Xgeva

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



2 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
XGEVA 120 mg solution for injection 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each vial contains 120 mg of denosumab in 1.7 mL of solution (70 mg/mL). 
 
Denosumab is a human monoclonal IgG2 antibody produced in a mammalian cell line (Chinese 
hamster ovary cells) by recombinant DNA technology. 
 
Excipient with known effects 
Each 1.7 mL of solution contains 78 mg sorbitol (E420). 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Solution for injection (injection). 
Clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution and may contain trace amounts of translucent to white 
proteinaceous particles. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Prevention of skeletal related events (pathological fracture, radiation to bone, spinal cord compression 
or surgery to bone) in adults with advanced malignancies involving bone (see section 5.1). 
 
Treatment of adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone that is 
unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
XGEVA should be administered under the responsibility of a healthcare professional. 
 
Posology 
 
Supplementation of at least 500 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily is required in all patients, 
unless hypercalcaemia is present (see section 4.4). 
 
Patients treated with XGEVA should be given the package leaflet and the patient reminder card. 
 
Prevention of skeletal related events in adults with advanced malignancies involving bone 
The recommended dose is 120 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks 
into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm. 
 
Giant cell tumour of bone 
The recommended dose of XGEVA is 120 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection once 
every 4 weeks into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm with additional 120 mg doses on days 8 and 15 of 
treatment of the first month of therapy. 
 



3 

Patients in the phase II study who underwent complete resection of giant cell tumour of bone did 
receive an additional 6 months of treatment following the surgery as per study protocol. 
 
Patients with giant cell tumour of bone should be evaluated at regular intervals to determine whether 
they continue to benefit from treatment. In patients whose disease is controlled by XGEVA, the effect 
of interruption or cessation of treatment has not been evaluated, however limited data in these patients 
does not indicate a rebound effect upon cessation of treatment. 
 
Renal impairment 
No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.4 for recommendations 
relating to monitoring of calcium, 4.8 and 5.2). 
 
Hepatic impairment 
The safety and efficacy of denosumab have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment (see 
section 5.2). 
 
Elderly patients (age ≥ 65) 
No dose adjustment is required in elderly patients (see section 5.2). 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of XGEVA have not been established in paediatric patients (age < 18) other 
than skeletally mature adolescents (aged 12-17 years) with giant cell tumour of bone. 
 
XGEVA is not recommended in paediatric patients (age < 18) other than skeletally mature adolescents 
(aged 12-17 years) with giant cell tumour of bone (see section 4.4). 
 
Treatment of skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone that is unresectable or 
where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity: the posology is the same as in adults. 
 
Inhibition of RANK/RANK ligand (RANKL) in animal studies has been coupled to inhibition of bone 
growth and lack of tooth eruption, and these changes were partially reversible upon cessation of 
RANKL inhibition (see section 5.3). 
 
Method of administration 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
 
For instructions for use, handling and disposal see section 6.6. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Severe, untreated hypocalcaemia (see section 4.4). 
 
Unhealed lesions from dental or oral surgery. 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation 
 
Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D is required in all patients unless hypercalcaemia is 
present (see section 4.2). 
 



4 

Hypocalcaemia 
 
Pre-existing hypocalcaemia must be corrected prior to initiating therapy with XGEVA. 
Hypocalcaemia can occur at any time during therapy with XGEVA. Monitoring of calcium levels 
should be conducted (i) prior to the initial dose of XGEVA, (ii) within two weeks after the initial dose, 
(iii) if suspected symptoms of hypocalcaemia occur (see section 4.8 for symptoms). Additional 
monitoring of calcium level should be considered during therapy in patients with risk factors for 
hypocalcaemia, or if otherwise indicated based on the clinical condition of the patient. 
 
Patients should be encouraged to report symptoms indicative of hypocalcaemia. If hypocalcaemia 
occurs while receiving XGEVA, additional calcium supplementation and additional monitoring may 
be necessary. 
 
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 can 
occur later. 
 
Renal impairment 
 
Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) or receiving dialysis are at 
greater risk of developing hypocalcaemia. The risk of developing hypocalcaemia and accompanying 
elevations in parathyroid hormone increases with increasing degree of renal impairment. Regular 
monitoring of calcium levels is especially important in these patients. 
 
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) 
 
ONJ has been reported commonly in patients receiving XGEVA (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. 
 
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, pre-existing 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 XGEVA 
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 XGEVA treatment should be considered until the condition resolves and contributing 
risk factors are mitigated where possible. 
 



5 

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 pharmaceutical agents (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 XGEVA 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. 
 
Hypercalcaemia following treatment discontinuation in patients with giant cell tumour of bone and in 
patients with growing skeletons 
 
Clinically significant hypercalcaemia requiring hospitalisation and complicated by acute renal injury 
has been reported in XGEVA-treated patients with giant cell tumour of bone weeks to months 
following treatment discontinuation. 
 
After treatment is discontinued, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia, consider 
periodic assessment of serum calcium and re-evaluate the patient’s calcium and vitamin D 
supplementation requirements (see section 4.8). 
 
XGEVA is not recommended in patients with growing skeletons (see section 4.2). Clinically 
significant hypercalcaemia has also been reported in this patient group weeks to months following 
treatment discontinuation. 
 
Others 
 
Patients being treated with XGEVA should not be treated concomitantly with other denosumab 
containing medicinal products (for osteoporosis indications). 
 
Patients being treated with XGEVA should not be treated concomitantly with bisphosphonates. 
 
Malignancy in giant cell tumour of bone or progression to metastatic disease is an infrequent event and 
a known risk in patients with giant cell tumour of bone. Patients should be monitored for radiological 
signs of malignancy, new radiolucency or osteolysis. Available clinical data does not suggest an 
increased risk of malignancy in giant cell tumour of bone patients treated with XGEVA. 
 
Warnings for excipients 
 
This medicinal product contains sorbitol. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance 
should not take this medicinal product. 
 



6 

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 120 mg, i.e. essentially 
‘sodium-free’. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
No interaction studies have been performed. 
 
In clinical trials, XGEVA has been administered in combination with standard anti-cancer treatment 
and in subjects previously receiving bisphosphonates. There were no clinically-relevant alterations in 
trough serum concentration and pharmacodynamics of denosumab (creatinine adjusted urinary 
N-telopeptide, uNTx/Cr) by concomitant chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy or by previous 
intravenous bisphosphonate exposure. 
 
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). 
 
XGEVA 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 XGEVA. Any effects of XGEVA 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. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be 
excluded. Knockout mouse studies suggest absence of RANKL during pregnancy may interfere with 
maturation of the mammary gland leading to impaired lactation post-partum (see section 5.3). A 
decision must be made on whether to abstain from breast-feeding or to abstain from XGEVA therapy 
taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the newborn/infant and the benefit of therapy for 
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 
 
XGEVA has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
Overall safety profile is consistent in all approved indications for XGEVA. 
 
