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Bone Health
May 15, 2025

What Is Denosumab? A Complete Guide to the Osteoporosis Injection

Discover how denosumab treats osteoporosis and bone loss, who it’s best for, and why DEXA scans in San Francisco at KALOS are essential for safe, effective results.

Author
5 min read
What Is Denosumab? A Complete Guide to the Osteoporosis Injection

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with osteoporosis or bone loss, you may have heard of denosumab. It's one of the most effective injectable treatments available today—but many people still ask: What is denosumab, and how does it work?

This guide explains everything you need to know about denosumab, how it compares to other treatments, and why it’s become a go-to medication for protecting bone health in 2025.

What Is Denosumab?

Denosumab is a prescription injection used to treat osteoporosis and bone loss in:

  • Postmenopausal women
  • Men at high risk for fracture
  • People receiving cancer treatment that weakens bones

What is denosumab used for?

Denosumab helps prevent bone fractures by strengthening bones and increasing bone mineral density (BMD).

Denosumab Injection: How It Works

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody, not a bisphosphonate. It works by targeting a protein called RANKL, which plays a key role in breaking down bone.

Mechanism of action:

  • Blocks RANKL → Inhibits osteoclasts → Reduces bone resorption

The denosumab injection is given once every 6 months under the brand name Prolia® for osteoporosis, and Xgeva®for cancer-related bone loss.

Who Should Consider Denosumab?

Denosumab may be ideal for:

  • People who cannot tolerate bisphosphonates (e.g., Fosamax, Boniva)
  • Patients with chronic kidney disease (where bisphosphonates are risky)
  • Women with very low bone density or a history of fracture

Risks and Considerations

While denosumab is highly effective, it requires careful management.

Potential side effects:

  • Low calcium levels (especially in people with kidney problems)
  • Joint or back pain
  • Skin infections (rare)
  • Risk of rapid bone loss if injections are missed or stopped without follow-up treatment

Important: If you stop denosumab, you must transition to another bone-strengthening treatment (like a bisphosphonate) to prevent rebound fractures.

Why Track Your Progress with a DEXA Scan?

Whether you’re starting denosumab or monitoring long-term use, a DEXA scan is essential to:

  • Measure changes in bone mineral density
  • Assess fracture risk over time
  • Make informed decisions about treatment duration and safety

At KALOS, our DEXA Scan San Francisco service helps you and your physician track your bone health with precision.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

If you're taking or considering denosumab injections, regular DEXA scans are the key to understanding how well the medication is working. At KALOS, we help you stay on top of your bone health with fast, accurate scans and expert insight.

Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven bone protection starts now.

Schedule your DEXA scan today!

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