Evenity side effects and how to avoid them

Key highlights

  • You should not use Evenity if you are allergic to the active ingredient romosozumab-aqqg
  • Evenity may increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and death due to cardiovascular problems
  • Evenity is not known to cause weight gain or hair loss

Evenity is a brand-name medication manufactured by Amgen Inc. It is classified as a monoclonal antibody and is used to treat osteoporosis. While Evenity is generally well tolerated, there are some potential side effects that people should be aware of. The most common side effects of Evenity include muscle spasms. Less common but more serious side effects can include allergic reactions.

Learn more about the side effects of Evenity and what you can do to avoid them.

What is Evenity (romosozumab)?

Evenity contains the prescription medicine romosozumab. It is used for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (a condition where bones are weaker and more fragile) who are at high risk of bone fracture, classed as:

  • A history of osteoporotic fracture
  • Having multiple risk factors for fracture
  • Patients who are not tolerant to or have not responded to other treatments for osteoporosis

Evenity may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. These are man-made proteins that behave like naturally occurring antibodies within your immune system.

Evenity blocks the action of sclerostin in the body. Sclerostin helps to control the production of bone in your body. Evenity helps to increase the production of bone and to a lesser degree, reduces bone resorption (the breakdown of bone into minerals such as calcium, which are transferred into the blood).

Romosozumab-aqqg has been shown in animal studies to stimulate new bone formation on trabecular and cortical bone surfaces by stimulating osteoblastic activity (the formation of bone). This results in an increase in trabecular and cortical bone mass and helps to improve bone structure and strength.

Does Evenity grow bone?

Evenity is used to treat women with osteoporosis after menopause at a high risk of fractures. Evenity reduces the risk of fractures risk by building new bone.

Evenity dosage

Evenity is available in injection form in the following doses: 105 mg/1.17 mL solution in a single-use prefilled syringe.

Evenity is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) of your stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm. It is usually given as 2 injections, once a month for 12 months. Evenity should only be used for 12 monthly doses, as after this, its effects begin to reduce. Evenity is part of a treatment program that includes calcium and vitamin D supplements.

You are advised to brush your teeth on a regular basis while receiving Evenity. Tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine if you need dental work. Read the medication guide provided with this medicine for the drug and patient information. Always speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Evenity side effects

The most common side effects of Evenity compared to placebo include:

  • Joint pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Injection site reactions

In rare instances, Evenity can cause more serious side effects. These can include:

  • Low calcium levels – muscle contractions or spasms, numb or tingly feeling around mouth, fingers, or toes
  • Swollen or red gums, infected gums, or loose teeth
  • Unusual or new pain in your thigh, hip, or groin
  • Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
  • Heart attack – chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, dizziness
  • Stroke – headache, numbness, or weakness in the face, arm, or legs, problems talking, changes in vision, or loss of balance
  • Serious allergic reactions – hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, sore throat, burning eyes, red or purple skin rash

You are encouraged to report the negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Does Evenity cause weight gain?

No. Weight gain is not a side effect of Evenity. Some women may have peripheral edema (swelling of the legs, ankles, or arms due to a build-up of fluid).

Does Evenity cause hair loss?

No, hair loss is not a side effect of Evenity.

Does Evenity cause dental problems?

Evenity may cause severe jaw bone problems. Speak to your healthcare provider or dentist about good dental healthcare while using this medication.

Does Evenity cause muscle pain?

Evenity may cause lower calcium blood levels. Symptoms of low calcium include muscle spasms, twitches, or cramps, numbness or a tingling sensation in your fingers, toes, or around the mouth.

Evenity drug interactions

Evenity can interact with other medications, including:

  • Steroid treatment – beclomethasone, cortisone, fludrocortisone, prednisolone
  • Bisphosphonates used to prevent bone breakdown – alendronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, risedronate
  • Treatments for cancer – axitinib, cabozantinib, everolimus, lenalidomide, pomalidomide
  • Other monoclonal antibodies for the reduction of bone loss – denosumab
  • Etelcalcetide – classed as an oligopeptide for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment

Before taking Evenity, be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking to ensure they are safe to take at the same time.

Evenity warnings & precautions

You should not use Evenity if you:

  • Are allergic to the active ingredient romosozumab-aqqg
  • Have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Evenity
  • Have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia)
  • Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Talk to your doctor before using Evenity if you:

  • Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Evenity
  • Have cancer
  • Are receiving chemotherapy
  • Have blood vessel disorders
  • Have had a stroke, heart attack, or any other heart problems
  • Are receiving dialysis or have kidney disease
  • Have dental problems
  • Are taking steroids
  • Cannot take calcium and vitamin D supplements daily

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including Evenity, to make sure it is safe for you.

Evenity vs Prolia

Evenity and Prolia are both biologics but with different mechanisms of action. Prolia slows the breakdown of bone, while Evenity rebuilds bone. Evenity increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of fractures, while Prolia raises bone mass.

Is Evenity worth the risk?

Evenity may increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and death due to cardiovascular problems. Your doctor will decide if Evenity is safe for you to use.

How to avoid Evenity side effects

The best way to avoid side effects is to take Evenity as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and do not take more or less than prescribed.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to help reduce or prevent some of the side effects.

1. Stick to the recommended dosage

Take your prescribed dose of Evenity recommended by your healthcare professional. Do not take more or less than prescribed.

2. Monitor your blood sugar levels

If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while taking Evenity. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and report any changes to your doctor immediately.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

Drink eight to 10 glasses of water or fluids every day to help prevent dehydration, which can make side effects worse.

4. Don’t skip meals

Eating regular meals and snacks will help to prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

5. Check your feet

If you have diabetes, check your feet for any cuts, sores, or redness regularly. Tell your doctor if you experience problems with your feet while taking Evenity.

6. Know the signs and symptoms of Evenity side effects

Signs and symptoms of side effects include neck pain and muscle spasms. If you experience these symptoms, speak to your doctor for medical advice.

7. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking

Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they can interact with Evenity.

8. Get regular medical checkups

It is important to get regular medical checkups and monitor your medical conditions. Your doctor will monitor your side effects and may adjust your dose of Evenity as needed.

What this means for you

If you are at risk of osteoporosis and are postmenopause, Evenity can help you. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider your medical history to ensure Evenity is for you.

Medically reviewed

A medical professional has reviewed this article.

Jamie Winn, PharmD
Jamie Winn, PharmD

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Dr. Jamie Winn received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2002 from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC. Jamie is a medical reviewer for NiceRx.

Share this page

Other articles on

The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.
NiceRx Logo

Your medication,
$49 per month

Get your Evenity medication for only $49 per month through NiceRx.

Get Started