Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Title and Medicine Details
- Denosumab 120mg
- Subcutaneous Injection
How to Inject the Medicine
What you will need
• Denosumab 120mg pre-filled syringe
• Alcohol wipes
• Sharps bin
• A clean, flat surface
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them well
- Clean the skin where you will inject using an alcohol wipe
- Prepare your injection:
- Take the syringe out of the fridge
- Check the expiry date
- Remove the syringe from its packaging
- Hold the syringe in your dominant hand, with your fingers around the barrel and your thumb on the plunger
- With your other hand, gently pinch a fold of skin to make a small lump
- Insert the needle into the skin at a 45-degree angle, pushing it in fully.
- Slowly press the plunger all the way down, keeping the needle still, until all the medicine has been given.
- Remove the needle at the same angle it went in.
- Place the used needle straight into the sharps bin.
- Gently wipe the injection site with gauze if needed.
- Write down the date, time, and batch number on your record card
Where to Inject and Site Rotation
- Recommended areas:
- Abdomen: Around the belly button, but not the belly button itself
- Thigh: The outer part of the thigh, between one hand above the knee and one hand below the groin
- Change the injection site each time you inject.
- Use both sides of your body equally.
- Do not inject into skin that is bruised, scarred, sore, or inflamed.
Problems With Your Dose
- If any medicine spills during the injection, contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- If you miss a dose, contact your CNS for advice
Looking After Your Medicine
- Store Denosumab in the fridge between 2–8°C.
- Contact your CNS or chemotherapy helpline if the medicine has not been stored correctly.
- Use a small cool bag to take the medicine home from hospital.
Disposal of Needles and Equipment
- Put all used needles and syringes into the sharps bin provided.
- When the sharps bin is full, contact your CNS team for a replacement.
- Make sure the bin is locked before transporting it.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
- You will need a blood test one week before your CNS follow-up appointment.
- Tell your CNS team before having any dental work.
- If you notice any new symptoms affecting your gums or jaw, stop the medication and contact your CNS immediately.
Support and Contact Details
If you have any further questions or concerns, please get in touch with your Metastatic BCN on 0300 613 3535.
• For urgent query please contact chemotherapy hotline number 07769365360.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cancer care service.
About this information
Service:
Cancer care
Reference:
Q/008
Approval date:
1 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.