The safety of denosumab in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in a 3-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study of 7808 postmenopausal women aged 60 to 91 years. A total of 3876 women were exposed to placebo and 3886 women were exposed to denosumab administered subcutaneously once every 6 months as a single 60 mg dose. All women were instructed to take at least 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.3% (n = 90) in the placebo group and 1.8% (n = 70) in the denosumab group. The incidence of nonfatal serious adverse events was 24.2% in the placebo group and 25.0% in the denosumab group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 2.1% and 2.4% for the placebo and denosumab groups, respectively. The most common adverse reactions reported with denosumab in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis are back pain, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal pain, hypercholesterolemia, and cystitis.
Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and more frequently in the denosumab-treated women than in the placebo-treated women are shown in the table below.
- Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Patients with Osteoporosis and More Frequently than in Placebo-treated Patients
| Preferred Term | Denosumab (N = 3886) n (%) | Placebo (N = 3876) n (%) |
|---|
| 1347 (34.7) | 1340 (34.6) |
| 453 (11.7) | 430 (11.1) |
| 297 (7.6) | 291 (7.5) |
| 280 (7.2) | 236 (6.1) |
| 228 (5.9) | 225 (5.8) |
| 195 (5.0) | 187 (4.8) |
- Upper respiratory tract infection
| 190 (4.9) | 167 (4.3) |
| 189 (4.9) | 155 (4.0) |
| 178 (4.6) | 149 (3.8) |
| 142 (3.7) | 117 (3.0) |
| 129 (3.3) | 111 (2.9) |
| 129 (3.3) | 107 (2.8) |
| 126 (3.2) | 122 (3.1) |
| 114 (2.9) | 94 (2.4) |
| 101 (2.6) | 87 (2.2) |
| 96 (2.5) | 79 (2.0) |
| 91 (2.3) | 78 (2.0) |
| 90 (2.3) | 73 (1.9) |
| 87 (2.2) | 82 (2.1) |
| 84 (2.2) | 53 (1.4) |
| 82 (2.1) | 64 (1.7) |
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
| 80 (2.1) | 66 (1.7) |
| 79 (2.0) | 72 (1.9) |
Hypocalcemia
Decreases in serum calcium levels to less than 8.5 mg/dL at any visit were reported in 0.4% women in the placebo group and 1.7% women in the denosumab group. The nadir in serum calcium level occurred at approximately day 10 after denosumab dosing in subjects with normal renal function.
In clinical studies, subjects with impaired renal function were more likely to have greater reductions in serum calcium levels compared to subjects with normal renal function. In a study of 55 subjects with varying degrees of renal function, serum calcium levels < 7.5 mg/dL or symptomatic hypocalcemia were observed in 5 subjects. These included no subjects in the normal renal function group, 10% of subjects in the creatinine clearance 50 to 80 mL/min group, 29% of subjects in the creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min group, and 29% of subjects in the hemodialysis group. These subjects did not receive calcium and vitamin D supplementation. In a study of 4550 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the mean change from baseline in serum calcium level 10 days after denosumab dosing was -5.5% in subjects with creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min vs. -3.1% in subjects with creatinine clearance ≥ 30 mL/min.
Serious Infections
Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) is expressed on activated T and B lymphocytes and in lymph nodes. Therefore, a RANKL inhibitor such as denosumab products may increase the risk of infection.
In the clinical study of 7808 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the incidence of infections resulting in death was 0.2% in both placebo and denosumab treatment groups. However, the incidence of nonfatal serious infections was 3.3% in the placebo and 4.0% in the denosumab groups. Hospitalizations due to serious infections in the abdomen (0.7% placebo vs. 0.9% denosumab), urinary tract (0.5% placebo vs. 0.7% denosumab), and ear (0.0% placebo vs. 0.1% denosumab) were reported. Endocarditis was reported in no placebo patients and 3 patients receiving denosumab.
Skin infections, including erysipelas and cellulitis, leading to hospitalization were reported more frequently in patients treated with denosumab (< 0.1% placebo vs. 0.4% denosumab).
The incidence of opportunistic infections was similar to that reported with placebo.
Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
A significantly higher number of patients treated with denosumab developed epidermal and dermal adverse events (such as dermatitis, eczema, and rashes), with these events reported in 8.2% of the placebo and 10.8% of the denosumab groups (p < 0.0001). Most of these events were not specific to the injection site [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
ONJ has been reported in the osteoporosis clinical trial program in patients treated with denosumab [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures
In the osteoporosis clinical trial program, atypical femoral fractures were reported in patients treated with denosumab. The duration of denosumab exposure to time of atypical femoral fracture diagnosis was as early as 2½ years [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Treatment Discontinuation
In the osteoporosis clinical trial program, multiple vertebral fractures were reported in patients after discontinuation of denosumab. In the phase 3 trial in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, 6% of women who discontinued denosumab and remained in the study developed new vertebral fractures, and 3% of women who discontinued denosumab and remained in the study developed multiple new vertebral fractures. The mean time to onset of multiple vertebral fractures was 17 months (range: 7-43 months) after the last injection of denosumab. Prior vertebral fracture was a predictor of multiple vertebral fractures after discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis was reported in 4 patients (0.1%) in the placebo and 8 patients (0.2%) in the denosumab groups. Of these reports, 1 patient in the placebo group and all 8 patients in the denosumab group had serious events, including one death in the denosumab group. Several patients had a prior history of pancreatitis. The time from product administration to event occurrence was variable.
