NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—The osteoporosis drug denosumab is associated with a higher incidence of serious infections compared with placebo, but the risk is similar to comparator drugs, a systematic review and meta-analysis reveals.
Talia Diker-Cohen, MD, PhD, of Tel Aviv University, and colleagues searched the literature through May 2019 for randomized controlled trials of denosumab (60 mg every six months) vs. any comparator (e.g., bisphosphonates, teriparatide, placebo).
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 33 studies involving 22,253 patients were included. The incidence of serious adverse events related to infection was higher during denosumab treatment versus any comparator (risk ratio [RR]: 1.21), mainly involving the ear, nose and throat (RR: 2.66) and gastrointestinal system (RR: 1.43).1
However, in a sensitivity analysis, the risk ratio was similar to comparator groups, and the risk ratios of any infection (RR: 1.03) and infection-related mortality (RR: 0.50) were comparable between groups.
Further, a subgroup analysis by comparator showed an increased relative risk of serious infection for denosumab vs. placebo (RR: 1.23; 16 studies), but not compared to bisphosphonates or teriparatide.
The authors conclude, “A higher incidence of [serious adverse events of infection] is demonstrated during treatment with denosumab in an osteoporosis dose. Nevertheless, the overall risk for any infection or related mortality is similar to comparator groups. These findings merit consideration before therapy initiation.”
Dr. Diker-Cohen did not respond to requests for comment. However, U.S. endocrinologists commented on the findings in emails to Reuters Heath.
.Deena Adimoolam, MD, associate fellowship program director in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, says, “Denosumab has the known side effect of potentially leading to increased risk for infection—especially infections of the skin. It should only be considered in patients who have a normal immune response and who are not on immunosuppressive medications, such as certain cancer treatments.”
“This risk for the side effects of infection is very rare,” she adds.
Maria Pena, MD, director of Endocrine Services at Mount Sinai Doctors Forest Hills, New York, tells Reuters Health, “I don’t believe that a definitive conclusion can be made from this study alone and further investigation is warranted. Therefore, general prescribing practices should not change, especially since osteoporosis is associated with so much morbidity and mortality.”
“This being said,” she adds, “I believe the value of this study is that it increases awareness amongst clinicians to counsel patients and to monitor for [infection].”
