What Is Ganvado Used For?

Ganvado contains denosumab, a protein that specifically targets and binds to proteins in your body to slow down bone destruction caused by cancer.

Primary Uses

Ganvado is used to prevent serious bone complications in adults with multiple myeloma or bone metastasis from solid tumour cancer; to treat giant cell tumour of bone that cannot be treated with surgery or has returned after treatment in adults or adolescents whose bones have stopped growing; and to reduce high calcium levels in the blood in cancer patients when bisphosphonates don’t work.

How It Works

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to specific proteins in your body to slow down bone destruction. It reduces calcium in your blood by preventing bone breakdown, which is especially important when cancer spreads to bones or causes too much calcium in your blood.

How to Take Ganvado

Ganvado is given as an injection under your skin into your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm by a healthcare professional.

Dosage Instructions

The recommended dose is 120 mg given as a single injection under the skin once every 4 weeks. If you’re being treated for giant cell tumour of bone or high blood calcium levels, you’ll receive additional doses 1 week and 2 weeks after your first dose. You should also take calcium and vitamin D supplements while receiving Ganvado unless your blood calcium is high.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, Ganvado should be given as soon as possible. From then on, your injections should be scheduled every 4 weeks from the date of your last injection.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite
• Shortness of breath during exercise, cough
• Back pain, bone, joint, and muscle pain
• Hair loss or thinning, rash
• Ear pain, discharge, or infection
• Headache, difficulty sleeping
• Low red blood cell levels, feeling tired or weak, weight loss

Important Warnings

There are several important conditions and situations where Ganvado should not be used or requires special monitoring.

Who Should Not Take Ganvado

Don’t use Ganvado if you’re allergic to denosumab or any ingredients; have very low untreated blood calcium levels; are under 18 years old (except adolescents with giant cell tumour whose bones have stopped growing); have unhealed wounds or sores in your mouth from dental surgery; are pregnant; or if the packaging is damaged or the solution is cloudy or discolored.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have calcium deficiency, severe kidney problems or need dialysis, are unable to take daily calcium or vitamin D supplements, have had dental problems or jaw pain, are taking osteoporosis medicines, have allergies to other medicines, or have sugar intolerance (Ganvado contains sorbitol).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Don’t use Ganvado if you’re pregnant – there’s no safety information available. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or within 5 months of your last dose. Talk to your doctor if you’re breastfeeding, as it’s unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with how Ganvado works, so it’s important to tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.

• Other medicines containing denosumab (such as Prolia)
• Other medicines used to treat osteoporosis
• Any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements

Alcohol & Driving

While Ganvado has no known effects on driving ability, you should be cautious after receiving an injection.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Ganvado has no known effects on your ability to drive or use machines, but as a general precaution, avoid driving soon after your injection and arrange for someone else to drive you.

Storage

Store Ganvado in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Don’t freeze it. Keep it in the original carton to protect from light. The medicine can be left at room temperature (up to 25°C) before injection to make it more comfortable, but must be used within 30 days once removed from refrigeration. Don’t shake the vial.

Overdose Information

If you think you or anyone else has received too much Ganvado, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions