Xgeva injection - Side Effects

Hi All, following a terminal diagnosis of Stage 4 Lung Cancer with spread to adrenal gland, spine, liver, pelvis just last June (spent nearly a year being told he just had a trapped nerve in his neck!!)  my husband; aged 48, has only ever had Radiotherapy to his lung & spine because they think nothing else will work.  He suffered spinal cord compression which has left him in a wheelchair and despite him doing okay and living past their expectations chemo is still not an option.  

He has recently spent 2.5 weeks in a hospice to get his pain under control but since his first Xgeva injection on Friday his pain is been through the roof & he's spent alot of time sleeping.  His moods have also been quite trying & I spend most of my time sitting quietly as to not cause him to shout at me.  Anyone have any experience in side effects from this injection and if they get better with time.

A lonely & stressed Mrs Knight!!

  • Hello Mrs Knight and thanks for posting us a question, 

    I am very sorry to learn about your husband's situation, it must be so upsetting to see him still in pain. I can well imagine how isolating and stressful an experience this is for you.   

    I'm afraid I don't know if the Xgeva injections are likely to get easier with time. Muscle and bone pain is a commonly reported side effect with this type of medication but it can be hard to be sure exactly what the cause is of worsening pain. I think it would be a good idea to talk to the palliative team involved to ask what their thinking is about this, and also to ask them review your husbands current medications as it sounds like his pain isn't well controlled at the moment. 

    Pain can make anyone irritable and short tempered which is understandable enough, but hard to bear when you are on the receiving end. I hope you have some support to help you cope.

    Please give us a call if you want a chat. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040,  and the lines are open from 9-5, weekdays.

    Best wishes, 

    Julia