Hypocalcaemia has very commonly been reported following XGEVA administration, mostly within 
the first 2 weeks. Hypocalcaemia can be severe and symptomatic (see section 4.8 - description of 
selected adverse reactions). The decreases in serum calcium were generally appropriately managed by 
calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The most common adverse reactions with XGEVA are 
musculoskeletal pain. Cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw (see sections 4.4 and section 4.8 - description 
of selected adverse reactions) have been commonly observed in patients taking XGEVA. 



7 

 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The following convention has been used for the classification of the adverse reactions based on 
incidence rates in four phase III, two phase II clinical studies and post-marketing experience (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 advanced malignancies involving bone, 
multiple myeloma, or with giant cell tumour of bone 
MedDRA system organ class Frequency category Adverse reactions 
Neoplasms benign, malignant 
and unspecified (including cysts 
and polyps) 

Common New primary malignancy1 

Immune system disorders Rare Drug hypersensitivity1 
Rare Anaphylactic reaction1 

Metabolism and nutrition 
disorders 

Very common Hypocalcaemia1, 2 
Common Hypophosphataemia 
Uncommon Hypercalcaemia following 

treatment discontinuation in 
patients with giant cell tumour of 
bone3

Respiratory, thoracic and 
mediastinal disorders 

Very common Dyspnoea 

Gastrointestinal disorders Very common Diarrhoea 
Common Tooth extraction 

Skin and subcutaneous tissue 
disorders 

Common Hyperhidrosis 
Uncommon Lichenoid drug eruptions1 

Musculoskeletal and connective 
tissue disorders 

Very common Musculoskeletal pain1 
Common Osteonecrosis of the jaw1 
Uncommon Atypical femoral fracture1 
Not known Osteonecrosis of the external 

auditory canal3,4 
1 See section Description of selected adverse reactions 
2 See section Other special populations 
3 See section 4.4 
4 Class effect 
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Hypocalcaemia 
A higher incidence of hypocalcaemia among subjects treated with denosumab compared to zoledronic 
acid has been observed in SRE prevention clinical trials. 
 
The highest incidence of hypocalcaemia was observed in a phase III trial in patients with multiple 
myeloma. Hypocalcaemia was reported in 16.9% of patients treated with XGEVA and 12.4% of 
patients treated with zoledronic acid. A grade 3 decrease in serum calcium levels was experienced in 
1.4% of patients treated with XGEVA and 0.6% of patients treated with zoledronic acid. A grade 4 
decrease in serum calcium levels was experienced in 0.4% of patients treated with XGEVA and 0.1% 
of patients treated with zoledronic acid. 
 
In three phase III active-controlled clinical trials in patients with advanced malignancies involving 
bone, hypocalcaemia was reported in 9.6% of patients treated with XGEVA and 5.0% of patients 
treated with zoledronic acid. 
 



8 

A grade 3 decrease in serum calcium levels was experienced in 2.5% of patients treated with XGEVA 
and 1.2% of patients treated with zoledronic acid. A grade 4 decrease in serum calcium levels was 
experienced in 0.6% of patients treated with XGEVA and 0.2% of patients treated with zoledronic 
acid (see section 4.4). 
 
In two phase II single-arm clinical trials in patients with giant cell tumour of bone, hypocalcaemia was 
reported in 5.7% of patients. None of the adverse events was considered serious. 
 
In the post-marketing setting, severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia (including fatal cases) has been 
reported, with most cases occurring in the first weeks of initiating therapy. Examples of clinical 
manifestations of severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia have included QT interval prolongation, tetany, 
seizures and altered mental status (including coma) (see section 4.4). Symptoms of hypocalcaemia in 
clinical studies included paraesthesias or muscle stiffness, twitching, spasms and muscle cramps. 
 
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) 
In clinical trials, the incidence of ONJ was higher with longer duration of exposure; ONJ has also been 
diagnosed after stopping treatment with XGEVA with the majority of cases occurring within 5 months 
after the last dose. Patients with prior history of ONJ or osteomyelitis of the jaw, an active dental or 
jaw condition requiring oral surgery, non-healed dental/oral surgery, or any planned invasive dental 
procedure were excluded from the clinical trials. 
 
A higher incidence of ONJ among subjects treated with denosumab compared to zoledronic acid has 
been observed in SRE prevention clinical trials. The highest incidence of ONJ was observed in a 
phase III trial in patients with multiple myeloma. In the double-blind treatment phase of this trial, ONJ 
was confirmed in 5.9% of patients treated with XGEVA (median exposure of 19.4 months; range 1 -
 52) and in 3.2% of patients treated with zoledronic acid. At the completion of the double-blind 
treatment phase of this trial, the patient-year adjusted incidence of confirmed ONJ in the XGEVA 
group (median exposure of 19.4 months; range 1 - 52), was 2.0 per 100 patient-years during the first 
year of treatment, 5.0 in the second year, and 4.5 thereafter. The median time to ONJ was 18.7 months 
(range: 1 - 44). 
 
In the primary treatment phases of three phase III active-controlled clinical trials in patients with 
advanced malignancies involving bone, ONJ was confirmed in 1.8% of patients treated with XGEVA 
(median exposure of 12.0 months; range: 0.1 – 40.5) and 1.3% of patients treated with zoledronic acid. 
Clinical characteristics of these cases were similar between treatment groups. Among subjects with 
confirmed ONJ, most (81% in both treatment groups) had a history of tooth extraction, poor oral 
hygiene, and/or use of a dental appliance. Most subjects were receiving or had received chemotherapy. 
 
The trials in patients with breast or prostate cancer included an XGEVA extension treatment phase 
(median overall exposure of 14.9 months; range: 0.1 – 67.2). ONJ was confirmed in 6.9% of patients 
with breast cancer and prostate cancer during the extension treatment phase. 
 
The patient-year adjusted overall incidence of confirmed ONJ was 1.1 per 100 patient-years during the 
first year of treatment, 3.7 in the second year and 4.6 thereafter. The median time to ONJ was 
20.6 months (range: 4 - 53). 
 
A non-randomised, retrospective, observational study in 2,877 patients with cancer treated with 
XGEVA or zoledronic acid in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway showed that 5-year incidence 
proportions of medically confirmed ONJ were 5.7% (95% CI: 4.4, 7.3; median follow up time of 
20 months [range 0.2-60]) in a cohort of patients receiving XGEVA and 1.4% (95% CI: 0.8, 2.3;  
median follow up time of 13 months [range 0.1-60]) in a separate cohort of patients receiving 
zoledronic acid. Five-year incidence proportion of ONJ in patients switching from zoledronic acid to 
XGEVA was 6.6% (95% CI: 4.2, 10.0; median follow up time of 13 months [range 0.2-60]). 
 
