Zoledronic Acid (By injection)

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Treats high blood calcium levels. Also treats bone damage caused by Paget disease, multiple myeloma, and cancers that spread to the bone. Also treats osteoporosis and reduces the risk of hip fractures in certain patients.

Drug classes

Calcium Regulator (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Zoledronic acid injection is used to treat hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) that may occur in patients with some types of cancer. It is also used to treat a cancer called multiple myeloma (tumors formed by the cells of the bone marrow) or certain types of bone metastases (the spread of cancer to the bone).

Zoledronic acid injection is also used to treat Paget’s disease of the bone in men and women. It is also used in men with osteoporosis and in women with osteoporosis who have gone through menopause. This medicine is used to reduce the risk of having more fractures in patients who have had a recent hip fracture.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, zoledronic acid is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

Bone loss, in men, from taking certain medicines for prostate cancer.

Bone loss, in breast cancer patients, from hormone therapy (prevention).

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

Your doctor may tell you to drink extra liquids before your treatment to prevent kidney problems.

Your doctor may also give you vitamin D and calcium supplements. Tell your doctor if you are not able to take these medicines.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose:You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use other medicines that also contain zoledronic acid. Do not use zoledronic acid together with another bisphosphonate medicine.

Some foods and medicines can affect how zoledronic acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin, antibiotics, diuretics (water pills), an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen), steroid medicines, or cancer medicines.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to zoledronic acid, or if you are pregnant.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, anemia, aspirin-sensitive asthma, bleeding problems, cancer, congestive heart failure, low blood calcium levels, stomach absorption problems, mineral imbalance, dental problems or gum disease. Also tell your doctor if you had surgery on your bowel or parathyroid or thyroid gland.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Jaw or teeth problems Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain Increased risk of thigh bone fracture Low calcium levels in your blood

You must have regular dental exams while you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your dentist or oral surgeon that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat

Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, burning or painful urination

Muscle spasm or twitching, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, feet, or around your mouth

Pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw, loose teeth or other teeth problems

Severe muscle, bone, or joint pain

Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Headache

Mild nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset

Redness, pain, or swelling of your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Novaplus Zoledronic Acid, PremierPro Rx Zoledronic Acid, Reclast, Zometa

There may be other brand names for this medicine.