New Malignancies
The overall incidence of new malignancies was 4.3% in the placebo and 4.8% in the denosumab groups. New malignancies related to the breast (0.7% placebo vs. 0.9% denosumab), reproductive system (0.2% placebo vs. 0.5% denosumab), and gastrointestinal system (0.6% placebo vs. 0.9% denosumab) were reported. A causal relationship to drug exposure has not been established.
Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis
The safety of denosumab in the treatment of men with osteoporosis was assessed in a 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 120 men were exposed to placebo and 120 men were exposed to denosumab administered subcutaneously once every 6 months as a single 60 mg dose. All men were instructed to take at least 1000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.8% (n = 1) in the placebo group and 0.8% (n = 1) in the denosumab group. The incidence of nonfatal serious adverse events was 7.5% in the placebo group and 8.3% in the denosumab group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 0% and 2.5% for the placebo and denosumab groups, respectively.
Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 5% of men with osteoporosis and more frequently with denosumab than in the placebo-treated patients were: back pain (6.7% placebo vs. 8.3% denosumab), arthralgia (5.8% placebo vs. 6.7% denosumab), and nasopharyngitis (5.8% placebo vs. 6.7% denosumab).
Serious Infections
Serious infection was reported in 1 patient (0.8%) in the placebo group and no patients in the denosumab group.
Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
Epidermal and dermal adverse events (such as dermatitis, eczema, and rashes) were reported in 4 patients (3.3%) in the placebo group and 5 patients (4.2%) in the denosumab group.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
No cases of ONJ were reported.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis was reported in 1 patient (0.8%) in the placebo group and 1 patient (0.8%) in the denosumab group.
New Malignancies
New malignancies were reported in no patients in the placebo group and 4 (3.3%) patients (3 prostate cancers, 1 basal cell carcinoma) in the denosumab group.
Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
The safety of denosumab in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was assessed in the 1-year, primary analysis of a 2-year randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled study of 795 patients (30% men and 70% women) aged 20 to 94 (mean age of 63 years) treated with greater than or equal to 7.5 mg/day oral prednisone (or equivalent). A total of 384 patients were exposed to 5 mg oral daily bisphosphonate (active-control) and 394 patients were exposed to denosumab administered once every 6 months as a 60 mg subcutaneous dose. All patients were instructed to take at least 1000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.5% (n = 2) in the active-control group and 1.5% (n = 6) in the denosumab group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 17% in the active-control group and 16% in the denosumab group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 3.6% and 3.8% for the active-control and denosumab groups, respectively.
Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and more frequently with denosumab than in the active-control-treated patients are shown in the table below.
- Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Patients with Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis and More Frequently with Denosumab than in Active-Control-treated Patients
| Preferred Term | Denosumab (N = 394) n (%) | Oral Daily Bisphosphonate (Active-Control) (N = 384) n (%) |
|---|
Back pain | 18 (4.6) | 17 (4.4) |
Hypertension | 15 (3.8) | 13 (3.4) |
Bronchitis | 15 (3.8) | 11 (2.9) |
Headache | 14 (3.6) | 7 (1.8) |
Dyspepsia | 12 (3.0) | 10 (2.6) |
Urinary tract infection | 12 (3.0) | 8 (2.1) |
Abdominal pain upper | 12 (3.0) | 7 (1.8) |
Upper respiratory tract infection | 11 (2.8) | 10 (2.6) |
Constipation | 11 (2.8) | 6 (1.6) |
Vomiting | 10 (2.5) | 6 (1.6) |
Dizziness | 9 (2.3) | 8 (2.1) |
Fall | 8 (2.0) | 7 (1.8) |
Polymyalgia rheumatica Events of worsening of underlying polymyalgia rheumatica. | 8 (2.0) | 1 (0.3) |
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
No cases of ONJ were reported.
Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures
Atypical femoral fractures were reported in 1 patient treated with denosumab. The duration of denosumab exposure to time of atypical femoral fracture diagnosis was at 8.0 months [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Serious Infections
Serious infection was reported in 15 patients (3.9%) in the active-control group and 17 patients (4.3%) in the denosumab group.
Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
Epidermal and dermal adverse events (such as dermatitis, eczema, and rashes) were reported in 16 patients (4.2%) in the active-control group and 15 patients (3.8%) in the denosumab group.