In a phase III trial in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer (a patient population for which 
XGEVA is not indicated), with longer treatment exposure of up to 7 years, the patient-year adjusted 



9 

incidence of confirmed ONJ was 1.1 per 100 patient-years during the first year of treatment, 3.0 in the 
second year, and 7.1 thereafter. 
 
In a long-term phase II open-label clinical trial in patients with giant cell tumour of bone (Study 6, see 
section 5.1), ONJ was confirmed in 6.8% of patients, including one adolescent (median number of 
34 doses; range 4 – 116). At the completion of the trial, median time on trial including safety follow-
up phase was 60.9 months (range: 0 – 112.6). The patient-year adjusted incidence of confirmed ONJ 
was 1.5 per 100 patient-years overall (0.2 per 100 patient-years during the first year of treatment, 1.5 
in the second year, 1.8 in the third year, 2.1 in the fourth year, 1.4 in the fifth year, and 2.2 thereafter). 
The median time to ONJ was 41 months (range: 11 - 96). 
 
Drug related hypersensitivity reactions 
In the post-marketing setting, events of hypersensitivity, including rare events of anaphylactic 
reactions, have been reported in patients receiving XGEVA. 
 
Atypical fractures of the femur 
In the clinical trial programme, atypical femoral fractures have been reported uncommonly in patients 
treated with XGEVA and the risk increased with longer duration of treatment. Events have occurred 
during treatment and up to 9 months after treatment was discontinued (see section 4.4). 
 
Musculoskeletal pain 
In the post-marketing setting, musculoskeletal pain, including severe cases, has been reported in 
patients receiving XGEVA. In clinical trials, musculoskeletal pain was very common in both the 
denosumab and zoledronic acid treatment groups. Musculoskeletal pain leading to discontinuation of 
study treatment was uncommon. 
 
New primary malignancy 
In the primary double blind treatment phases of four phase III active-controlled clinical trials in 
patients with advanced malignancies involving bone, new primary malignancy was reported in 
54/3691 (1.5%) of patients treated with XGEVA (median exposure of 13.8 months; range: 1.0–51.7) 
and 33/3688 (0.9%) of patients treated with zoledronic acid (median exposure of 12.9 months; range: 
1.0-50.8). 
 
The cumulative incidence at one year was 1.1 % for denosumab and 0.6 % for zoledronic acid, 
respectively. 
 
No treatment-related pattern in individual cancers or cancer groupings was apparent. 
 
Lichenoid drug eruptions 
Lichenoid drug eruptions (e.g. lichen planus-like reactions), have been reported in patients in the post-
marketing setting. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
XGEVA was studied in an open-label trial that enrolled 28 skeletally mature adolescents with giant 
cell tumour of bone. Based on these limited data, the adverse event profile appeared to be similar to 
adults. 
 
Clinically significant hypercalcaemia after treatment discontinuation has been reported in the 
post-marketing setting in paediatric patients (see section 4.4). 
 
Other special populations 
 
Renal impairment 
In a clinical study of patients without advanced cancer with severe renal impairment (creatinine 
clearance < 30 mL/min) or receiving dialysis, there was a greater risk of developing hypocalcaemia in 
the absence of calcium supplementation. The risk of developing hypocalcaemia during XGEVA 



10 

treatment is greater with increasing degree of renal impairment. In a clinical study in patients without 
advanced cancer, 19% of patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) 
and 63% of patients receiving dialysis developed hypocalcaemia despite calcium supplementation. 
The overall incidence of clinically significant hypocalcaemia was 9%. 
 
Accompanying increases in parathyroid hormone have also been observed in patients receiving 
XGEVA with severe renal impairment or receiving dialysis. Monitoring of calcium levels and 
adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is especially important in patients with renal impairment 
(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 the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
There is no experience with overdose in clinical studies. XGEVA has been administered in clinical 
studies using doses up to 180 mg every 4 weeks and 120 mg weekly for 3 weeks. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs for treatment of bone diseases – other drugs affecting bone 
structure and mineralisation, ATC code: M05BX04 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
RANKL exists as a transmembrane or soluble protein. RANKL is essential for the formation, function 
and survival of osteoclasts, the sole cell type responsible for bone resorption. Increased osteoclast 
activity, stimulated by RANKL, is a key mediator of bone destruction in metastatic bone disease and 
multiple myeloma. Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG2) that targets and binds with 
high affinity and specificity to RANKL, preventing the RANKL/RANK interaction from occurring 
and resulting in reduced osteoclast numbers and function, thereby decreasing bone resorption and 
cancer-induced bone destruction. 
 
Giant cell tumours of bone are characterised by neoplastic stromal cells expressing RANK ligand and 
osteoclast-like giant cells expressing RANK. In patients with giant cell tumour of bone, denosumab 
binds to RANK ligand, significantly reducing or eliminating osteoclast-like giant cells. Consequently, 
osteolysis is reduced and proliferative tumour stroma is replaced with non-proliferative, differentiated, 
densely woven new bone. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
In phase II clinical studies of patients with advanced malignancies involving bone, subcutaneous (SC) 
dosing of XGEVA administered either every 4 weeks (Q4W) or every 12 weeks resulted in a rapid 
reduction in markers of bone resorption (uNTx/Cr, serum CTx), with median reductions of 
approximately 80% for uNTx/Cr occurring within 1 week regardless of prior bisphosphonate therapy 
or baseline uNTx/Cr level. In phase III clinical trials of patients with advanced malignancies involving 
bone, median uNTx/Cr reductions of approximately 80% were maintained through 49 weeks of 
XGEVA treatment (120 mg every Q4W). 
 



11 

Immunogenicity 
 
In clinical studies, neutralising antibodies have not been observed for denosumab in advanced cancer 
patients or giant cell tumour of bone patients. Using a sensitive immunoassay < 1% of patients treated 
with denosumab for up to 3 years tested positive for non neutralising binding antibodies with no 
evidence of altered pharmacokinetics, toxicity, or clinical response. 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety in patients with bone metastases from solid tumours 
 
Efficacy and safety of 120 mg XGEVA SC every 4 weeks or 4 mg zoledronic acid (dose-adjusted for 
reduced renal function) IV every 4 weeks were compared in three randomised, double-blind, 
active-controlled studies, in IV-bisphosphonate naïve patients with advanced malignancies involving 
bone: adults with breast cancer (study 1), other solid tumours or multiple myeloma (study 2), and 
castrate-resistant prostate cancer (study 3). Within these active-controlled clinical trials, safety was 
evaluated in 5,931 patients. Patients with prior history of ONJ or osteomyelitis of the jaw, an active 
dental or jaw condition requiring oral surgery, non-healed dental/oral surgery, or any planned invasive 
dental procedure, were not eligible for inclusion in these studies. The primary and secondary endpoints 
evaluated the occurrence of one or more skeletal related events (SREs). In studies demonstrating 
superiority of XGEVA to zoledronic acid, patients were offered open-label XGEVA in a pre-specified 
2-year extension treatment phase. An SRE was defined as any of the following: pathologic fracture 
(vertebral or non-vertebral), radiation therapy to bone (including the use of radioisotopes), surgery to 
bone, or spinal cord compression. 
 
