Zoledronic acid

Generic Name: zoledronic acid
Names of brands: Aclasta, Zometa, Reclast

What is Zoledronic acid?

Zoledronic acid (sometimes called zoledronate). It is part of a family of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Zoledronic acid blocks the absorption of calcium out of bones.

Zoledronic acid can be used to treat Paget’s disease as well as osteoporosis for postmenopausal females.

Zoledronic acid is also employed for purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.¶

Warnings and Precautions

Don’t take Zoledronic acid without consulting your physician in the event that you’ve experienced reactions to an allergen such as zoledronic acids or similar medications like alendronate (Fosamax) or the etidronate (Didronel) or ibandronate (Boniva) or Pamidronate (Aredia) or risedronate (Actonel) as well as Tiludronate (Skelid).

Do not take Zoledronic acid before telling your physician in case you are expecting. It may cause harm to your unborn child. Make sure you use a safe method of birth control. Also, inform your physician if you develop a pregnancy while receiving treatment.

The doctor might suggest having a dental check-up to determine the need for preventive gum and tooth treatment prior to beginning treatment with Zoledronic acid. This is especially crucial in the case of cancer, are taking chemotherapy or steroids, or suffer from dental problems.

Certain patients who are taking medications like Zoledronic acid have suffered from jaw bone loss which is also known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Signs of this disease could include jaw discomfort, swelling, numbness, gum inflammation, loose teeth, or slow healing after injuries or surgeries that involve the gums. It is possible to develop osteonecrosis in the jaw if you are suffering from cancer or have had treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Other ailments that are associated with osteonecrosis in the jaw are blood clotting disorders as well as anemia (low red blood cells) and previous dental problems.¶

In summary :

Patients who are treated with zoledronic acid injections shouldn’t be treated using the drug Reclast (r).
Rehydrate patients in a timely manner with malignancy who have hypercalcemia prior to the administration of the injection of zoledronic acid and observe electrolytes throughout treatment.
It is possible that renal toxicity will be more severe in patients with impaired renal function. Avoid doses that are greater than four mg. Treatment for patients suffering from serious renal impairments is not advised. Check serum creatinine prior to every dose.
Osteonecrosis in the jaw (ONJ) was identified. Dental exams for prevention must be conducted prior to starting the injection of zoledronic acids. Avoid any invasive dental procedures.
A severe incapacitating joint, bone, or muscle pain could be experienced. Discontinue zoledronic acid injection if severe symptoms occur.
Diaphyseal and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur were reported among patients who receive bisphosphonate therapy. The fractures can occur following minor damage or without trauma. Examine patients suffering from discomfort in the groin or thigh to determine if there is a fracture in the femur. Beware of discontinuing medication for patients who may have an unusual femur fracture.
Hypocalcemia: Make sure you are in good shape prior to initiating the injection of zoledronic acids. Be sure to adequately supply patients with vitamin D and calcium. Check the serum calcium levels closely in conjunction with the administration of other medications that can cause hypocalcemia. This will help avoid serious dangerous hypocalcemia.
Zoledronic acid injections can cause harm to fetuses. Women should be warned of the danger to the fetus, and to take advantage of effective contraception.

Prior to receiving Zoledronic acid

It is not recommended to take Zoledronic acid in the event that you are allergic to zoledronic acids or similar medications like alendronate (Fosamax) and Etidronate (Didronel) Ibandronate (Boniva) and Pamidronate (Aredia) and risedronate (Actonel) and Tiludronate (Skelid).

Also, you should not get Zoledronic acid If you suffer from:

Low levels of calcium in your blood.
impaired kidney function; or
If you are expecting or breastfeeding.

Zometa, as well as Reclast, are two distinct versions of zoledronic acid. It is not recommended to be treated with Reclast when you’re already receiving Zometa. Before you receive the Reclast injection, inform your doctor that you are currently receiving Zometa.

Before you receive Zoledronic acid tell your physician if you suffer from:

aspirin-sensitive asthma;
A thyroid or parathyroid condition;
malabsorption disorder (an inability to properly absorb nutrients and food correctly);
an occurrence of surgical removal of a portion of your intestine
bone cancer; or
kidney disease.

The doctor might suggest having a dental check-up to ensure that you are receiving preventive dental and gum treatment prior to starting treatments with Zoledronic acid. This is particularly important in the case of cancer, are taking chemotherapy or steroids, or are suffering from poor dental health.

Some patients who are taking medications like Zoledronic acid have experienced jaw bone loss which is also known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Signs of this disease could include jaw pain and swelling, numbness or gum infections, loose teeth, or slow healing following injuries or surgeries that involve the gums.

There is a higher chance to suffer from osteonecrosis of your jaw if you suffer from cancer or have had treatment using radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Other ailments that are associated with osteonecrosis in the jaw are blood clotting disorders as well as anemia (low red blood cells) and dental surgery or existing dental issues.

FDA classification for pregnancy D. This medication could harm an unborn child. Don’t take Zoledronic acid without informing your physician when you’re expecting. Make sure you are using a reliable method of birth control and inform your doctor if pregnant while receiving treatment. Zoledronic acid is a substance that can be found in breast milk and could harm nursing babies. Do not take Zoledronic acid without informing your doctor whether you are breastfeeding your baby.

How to take Zoledronic acid?

