Xgeva Vs. Prolia. How do they compare?

Xgeva and Prolia are both brand names for the generic drug denosumab. Both are injectable preparations, both are made by Amgen, and both have similar side effects; but they differ in their indications, the way they are given, and their dosage.

People who are receiving Prolia should not receive Xgeva and the converse is also true.

Xgeva Vs. Prolia: What are the differences in their indications?

Xgeva may be used to:

• Prevent bone fractures and other skeletal conditions in people with multiple myeloma and other types of cancer that have spread to the bone
• Treat giant cell bone tumor in adults and teenagers whose bone structure is fully mature
• Treat high calcium levels caused by cancer that hasn’t responded to bisphosphonates.

Prolia may be used to:

• Treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture
• Increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis
• Increase bone mass in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy at high risk for fracture
• Increase bone mass in women receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer who are at high risk for fracture.

Xgeva Vs. Prolia: What are the differences in the way they are given?

Xgeva is given by subcutaneous injection (under the skin) and people can be taught how to self administer it. Prolia should be administered by a health care professional, even though it is still given subcutaneously.

Xgeva Vs. Prolia: What are the differences in their dosage?

Xgeva is given as a 120mg injection once every four weeks, with additional 120mg doses given on days 8 and 15 of the first month of therapy. Oral calcium and vitamin D should be given as necessary to treat or prevent low calcium levels (hypocalcemia).

Prolia is given as a single 60mg injection once every six months. All patients should receive 1000mg of calcium orally daily and at least 400IU vitamin D orally daily.