XGEVA reduced the risk of developing a SRE, and developing multiple SREs (first and subsequent) 
in patients with bone metastases from solid tumours (see table 2). 
 
Table 2. Efficacy results in patients with advanced malignancies involving bone 

 Study 1  
breast cancer 

Study 2  
other solid 

tumours** or 
multiple myeloma

Study 3  
prostate cancer 

Combined  
advanced cancer 

 XGEVA zoledronic 
acid 

XGEVA zoledronic 
acid

XGEVA zoledronic 
acid

XGEVA zoledronic 
acid

N 1,026 1,020 886 890 950 951 2,862 2,861
First SRE 
Median time 
(months) 

NR 26.4 20.6 16.3 20.7 17.1 27.6 19.4 

Difference in 
median time 
(months) 

NA 4.2 3.5 8.2 

HR (95% CI) / 
RRR (%) 

0.82 (0.71, 0.95) / 18 0.84 (0.71, 0.98) / 16 0.82 (0.71, 0.95) / 18 0.83 (0.76, 0.90) / 17 

Non-inferiority 
/ Superiority 
p-values 

< 0.0001† / 0.0101† 0.0007† / 0.0619† 0.0002† / 0.0085† < 0.0001 / < 0.0001 

Proportion of 
subjects (%) 

30.7 36.5 31.4 36.3 35.9 40.6 32.6 37.8 

First and subsequent SRE* 
Mean 
number/patient 

0.46 0.60 0.44 0.49 0.52 0.61 0.48 0.57 

Rate ratio 
(95% CI) / 
RRR (%) 

0.77 (0.66, 0.89) / 23 0.90 (0.77, 1.04) / 10 0.82 (0.71, 0.94) / 18 0.82 (0.75, 0.89) / 18 

Superiority 
p-value 

0.0012† 0.1447† 0.0085† < 0.0001 

SMR per Year 0.45 0.58 0.86 1.04 0.79 0.83 0.69 0.81 



12 

 Study 1  
breast cancer 

Study 2  
other solid 

tumours** or 
multiple myeloma 

Study 3  
prostate cancer 

Combined  
advanced cancer 

 XGEVA zoledronic 
acid 

XGEVA zoledronic 
acid

XGEVA zoledronic 
acid

XGEVA zoledronic 
acid

N 1,026 1,020 886 890 950 951 2,862 2,861
First SRE or HCM 
Median time 
(months) 

NR 25.2 19.0 14.4 20.3 17.1 26.6 19.4 

HR (95% CI) / 
RRR (%) 

0.82 (0.70, 0.95) / 18 0.83 (0.71, 0.97) / 17 0.83 (0.72, 0.96) / 17 0.83 (0.76, 0.90) / 17 

Superiority 
p-value 

0.0074 0.0215 0.0134 < 0.0001 

First radiation to bone 
Median time 
(months) 

NR NR NR NR NR 28.6 NR 33.2 

HR (95% CI) / 
RRR (%) 

0.74 (0.59, 0.94) / 26 0.78 (0.63, 0.97) / 22 0.78 (0.66, 0.94) / 22 0.77 (0.69, 0.87) / 23 

Superiority 
p-value 

0.0121 0.0256 0.0071 < 0.0001 

NR = not reached; NA = not available; HCM = hypercalcaemia of malignancy; SMR = skeletal morbidity rate; 
HR = Hazard Ratio; RRR = Relative Risk Reduction †Adjusted p-values are presented for studies 1, 2 and 3 (first 
SRE and first and subsequent SRE endpoints); *Accounts for all skeletal events over time; only events 
occurring ≥ 21 days after the previous event are counted. 
** Including NSCLC, renal cell cancer, colorectal cancer, small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck 
cancer, GI/genitourinary cancer and others, excluding breast and prostate cancer. 
 
Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier plots of time to first on-study SRE 
 

 
 
Disease progression and overall survival with bone metastases from solid tumours 
 
Disease progression was similar between XGEVA and zoledronic acid in all three studies and in the 
pre-specified analysis of all three studies combined. 
 
In studies 1, 2 and 3, overall survival was balanced between XGEVA and zoledronic acid in patients 
with advanced malignancies involving bone: patients with breast cancer (hazard ratio and 95% CI was 
0.95 [0.81, 1.11]), patients with prostate cancer (hazard ratio and 95% CI was 1.03 [0.91, 1.17]), and 
patients with other solid tumours or multiple myeloma (hazard ratio and 95% CI was 0.95 [0.83, 
1.08]). A post-hoc analysis in study 2 (patients with other solid tumours or multiple myeloma) 

Dmab = Denosumab 120 mg Q4W 
ZA = Zoledronic Acid 4 mg Q4W 
N = Number of subjects randomised 
* = Statistically significant for superiority; ** = Statistically significant for non-inferiority 

0 6 12 18 24 30 0 6 12 18 24 30 0 6 12 18 24 30 
Study Month 

1.0 

0.8 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

0.0 

Dmab 
ZA 

 

Pr
op

or
tio

n o
f s

ub
jec

ts 
wi

tho
ut 

SR
E 

Study 1* Study 2** Study 3* 

Dmab (N = 1026) 
ZA (N = 1020) 

Dmab (N = 886) 
ZA (N = 890) 

Dmab (N = 950) 
ZA (N = 951) 

1026 697 514 306 99 4 
1020 676 498 296 94 2 

886 387 202 96 28 0 
890 376 194 86 20 2 

950 582 361 168 70 18 
951 544 299 140 64 22 GRH

04
47

 v1
 



13 

examined overall survival for the 3 tumour types used for stratification (non-small cell lung cancer, 
multiple myeloma, and other). Overall survival was longer for XGEVA in non-small cell lung cancer 
(hazard ratio [95% CI] of 0.79 [0.65, 0.95]; n = 702) and longer for zoledronic acid in multiple 
myeloma (hazard ratio [95% CI] of 2.26 [1.13, 4.50]; n = 180) and similar between XGEVA and 
zoledronic acid in other tumour types (hazard ratio [95% CI] of 1.08 (0.90, 1.30); n = 894). This study 
did not control for prognostic factors and anti-neoplastic treatments. In a combined pre-specified 
analysis from studies 1, 2 and 3, overall survival was similar between XGEVA and zoledronic acid 
(hazard ratio and 95% CI 0.99 [0.91, 1.07]). 
 
Effect on pain 
 
The time to pain improvement (i.e. ≥ 2-point decrease from baseline in BPI-SF worst pain score) was 
similar for denosumab and zoledronic acid in each study and the integrated analyses. In a post-hoc 
analysis of the combined dataset, the median time to worsening pain (> 4-point worst pain score) in 
patients with mild or no pain at baseline was delayed for XGEVA compared to zoledronic acid 
(198 versus 143 days) (p = 0.0002). 
 
Clinical efficacy in patients with multiple myeloma 
 
XGEVA was evaluated in an international, randomised (1:1), double-blind, active-controlled study 
comparing XGEVA with zoledronic acid in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, study 4. 
 
In this study, 1,718 multiple myeloma patients with at least one bone lesion were randomised to 
receive 120 mg XGEVA subcutaneously every 4 weeks (Q4W) or 4 mg zoledronic acid intravenously 
(IV) every 4 weeks (dose-adjusted for renal function). The primary outcome measure was 
demonstration of non-inferiority of time to first on study skeletal related event (SRE) as compared to 
zoledronic acid. Secondary outcome measures included superiority of time to first SRE, superiority of 
time to first and subsequent SRE, and overall survival. An SRE was defined as any of the following: 
pathologic fracture (vertebral or non-vertebral), radiation therapy to bone (including the use of 
radioisotopes), surgery to bone, or spinal cord compression. 
 
Across both study arms, 54.5% of patients intended to undergo autologous PBSC transplantation, 
95.8% patients utilised/planned to utilise a novel anti-myeloma agent (novel therapies include 
bortezomib, lenalidomide, or thalidomide) in first-line therapy, and 60.7% of patients had a previous 
SRE. The number of patients across both study arms with ISS stage I, stage II, and stage III at 
diagnosis were 32.4%, 38.2%, and 29.3%, respectively. 
 
The median number of doses administered was 16 for XGEVA and 15 for zoledronic acid. 
 
Efficacy results from study 4 are presented in figure 2 and table 3. 
 



14 

Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier plot for time to first on-study SRE in patients with newly diagnosed 
multiple myeloma 
 

 
 
 
Table 3. Efficacy results for XGEVA compared to zoledronic acid in patients with newly 
diagnosed multiple myeloma 
 XGEVA 

(N = 859) 
Zoledronic Acid 

(N = 859) 
First SRE 
Number of patients who had SREs (%) 376 (43.8) 383 (44.6) 
Median time to SRE (months) 22.8 (14.7, NE) 23.98 (16.56, 33.31) 
Hazard ratio (95% CI)  0.98 (0.85, 1.14) 

 

First and subsequent SRE 
Mean number of events/patient 0.66 0.66 
Rate ratio (95% CI) 1.01 (0.89, 1.15) 
Skeletal morbidity rate per year 0.61 0.62 

 

First SRE or HCM 
Median time (months) 22.14 (14.26, NE) 21.32 (13.86, 29.7) 
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.98 (0.85, 1.12) 

 

First radiation to bone 
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.78 (0.53, 1.14) 
 
Overall survival 
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.90 (0.70, 1.16) 
NE = not estimable 
HCM = hypercalcaemia of malignancy 
 

Denosumab 120 mg Q4W (N = 859) 
Zoledronic Acid 4 mg Q4W (N = 859) 

1.0 

0.8 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

0.0 

Pr
op

or
tio

n o
f s

ub
jec

ts 
wi

tho
ut 

SR
E 

Denosumab 120 mg Q4W
Zoledronic Acid 4 mg Q4W

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 

859 583 453 370 303 243 197 160 127 99 77 50 35 22 
859 595 450 361 288 239 190 152 125 95 69 48 31 18 

Study Month 
N = number of subjects randomised 



15 

Clinical efficacy and safety in adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone 
 
The safety and efficacy of XGEVA was studied in two phase II open-label, single-arm trials (studies 5 
and 6) that enrolled 554 patients with giant cell tumour of bone that was either unresectable or for 
which surgery would be associated with severe morbidity. Patients received 120 mg XGEVA 
subcutaneously every 4 weeks with a loading dose of 120 mg on days 8 and 15. Patients who 
discontinued XGEVA then entered the safety follow-up phase for a minimum of 60 months. 
Retreatment with XGEVA while in safety follow-up was allowed for subjects who initially 
demonstrated a response to XGEVA (e.g. in the case of recurrent disease). 
 
Study 5 enrolled 37 adult patients with histologically confirmed unresectable or recurrent giant cell 
tumour of bone. The main outcome measure of the trial was response rate, defined as either at least 
90% elimination of giant cells relative to baseline (or complete elimination of giant cells in cases 
where giant cells represent < 5% of tumour cells), or a lack of progression of the target lesion by 
radiographic measurements in cases where histopathology was not available. Of the 35 patients 
included in the efficacy analysis, 85.7% (95% CI: 69.7, 95.2) had a treatment response to XGEVA. All 
20 patients (100%) with histology assessments met response criteria. Of the remaining 15 patients, 10 
(67%) radiographic measurements showed no progression of the target lesion. 
 
Study 6 enrolled 535 adult or skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone. Of these 
patients, 28 were aged 12-17 years. Patients were assigned to one of three cohorts: cohort 1 included 
patients with surgically unsalvageable disease (e.g. sacral, spinal, or multiple lesions, including 
pulmonary metastases); cohort 2 included patients with surgically salvageable disease whose planned 
surgery was associated with severe morbidity (e.g. joint resection, limb amputation, or 
hemipelvectomy); cohort 3 included patients previously participating in study 5 and rolled over into 
this study. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety profile of denosumab in subjects with 
giant cell tumour of bone. The secondary outcome measures of the study included time to disease 
progression (based on investigator assessment) for cohort 1 and proportion of patients without any 
surgery at month 6 for cohort 2. 
 
In cohort 1 at the final analysis, 28 of the 260 treated patients (10.8%) had disease progression. In 
cohort 2, 219 of the 238 (92.0%; 95% CI: 87.8%, 95.1%) evaluable patients treated with XGEVA had 
not undergone surgery by month 6. Of the 239 subjects in cohort 2 with baseline target lesion location 
or on-study location not in lungs or soft tissue, a total of 82 subjects (34.3%) were able to avoid on-
study surgery. Overall, efficacy results in skeletally mature adolescents were similar to those observed 
in adults. 
 
Effect on pain 
 
In the final analysis cohorts 1 and 2 combined, a clinically meaningful reduction in worst pain 
(i.e. ≥ 2-point decrease from baseline) was reported for 30.8% of patients at risk (i.e. those who had a 
worst pain score of ≥ 2 at baseline) within 1 week of treatment, and ≥ 50% at week 5. These pain 
improvements were maintained at all subsequent evaluations.  
 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with 
XGEVA in all subsets of the paediatric population in the prevention of skeletal related events in 
patients with bone metastases and subsets of the paediatric population below the age of 12 in the 
treatment of giant cell tumour of bone (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 
In study 6, XGEVA has been evaluated in a subset of 28 adolescent patients (aged 13-17 years) with 
giant cell tumour of bone who had reached skeletal maturity defined by at least 1 mature long bone 
(e.g. closed epiphyseal growth plate of the humerus) and body weight ≥ 45 kg. One adolescent subject 
with surgically unsalvageable disease (N=14) had disease recurrence during initial treatment. Thirteen 
of the 14 subjects with surgically salvageable disease whose planned surgery was associated with 
severe morbidity had not undergone surgery by month 6.   