Zoledronic acid is administered by injection with a needle inserted in the vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic or in a hospital. The medicine should be administered slowly, via an IV infusion. It can take up to 15 minutes to finish.

Zoledronic acid may be prescribed only every year. Follow the instructions of your physician.

Take at least two glasses of water just a few hours before your injection to prevent becoming dehydrated.

Your physician may ask you to take calcium or vitamin D supplements when you’re receiving treatment for Zoledronic acid. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding the strength and type of calcium that you need to take.

To make sure Zoledronic acid can help your condition and is not producing adverse unwanted side effects the blood of your patient needs to be checked frequently. Your kidney function could be a factor to be checked. It is crucial to do not to miss any appointments with your physician.

Information and usage

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that is indicated for the treatment of

Hypercalcemia is a sign of malignancy.
Patients suffering from multiple myeloma or patients with bone metastases documented from solid tumors, when combined with the standard antineoplastic treatment. Prostate cancer must have grown after treatment with at minimum one hormone treatment.

Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of zoledronic acid injections have been questioned for their use for hyperparathyroidism or other non-tumor-related hypercalcemia.

Dosage and Administration

Hypercalcemia in malignancy

4 mg is an intravenous infusion for a single-use lasting not less than 15 minutes.
4 mg of a retreatment treatment at a minimum of seven days.

Multiple myeloma and bone metastasis resulting from solid tumors.

4 mg can be used as a one-time intravenous infusion for at least 15 minutes once every 3-4 weeks to patients with clearance for creatinine greater than 60mL/min.
Cut down on the dosage for patients with kidney impairment.
Take tablets of oral calcium that contain 500 mg as well as an additional vitamin that contains 400 Vitamin D units per day.

Utilize a separate, vented infusion line. Do not let it come into contact with divalent cation-containing calcium solutions.

Dosage and Strengths

Injection: 4 mg/5mL (0.8 mg/mL) single-dose vial to dilute ahead of intravenous infusion

If I don’t take the dose?

Consult your physician if you have missed a dose of Zoledronic acid.

If I consume too much?

Contact emergency medical assistance If you suspect you’ve taken excessive Zoledronic acid. The signs of an overdose could include tingling or numbness of your feet or hands and muscle stiffness and spasms in muscles that surround your eyes, irregular heartbeats, wheezing or difficulty breathing.

What to avoid?

Avoid performing any dental procedure while receiving treatment with Zoledronic acid. It could take longer than usual for you to heal.

Zoledronic acid side effects

Contact your doctor immediately If you experience any of the symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as asthmatic hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue. Contact your doctor immediately in case you experience any of these severe reactions:

The frequency of urination is lower than normal, or none at all
muscles spasms, numbness or tingly sensation (especially in the mouth);
chills, fevers, and body aches. symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising rare weakness
painful joint, bone, or muscle pain in the joint, bone, or muscle.

Less severe Zoledronic acid adverse effects could be:

cough;
chest pain
Loss of appetite, nausea vomiting;
diarrhea, constipation;
fatigue, headache, dizziness sensation;
lower blood pressure and swelling of your feet or legs;
joint, muscle or bone discomfort or
swelling or redness in the area where the needle was.

This isn’t a complete list of all side effects. other side effects could occur. Inform your physician about any unusual or unpleasant adverse reaction.

What other medications can impact Zoledronic acid?

Before taking Zoledronic acid to inform your doctor if taking any of the following medicines:

A diuretic (water pill);
an antibiotic like amikacin (Amikin) and an antibiotic such as amikacin (Amikin), (Garamycin) Kanamycin (Kantrex) and neomycin (Mycifradin Neo-Fradin, NeoTab, Neo-Fradin) netilmicin (Netromycin) and streptomycin tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi);
Other medications that could affect your kidneys like pentamidine (Nebupent) and tacrolimus (Prograf) amphotericin B (Fungizone, AmBisome, Amphotec, Abelcet), capreomycin (Capastat), and the drug rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater) vancomycin (Vancocin Vancoled) Acyclovir (Zovirax) Adefovir (Hepsera) Cidofovir (Vistide) as well foscarnet (Foscavir) as well as
chemotherapy drugs like aldesleukin (Proleukin) Carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), Cisplatin (Platinol) as well as IFOSFamide (Ifex) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and the drug plicamycin (Mithracin) and streptozocin (Zanosar) or thalidomide (Thalomid) and Tretinoin (Vesanoid).

The list below isn’t exhaustive and there are other medications that interfere with Zoledronic acid. Inform your doctor about every prescription and over-the-counter medicine you take. This includes minerals, vitamins or herbal supplements, as well as medications prescribed by doctors. Do not begin taking any new medication without first talking to your physician.

How supplied

Zoledronic acid Injection
4 mg/5 mL (0.8 mg/mL)
prescription only
Concentrate for Intravenous Infusio

Additional details

The best efforts have been made to make sure that the information given is up-to-date, accurate. However, there is no guarantee in this regard. Information on drugs in this publication could be time-sensitive.
A lack of warning on a particular drug or combination of drugs does not in any way taken to mean that the substance or combination is effective, safe, or appropriate for a particular patient. The information in this article is not intended to be comprehensive and covers all possible use, directions, precautions and warnings, interactions with other drugs as well as allergic reactions or other adverse reactions.

Jump To