Corora (Denosumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Corora Used For?
Corora contains denosumab, a protein that helps strengthen bones by preventing bone-removing cells from damaging your bones. It’s designed to improve bone density and reduce your risk of fractures.
Primary Uses
Corora is used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause to reduce spinal, non-spinal and hip fractures; treat bone loss in men with osteoporosis at increased fracture risk; treat bone loss from reduced testosterone in men with prostate cancer; and improve bone density in patients treated with corticosteroids.
How It Works
Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to specific proteins in your body to stop the development of bone-removing cells before they reach your bones and cause damage. This makes your bones stronger and less likely to break.
Good to know: Bone is living tissue that renews itself constantly. Corora helps tip the balance toward building stronger bones.
How to Take Corora
Corora is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by a healthcare professional or can be self-administered with proper training.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 60 mg given once every 6 months as a single injection under the skin. You should also take calcium and vitamin D supplements as recommended by your doctor. Continue treatment for as long as your doctor tells you to, as Corora only works while you’re receiving treatment.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, Corora should be given as soon as possible. From then on, schedule your next injection 6 months from the date of the last injection. It’s important not to skip or delay your injections.
Important: Do not stop or delay Corora treatment without talking to your doctor, as this may increase your risk of breaking bones, especially spine fractures.
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:
- Back, muscle or joint pain or stiffness (especially hips, knees, spine)
- Pain in arms or legs
- Aching muscles, muscle tenderness or weakness
- Unusual hair loss or thinning
- Itchy, red or dry skin
- Ear pain, discharge or infection
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- High cholesterol levels
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, rash)
- Low blood calcium signs (muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, seizures)
- Mouth/jaw problems (persistent pain, swelling, non-healing sores, loose teeth)
- Unusual bone fractures (hip, groin, thigh pain)
- Skin infection (cellulitis with fever and chills)
- Upper abdominal pain with back pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Pain in hands and feet
- Severe allergic reaction with skin rash, blisters or fever
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Corora should not be used or requires special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Corora
Do not use Corora if you have low calcium levels in your blood, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to denosumab or medicines produced using Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, are under 18 years old, are taking another medicine containing denosumab, or if the medicine is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have calcium or vitamin D deficiency, severe kidney problems or dialysis, dental problems or jaw pain, are unable to take calcium/vitamin D supplements, have sugar intolerance, or are taking any other medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Corora if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, as it may harm your unborn baby. Do not use while breastfeeding as it’s unknown if denosumab passes into breast milk. Women who menstruate should use adequate contraception while taking Corora.
Calcium Deficiency Risk: Severe low blood calcium levels may lead to hospitalization, life-threatening events and death. Your doctor will monitor your blood calcium, especially in the first few weeks.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Important: Do not take Corora if you are already taking another medicine containing denosumab.
- Other medicines containing denosumab (such as Xgeva)
- Medicines, vitamins or supplements from pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop
Alcohol & Driving
Corora has no known effects on your ability to drive or use machines, but take general precautions.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but alcohol consumption can increase fracture risk as it affects bone health.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use machines until you know how Corora affects you. If driving soon after an injection, arrange to have someone else drive as a precaution.
Storage
Store Corora in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze or shake the pre-filled syringe. You may leave it at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 30 minutes before injection for comfort, but once at room temperature, it must be used within 30 days. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has received too much Corora, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Corora works continuously to strengthen bones while you’re receiving treatment. You must continue treatment every 6 months for as long as your doctor tells you to, as it only works while you’re receiving it.
Corora is given as an injection under the skin, not taken by mouth, so food timing is not relevant. However, you should take calcium and vitamin D supplements as recommended by your doctor while receiving Corora.
Stopping, skipping or delaying Corora treatment may worsen your condition and increase your chance of breaking bones, especially spine fractures if you have a history of broken spine bones. Always discuss with your doctor before stopping.
If you miss a dose, Corora should be administered as soon as possible. From then on, schedule your injections every 6 months from the date of the last injection. Don’t skip or delay getting your injection.
Yes, you should take calcium and vitamin D supplements while receiving Corora as recommended by your doctor. Most people don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet, and supplements help strengthen bones and prevent low calcium levels.
Yes, you or your carer can inject Corora after receiving proper training from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. The medicine comes in a pre-filled syringe with detailed injection instructions.
Practice good dental hygiene including brushing teeth and tongue after every meal, gentle daily flossing, and regular self-examination for mouth problems. Tell your dentist you’re using Corora and report any dental problems immediately.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.