16 

 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Following subcutaneous administration, bioavailability was 62%. 
 
Biotransformation 
 
Denosumab is composed solely of amino acids and carbohydrates as native immunoglobulin and is 
unlikely to be eliminated via hepatic metabolic mechanisms. Its metabolism and elimination are 
expected to follow the immunoglobulin clearance pathways, resulting in degradation to small peptides 
and individual amino acids. 
 
Elimination 
 
In subjects with advanced cancer, who received multiple doses of 120 mg every 4 weeks an 
approximate 2-fold accumulation in serum denosumab concentrations was observed and steady-state 
was achieved by 6 months, consistent with time-independent pharmacokinetics. In subjects with 
multiple myeloma who received 120 mg every 4 weeks, median trough levels varied by less than 8% 
between months 6 and 12. In subjects with giant cell tumour of bone who received 120 mg every 
4 weeks with a loading dose on days 8 and 15, steady-state levels were achieved within the first month 
of treatment. Between weeks 9 and 49, median trough levels varied by less than 9%. In subjects who 
discontinued 120 mg every 4 weeks, the mean half-life was 28 days (range 14 to 55 days). 
 
A population pharmacokinetic analysis did not indicate clinically significant changes in the systemic 
exposure of denosumab at steady-state with respect to age (18 to 87 years), race/ethnicity (Blacks, 
Hispanics, Asians and Caucasians explored), gender or solid tumour types or patients with multiple 
myeloma. Increasing body weight was associated with decreases in systemic exposure, and vice versa. 
The alterations were not considered clinically-relevant, since pharmacodynamic effects based on bone 
turnover markers were consistent across a wide range of body weight. 
 
Linearity/non-linearity 
 
Denosumab displayed non-linear pharmacokinetics with dose over a wide dose range, but 
approximately dose-proportional increases in exposure for doses of 60 mg (or 1 mg/kg) and higher. 
The non-linearity is likely due to a saturable target-mediated elimination pathway of importance at low 
concentrations. 
 
Renal impairment 
 
In studies of denosumab (60 mg, n = 55 and 120 mg, n = 32) in patients without advanced cancer but 
with varying degrees of renal function, including patients on dialysis, the degree of renal impairment 
had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of denosumab; thus dose adjustment for renal impairment is not 
required. There is no need for renal monitoring with XGEVA dosing. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
 
No specific study in patients with hepatic impairment was performed. In general, monoclonal 
antibodies are not eliminated via hepatic metabolic mechanisms. The pharmacokinetics of denosumab 
is not expected to be affected by hepatic impairment. 
 
Elderly 
 
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger 
patients. Controlled clinical studies of XGEVA in patients with advanced malignancies involving bone 



17 

over age 65 revealed similar efficacy and safety in older and younger patients. No dose adjustment is 
required in elderly patients. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
In skeletally-mature adolescents (12-17 years of age) with giant cell tumour of bone who received 
120 mg every 4 weeks with a loading dose on days 8 and 15, the pharmacokinetics of denosumab were 
similar to those observed in adult subjects with GCTB. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Since the biological activity of denosumab in animals is specific to nonhuman primates, evaluation of 
genetically engineered (knockout) mice or use of other biological inhibitors of the RANK/RANKL 
pathway, such as OPG-Fc and RANK-Fc, were used to evaluate the pharmacodynamic properties of 
denosumab in rodent models. 
 
In mouse bone metastasis models of oestrogen receptor positive and negative human breast cancer, 
prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, OPG-Fc reduced osteolytic, osteoblastic, and 
osteolytic/osteoblastic lesions, delayed formation of de novo bone metastases, and reduced skeletal 
tumour growth. When OPG-Fc was combined with hormonal therapy (tamoxifen) or chemotherapy 
(docetaxel) in these models, there was additive inhibition of skeletal tumour growth in breast, and 
prostate or lung cancer respectively. In a mouse model of mammary tumour induction, RANK-Fc 
reduced hormone-induced proliferation in mammary epithelium and delayed tumour formation. 
 
Standard tests to investigate the genotoxicity potential of denosumab have not been evaluated, since 
such tests are not relevant for this molecule. However, due to its character it is unlikely that 
denosumab has any potential for genotoxicity. 
 
The carcinogenic potential of denosumab has not been evaluated in long-term animal studies. 
 
In single and repeated dose toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys, denosumab doses resulting in 2.7 
to 15 times greater systemic exposure than the recommended human dose had no impact on 
cardiovascular physiology, male or female fertility, or produced specific target organ toxicity. 
 
In a study of cynomolgus monkeys dosed with denosumab during the period equivalent to the first 
trimester of pregnancy, denosumab doses resulting in 9 times greater systemic exposure than the 
recommended human dose did not induce maternal toxicity or foetal harm during a period equivalent 
to the first trimester, although foetal lymph nodes were not examined. 
 
In another study of cynomolgus monkeys dosed with denosumab throughout pregnancy at systemic 
exposures 12-fold higher than the human dose, there were increased stillbirths and postnatal mortality; 
abnormal bone growth resulting in reduced bone strength, reduced haematopoiesis, and tooth 
malalignment; absence of peripheral lymph nodes; and decreased neonatal growth. A no observed 
adverse effect level for reproductive effects was not established. Following a 6 month period after 
birth, bone related changes showed recovery and there was no effect on tooth eruption. However, the 
effects on lymph nodes and tooth malalignment persisted, and minimal to moderate mineralisation in 
multiple tissues was seen in one animal (relation to treatment uncertain). There was no evidence of 
maternal harm prior to labour; adverse maternal effects occurred infrequently during labour. Maternal 
mammary gland development was normal. 
 
In preclinical bone quality studies in monkeys on long-term denosumab treatment, decreases in bone 
turnover were associated with improvement in bone strength and normal bone histology. 
 
In male mice genetically engineered to express huRANKL (knock-in mice), which were subjected to a 
transcortical fracture, denosumab delayed the removal of cartilage and remodelling of the fracture 
callus compared to control, but biomechanical strength was not adversely affected. 
 



18 

In preclinical studies knockout mice lacking RANK or RANKL had an absence of lactation due to 
inhibition of mammary gland maturation (lobulo-alveolar gland development during pregnancy) and 
exhibited impairment of lymph node formation. Neonatal RANK/RANKL knockout mice exhibited 
decreased body weight, reduced bone growth, altered growth plates and lack of tooth eruption. 
Reduced bone growth, altered growth plates and impaired tooth eruption were also seen in studies of 
neonatal rats administered RANKL inhibitors, and these changes were partially reversible when 
dosing of RANKL inhibitor was discontinued. Adolescent primates dosed with denosumab at 2.7 and 
15 times (10 and 50 mg/kg dose) the clinical exposure had abnormal growth plates. Therefore, 
treatment with denosumab may impair bone growth in children with open growth plates and may 
inhibit eruption of dentition. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Acetic acid, glacial* 
Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)* 
Sorbitol (E420) 
Polysorbate 20 
Water for injections 
* Acetate buffer is formed by mixing acetic acid with sodium hydroxide 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal 
products. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years. 
 
