What is Evenity?
Evenity is an inhibitor of sclerostin. Sclerostin inhibits bone formation.Evenity is an osteoporosis medication prescribed to postmenopausal women with high fracture risk who are unable to use other osteoporosis medicines (or when those medications have not worked).We do not know if Evenity works and is safe for children.
Side effects of Evenity
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or red or purple rash),If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: chest pressure or pain, lightheadedness, sudden numbness, weakness or problems with speech or vision, or loss of balance.
Tell your doctor if:
- New or unusual pain in the thigh, hip, or groin area.
- Jaw pain or numbness
- Infection of the gums or red or swollen gingiva;
- Low calcium level: muscle contractions, numbness, or tingling (in your fingers or toes) or around your mouth.
Some of the common side effects associated with evenness include:
- Headache
- Joint pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Evenity should not be used if your blood calcium levels are low (hypocalcemia). Evenity may not work for you if you've had a stroke or heart attack within the last 12 months.Romosozumab increases your risk of having heart attacks or strokes or dying due to a blood vessel or heart problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like: chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded, sudden weakness or numbness, problems with speech or vision, or loss of balance.
Before you take this drug
Evenity should not be used if you're allergic to romosozumab or have low calcium levels in your blood.If you've had a stroke or heart attack within the last 12 months, it may be impossible to receive Evenity.This medication can increase your chances of dying from heart disease, a stroke, or a cardiac or blood vessel issue.Your doctor can give you more details about the risks you are at.Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Evenity will be safe for you:
- Heart problems
- A blood vessel disorder;
- A stroke or a heart attack
- Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood);
- If you have kidney disease or are currently on dialysis,
- If you are unable to take calcium and vitamin D supplements daily,
This medicine can cause jaw problems (osteonecrosis). Most at-risk are people with cancer, blood disorders, pre-existing oral problems, or those treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Consult your doctor to find out your personal risk.Before you begin treatment with Evenity, it is possible that you will need to undergo a dental examination. You should follow your doctor's advice.Evenity should only be used by women who are no longer able to get pregnant. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking this medication.
How to take Evenity?
Evenity is injected into the upper arm, upper leg, stomach, or upper thigh.An healthcare provider will administer this injection.Evenity is typically given in 2 injections per month for a period of 1 year.Evenity is part of a comprehensive treatment program, which may also include daily calcium and vitamin D supplements. Only take the prescribed amount.Dental hygiene is important. While taking this medication, you should brush and floss your teeth. Tell your dentist that you're taking this medication if you plan to undergo any dental procedures (especially surgery).Evenity can be stored in its original container inside a fridge if you want to keep it at home. Do not freeze, and protect from light.Before your healthcare provider administers your injection, take the medicine from the refrigerator.Allow it to come up to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before placing in the fridge.Evenity should not be heated in the microwave or used with hot water.You can ruin the medicine by shaking the prefilled syringe. If the medicine appears cloudy or contains particles, do not use it. For a new prescription, call your pharmacist.
Each prefilled syringe can only be used once. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside.The prefilled syringe must be used or thrown out within 30 days after it reaches room temperature. Keep the original container out of heat and light.Put used needles, syringes, and sharps into a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for osteoporosis:
Subcutaneously, once a week, in the upper arm, upper thigh, or abdomen.
Duration of treatment: 12 months
This medication should only be administered by healthcare providers. The dose is given as two separate injections, each 105mg (one after another).
Comments:
Patients should receive adequate vitamin D and calcium during treatment.
If osteoporosis treatment is required, consider using antiresorptive drugs.
Use: treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are at high fracture risk. High fracture risk is defined by a history of multiple risk factors for fracture or by patients who have failed to tolerate or respond well to other osteoporosis therapies.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dose or miss your appointment for an Evenity injection, call your doctor. Your missed injection should be received as soon as possible.
What happens if I overdose?
You are unlikely to get an overdose because the prefilled Evenity syringe only contains a certain amount of medicine.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with romosozumab. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