Treatment of Bone Loss in Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer or Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy for Breast Cancer
The safety of denosumab in the treatment of bone loss in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was assessed in a 3-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study of 1468 men aged 48 to 97 years. A total of 725 men were exposed to placebo and 731 men were exposed to denosumab administered once every 6 months as a single 60 mg subcutaneous dose. All men were instructed to take at least 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day.
The incidence of serious adverse events was 30.6% in the placebo group and 34.6% in the denosumab group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 6.1% and 7.0% for the placebo and denosumab groups, respectively.
The safety of denosumab in the treatment of bone loss in women with nonmetastatic breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy was assessed in a 2-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study of 252 postmenopausal women aged 35 to 84 years. A total of 120 women were exposed to placebo and 129 women were exposed to denosumab administered once every 6 months as a single 60 mg subcutaneous dose. All women were instructed to take at least 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day.
The incidence of serious adverse events was 9.2% in the placebo group and 14.7% in the denosumab group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 4.2% and 0.8% for the placebo and denosumab groups, respectively.
Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 10% of denosumab-treated patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer or adjuvant AI therapy for breast cancer, and more frequently than in the placebo-treated patients were: arthralgia (13.0% placebo vs. 14.3% denosumab) and back pain (10.5% placebo vs. 11.5% denosumab). Pain in extremity (7.7% placebo vs. 9.9% denosumab) and musculoskeletal pain (3.8% placebo vs. 6.0% denosumab) have also been reported in clinical trials. Additionally, in denosumab-treated men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving ADT, a greater incidence of cataracts was observed (1.2% placebo vs. 4.7% denosumab). Hypocalcemia (serum calcium < 8.4 mg/dL) was reported only in denosumab-treated patients (2.4% vs. 0.0%) at the month 1 visit.
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
Treatment with denosumab products may impair long-bone growth in children with open growth plates and may inhibit eruption of dentition. In neonatal rats, inhibition of RANKL (the target of denosumab therapy) with a construct of osteoprotegerin bound to Fc (OPG-Fc) at doses ≤ 10 mg/kg was associated with inhibition of bone growth and tooth eruption. Adolescent primates treated with denosumab at doses 10 and 50 times (10 and 50 mg/kg dose) higher than the recommended human dose of 60 mg administered every 6 months, based on body weight (mg/kg), had abnormal growth plates, considered to be consistent with the pharmacological activity of denosumab [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Cynomolgus monkeys exposed in utero to denosumab exhibited bone abnormalities, an absence of axillary, inguinal, mandibular, and mesenteric lymph nodes, reduced hematopoiesis, tooth malalignment, and decreased neonatal growth. Some bone abnormalities recovered once exposure was ceased following birth; however, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes remained absent 6 months post-birth [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Hypocalcemia
Advise the patient to adequately supplement with calcium and vitamin D and instruct them on the importance of maintaining serum calcium levels while receiving Jubbonti [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia.
Severe Hypocalcemia in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Advise patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, including those who are dialysis-dependent, about the symptoms of hypocalcemia and the importance of maintaining serum calcium levels with adequate calcium and activated vitamin D supplementation. Advise these patients to have their serum calcium measured weekly for the first month after Jubbonti administration and monthly thereafter [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Drug Products with Same Active Ingredient
Advise patients the active ingredient in Jubbonti is denosumab-bbdz and they should not receive other denosumab products concomitantly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hypersensitivity
Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention if signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions occur. Advise patients who have had signs or symptoms of systemic hypersensitivity reactions that they should not receive denosumab products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Contraindications (4)].
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Advise patients to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment with Jubbonti and to inform their dentist prior to dental procedures that they are receiving Jubbonti. Patients should inform their physician or dentist if they experience persistent pain and/or slow healing of the mouth or jaw after dental surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures
Advise patients to report new or unusual thigh, hip, or groin pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Treatment Discontinuation
Advise patients not to interrupt Jubbonti therapy without talking to their physician [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Serious Infections
Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of infections, including cellulitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of dermatological reactions (such as dermatitis, rashes, and eczema) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Musculoskeletal Pain
Inform patients that severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain have been reported in patients taking denosumab products. Patients should report severe symptoms if they develop [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Pregnancy/Nursing
Counsel females of reproductive potential to use effective contraceptive measure to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Jubbonti. Advise the patient to contact their physician immediately if pregnancy does occur during these times. Advise patients not to take Jubbonti while pregnant or breastfeeding. If a patient wishes to start breastfeeding after treatment, advise her to discuss the appropriate timing with her physician [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Schedule of Administration
Advise patients that if a dose of Jubbonti is missed, the injection should be administered as soon as convenient. Thereafter, schedule injections every 6 months from the date of the last injection.
Jubbonti® (denosumab-bbdz)
Manufactured by:
Sandoz Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08540
U.S. License No. 2003
PROLIA® is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.
BD UltraSafe PlusTM is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company.