Once removed from the refrigerator, XGEVA may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up 
to 30 days in the original container. It must be used within this 30 days period. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
Do not freeze. 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
1.7 mL solution in a single use vial (type I glass) with stopper (fluoropolymer coated elastomeric) and 
seal (aluminium) with flip-off cap. 
 
Pack sizes of one, three or four. 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
 Before administration, the XGEVA solution should be inspected visually. The solution may 

contain trace amounts of translucent to white proteinaceous particles. Do not inject the solution 
if it is cloudy or discoloured. 

 Do not shake. 
 To avoid discomfort at the site of injection, allow the vial to reach room temperature (up to 

25ºC) before injecting and inject slowly. 



19 

 The entire contents of the vial should be injected. 
 A 27 gauge needle is recommended for the administration of denosumab. 
 The vial should not be re-entered. 
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements. 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/11/703/001 
EU/1/11/703/002 
EU/1/11/703/003 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 13 July 2011 
Date of latest renewal: 4 April 2016 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu/. 



20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 
A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE 

SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE 
FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION 
 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT 

 



21 

A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND 
MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 
Name and address of the manufacturer of the biological active substance 
 
Amgen Singapore Manufacturing 
1 Tuas View Drive 
Singapore 637026 
 
Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands 
 
Amgen Technology (Ireland) Unlimited Company 
Pottery Road 
Dun Laoghaire 
Co Dublin 
Ireland 
 
Amgen NV 
Telecomlaan 5-7 
1831 Diegem 
Belgium 
 
The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2). 
 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
 Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 
 
The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of Union 
reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and any 
subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
 



22 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 
 Risk management plan (RMP) 
 
The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance 
activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the 
marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 
 
An updated RMP should be submitted: 
 At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 
 Additional risk minimisation measures 
 
The MAH shall ensure that a patient reminder card regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw is implemented. 



23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
ANNEX III 

 
LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



25 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
CARTON 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
XGEVA 120 mg solution for injection 
denosumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each vial contains 120 mg of denosumab in 1.7 mL of solution (70 mg/mL). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Acetic acid, glacial, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol (E420), polysorbate 20, water for injections. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
1 single use vial 
3 single use vials 
4 single use vials 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Subcutaneous use. 
Do not shake. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 



26 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/11/703/001 1 single use vial 
EU/1/11/703/002 4 single use vials 
EU/1/11/703/003 3 single use vials 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
xgeva 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN



27 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
VIAL LABEL 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
XGEVA 120 mg injection 
denosumab 
SC 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
1.7 mL 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
 



28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 



29 

Package leaflet: Information for the patient 
 

XGEVA 120 mg solution for injection  
denosumab 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible 

side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
- Your doctor will give you a patient reminder card, which contains important safety information 

you need to be aware of before and during your treatment with XGEVA. 
 
 
What is in this leaflet 
 
1. What XGEVA is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you use XGEVA 
3. How to use XGEVA 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store XGEVA 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What XGEVA is and what it is used for 
 
XGEVA contains denosumab, a protein (monoclonal antibody) that works to slow down bone 
destruction caused by cancer spreading to the bone (bone metastasis) or by giant cell tumour of bone. 
 
XGEVA is used in adults with advanced cancer to prevent serious complications caused by bone 
metastasis (e.g. fracture, pressure on the spinal cord or the need to receive radiation therapy or 
surgery). 
 
XGEVA is also used to treat giant cell tumour of bone, which cannot be treated by surgery or where 
surgery is not the best option, in adults and adolescents whose bones have stopped growing. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you use XGEVA 
 
Do not use XGEVA 
 
- if you are allergic to denosumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). 
 
Your healthcare professional will not administer XGEVA to you if you have a very low level of 
calcium in your blood which has not been treated. 
 
Your healthcare professional will not administer XGEVA to you if you have unhealed wounds from 
dental or oral surgery. 
 



30 

Warnings and precautions 
 
Talk to your doctor before using XGEVA. 
 
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation 
You should take calcium and vitamin D supplements while being treated with XGEVA unless your 
blood calcium is high. Your doctor will discuss this with you. If the level of calcium in your blood is 
low, your doctor may decide to give you calcium supplements before you start treatment with 
XGEVA. 
 
Low calcium levels in the blood 
Please tell your doctor immediately if you have 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 while being treated with XGEVA. You may have low levels of calcium in your blood. 
 
Renal impairment 
Tell your doctor if you have or have had severe kidney problems, kidney failure or have needed 
dialysis, which may increase your risk of getting low blood calcium, especially if you do not take 
calcium supplements. 
 
Problems with your mouth, teeth or jaw 
A side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw (bone damage in the jaw) has been reported commonly 
(may affect up to 1 in 10 people) in patients receiving XGEVA injections for cancer-related 
conditions. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can also occur after stopping treatment. 
 
It is important to try to prevent osteonecrosis of the jaw developing as it may be a painful condition 
that can be difficult to treat. In order to reduce the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, there 
are some precautions you should take: 
 
 Before receiving treatment, tell your doctor/nurse (healthcare professional) if you have any 

problems with your mouth or teeth. Your doctor should delay the start of your treatment if you 
have unhealed wounds in your mouth from dental procedures or oral surgery. Your doctor may 
recommend a dental examination before you start treatment with XGEVA. 

 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 
XGEVA. 

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

 
Patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, taking steroids or anti-angiogenic medicines 
(used to treat cancer), undergoing dental surgery, who do not receive routine dental care, have gum 
disease or who are smokers, may have a higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. 
 
Unusual thigh bone fractures 
Some people have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone while being treated with XGEVA. 
Contact your doctor if you experience new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh. 
 
High calcium levels in the blood after stopping treatment with XGEVA 
Some patients with giant cell tumour of the bone have developed high calcium levels in the blood 
weeks to months after stopping treatment. Your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms of 
high levels of calcium, after you stop receiving XGEVA. 
 



31 

Children and adolescents 
 
XGEVA is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age except for 
adolescents with giant cell tumour of the bone whose bones have stopped growing. The use of 
XGEVA has not been studied in children and adolescents with other cancers that have spread to bone. 
 
Other medicines and XGEVA 
 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription. It is especially important that you 
tell your doctor if you are being treated with 
 another medicine containing denosumab 
 a bisphosphonate 
 
You should not take XGEVA together with other medicines containing denosumab or 
bisphosphonates. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
 
XGEVA 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. XGEVA is not recommended for use if you are 
pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential should use effective methods of contraception while being 
treated with XGEVA and for at least 5 months after stopping treatment with XGEVA. 
 
