosis.

In the post-marketing setting, rare cases of severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia have been reported predominantly in patients at increased risk of hypocalcaemia receiving denosumab, with most cases occurring in the first weeks of initiating therapy. Examples of the clinical manifestations of severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia have included QT interval prolongation, tetany, seizures and altered mental status (see section 4.4). Symptoms of hypocalcaemia in denosumab clinical trials included paraesthesias or muscle stiffness, twitching, spasms and muscle cramps.

Skin infections

In phase III placebo-controlled clinical trials, the overall incidence of skin infections was similar in the placebo and the denosumab groups: in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (placebo [1.2%, 50 out of 4,041] versus denosumab [1.5%, 59 out of 4,050]); in men with osteoporosis (placebo [0.8%, 1 out of 120] versus denosumab [0%, 0 out of 120]); in breast or prostate cancer patients receiving hormone ablation (placebo [1.7%, 14 out of 845] versus denosumab [1.4%, 12 out of 860]). Skin infections leading to hospitalisation were reported in 0.1% (3 out of 4,041) of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis receiving placebo versus 0.4% (16 out of 4,050) of women receiving denosumab.

These cases were predominantly cellulitis. Skin infections reported as serious adverse reactions were similar in the placebo (0.6%, 5 out of 845) and the denosumab (0.6%, 5 out of 860) groups in the breast and prostate cancer studies.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw

ONJ has been reported rarely, in 16 patients, in clinical trials in osteoporosis and in breast or prostate cancer patients receiving hormone ablation including a total of 23,148 patients (see section 4.4).

Thirteen of these ONJ cases occurred in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis during the phase III clinical trial extension following treatment with denosumab for up to 10 years. Incidence of ONJ was 0.04% at 3 years, 0.06% at 5 years and 0.44% at 10 years of denosumab treatment. The risk of ONJ increased with duration of exposure to denosumab.

Atypical fractures of the femur

In the osteoporosis clinical trial program, atypical femoral fractures were reported rarely in patients treated with denosumab (see section 4.4).

Diverticulitis

In a single phase III placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), an imbalance in diverticulitis adverse events was observed (1.2% denosumab, 0% placebo). The incidence of diverticulitis was comparable between treatment groups in postmenopausal women or men with osteoporosis and in women undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy for non-metastatic breast cancer.

Drug-related hypersensitivity reactions

In the post-marketing setting, rare events of drug-related hypersensitivity, including rash, urticaria, facial swelling, erythema, and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients receiving denosumab.

Musculoskeletal pain

Musculoskeletal pain, including severe cases, has been reported in patients receiving denosumab in the post-marketing setting. In clinical trials, musculoskeletal pain was very common in both denosumab and placebo groups. Musculoskeletal pain leading to discontinuation of study treatment was uncommon.

Lichenoid drug eruptions

Lichenoid drug eruptions (e.g., lichen planus-like reactions) have been reported in patients in the post- marketing setting.

Other special populations

Paediatric population

Denosumab should not be used in paediatric patients (age < 18). Serious hypercalcaemia has been reported (see section 5.1). Some clinical trial cases were complicated by acute renal injury.

Renal impairment

In clinical trials, patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) or receiving dialysis were at greater risk of developing hypocalcaemia in the absence of calcium supplementation. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important in patients with severe renal impairment or receiving dialysis (see section 4.4).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There is no experience with overdose in clinical trials. Denosumab has been administered in clinical trials using doses up to 180 mg every 4 weeks (cumulative doses up to 1,080 mg over 6 months), and no additional adverse reactions were observed.

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