Osteoporosis

Percentage of Patients Treated with Denosumab Who Had Vitamin D and Calcium Testing Prior to Injection

2022

Percentage of Patients Treated with Denosumab Who Had Vitamin D and Calcium Testing Prior to Injection (N=2499)

2022

Denosumab is a treatment for osteoporosis given as an injection every 6 months. It has been associated with hypocalcemia, which is more common in patients with preexisting hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency. Serum calcium and vitamin D testing are suggested within the preceding year to reduce the risk of hypocalcemia: 87.2%, 92.2%, and 97.4% of patients had serum calcium testing in the preceding 90, 180, and 365 days, respectively, while 62.1%, 73.0%, and 91.5% of patients had vitamin D testing in the preceding 90, 180, and 365 days, respectively.