If you become pregnant during treatment with XGEVA or less than 5 months after stopping treatment 
with XGEVA, please inform your doctor. 
 
It is not known whether XGEVA 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 
breast-feeding or whether to stop taking XGEVA, considering the benefit of breast-feeding to the baby 
and the benefit of XGEVA to the mother. 
 
If you are nursing during treatment with XGEVA, please inform your doctor. 
 
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. 
 
Driving and using machines 
 
XGEVA has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 
 
XGEVA contains sorbitol 
 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor 
before taking this medicine, since it contains sorbitol (E420). 
 
XGEVA contains sodium 
 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 120 mg, i.e. essentially ‘sodium-free’. 
 
 



32 

3. How to use XGEVA 
 
XGEVA should be administered under the responsibility of a healthcare professional. 
 
The recommended dose of XGEVA is 120 mg administered once every 4 weeks, as a single injection 
under the skin (subcutaneous). XGEVA will be injected into your thigh, abdomen or upper arm. If you 
are being treated for giant cell tumour of bone, you will receive an additional dose 1 week and 2 weeks 
after the first dose. 
 
Do not shake. 
 
You should also take calcium and vitamin D supplements while being treated with XGEVA unless 
you have an excess of calcium in the blood. Your doctor will discuss this with you. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Please tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms while being treated with 
XGEVA (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 
 spasms, twitches, cramps in your muscles, numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around 

your mouth and/or seizures, confusion or loss of consciousness. These could be signs that you 
have low calcium levels in the blood. Low calcium in the blood may also lead to a change in 
heart rhythm called QT prolongation, which is seen by electrocardiogram (ECG). 

 
Please tell your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms while 
being treated with XGEVA or after stopping treatment (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 
 persistent pain in the mouth and/or jaw, and/or swelling or non-healing of sores in the mouth or 

jaw, discharge, numbness or feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or loosening of a tooth could be 
signs of bone damage in the jaw (osteonecrosis). 

 
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 
 bone, joint, and/or muscle pain which is sometimes severe, 
 shortness of breath, 
 diarrhoea. 
 
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 
 low phosphate levels in the blood (hypophosphataemia), 
 removal of a tooth, 
 excessive sweating, 
 in patients with advanced cancer: development of another form of cancer. 

 
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): 
 high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcaemia) after stopping treatment in patients with giant 

cell tumour of the bone, 
 new or unusual pain in your hip, groin or thigh (this may be an early indication of a possible 

fracture of the thigh bone), 
 rash that may occur on the skin or sores in the mouth (lichenoid drug eruptions). 
 



33 

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): 
 allergic reactions (e.g. wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat 

or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin). In rare cases allergic reactions may 
be severe. 

 
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, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side 
effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting 
system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the 
safety of this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store XGEVA 
 
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 vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
The vial 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 vial has been left to reach room temperature 
(up to 25°C), it must be used within 30 days. 
 
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. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What XGEVA contains 
 
- The active substance is denosumab. Each vial contains 120 mg of denosumab in 1.7 mL of 

solution (corresponding to 70 mg/mL). 
- The other ingredients are acetic acid, glacial, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol (E420), polysorbate 20 

and water for injections. 
 
What XGEVA looks like and contents of the pack 
 
XGEVA is a solution for injection (injection). 
 
XGEVA is a clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution. It may contain trace amounts of clear to 
white particles. 
 
Each pack contains one, three or four single use vials. 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
 



34 

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands 
 
Manufacturer 
Amgen Technology (Ireland) Unlimited Company 
Pottery Road 
Dun Laoghaire 
Co Dublin 
Ireland 
 
Manufacturer 
Amgen NV 
Telecomlaan 5-7 
1831 Diegem 
Belgium 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
s.a. Amgen n.v. 
Tel/Tél: +32 (0)2 7752711 

Lietuva 
Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas 
Tel: +370 5 219 7474 
 

България 
Амджен България ЕООД 
Тел.: +359 (0)2 424 7440 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
s.a. Amgen 
Belgique/Belgien 
Tel/Tél: +32 (0)2 7752711 
 

Česká republika 
Amgen s.r.o. 
Tel: +420 221 773 500 

Magyarország 
Amgen Kft. 
Tel.: +36 1 35 44 700 
 

Danmark 
Amgen, filial af Amgen AB, Sverige 
Tlf: +45 39617500 
 

Malta 
Amgen B.V. 
The Netherlands 
Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 

Deutschland 
AMGEN GmbH 
Tel.: +49 89 1490960 
 

Nederland 
Amgen B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 
 

Eesti 
Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas 
Tel: +372 586 09553 

Norge 
Amgen AB 
Tlf: +47 23308000 
 



35 

Ελλάδα 
Amgen Ελλάς Φαρμακευτικά Ε.Π.Ε. 
Τηλ.: +30 210 3447000 
 

Österreich 
Amgen GmbH 
Tel: +43 (0)1 50 217 

España 
Amgen S.A. 
Tel: +34 93 600 18 60 
 

Polska 
Amgen Biotechnologia Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +48 22 581 3000 

France 
Amgen S.A.S. 
Tél: +33 (0)9 69 363 363  

Portugal 
Amgen Biofarmacêutica, Lda. 
Tel: +351 21 4220606 

Hrvatska 
Amgen d.o.o. 
Tel: +385 (0)1 562 57 20 

România 
Amgen România SRL 
Tel: +4021 527 3000 
 

Ireland 
Amgen Ireland Limited 
Tel: +353 1 8527400 
 

Slovenija 
AMGEN zdravila d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 (0)1 585 1767 

Ísland 
Vistor hf. 
Sími: +354 535 7000 
 

Slovenská republika 
Amgen Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 321 114 49 
 

Italia 
Amgen S.r.l. 
Tel: +39 02 6241121 

Suomi/Finland 
Amgen AB, sivuliike Suomessa/Amgen AB, filial 
i Finland 
Puh/Tel: +358 (0)9 54900500 

Kύπρος 
C.A. Papaellinas Ltd 
Τηλ.: +357 22741 741 

Sverige 
Amgen AB 
Tel: +46 (0)8 6951100 
 

Latvija 
Amgen Switzerland AG Rīgas filiāle 
Tel: +371 257 25888 
 

United Kingdom 
Amgen Limited 
Tel: +44 (0)1223 420305 

 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 



36 

 
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: 
 
 Before administration, the XGEVA solution should be inspected visually. The solution may 

contain trace amounts of translucent to white proteinaceous particles. Do not inject the solution 
if it is cloudy or discoloured. 

 Do not shake. 
 To avoid discomfort at the site of injection, allow the vial to reach room temperature (up to 

25ºC) before injecting and inject slowly. 
 The entire contents of the vial should be injected. 
 A 27 gauge needle is recommended for the administration of denosumab. 
 The vial should not be re-entered. 
 
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE ANDMANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETINGAUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE ANDEFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET