Zoledronic Acid

(ZOE le dron ik AS id)

U.S. Brand Names

Reclast®; Zometa®

Canadian Brand Names

Aclasta®; Zometa®

Mexican Brand Names

Zometa

Pharmacologic Category

Antidote; Bisphosphonate Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to zoledronic acid or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• Reclast®: If you have low calcium levels.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat high calcium levels.

• This medicine is used in the treatment of a variety of cancers.

• This medicine is used to treat Paget's disease.

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

How does it work?

• Zoledronic acid reduces bone destruction.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Take calcium and vitamin D as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have malabsorption syndrome or have had part of your intestine removed, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have had thyroid or parathyroid surgery, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Irritation where the shot is given.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Diarrhea.

• Headache.

• Swelling.

• Low calcium levels.

• Bone, joint, or muscle pain can rarely occur.

• Jaw bone damage can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Bone density test.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Jaw pain.

• Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.

• Numbness or tingling around mouth.

• Unable to pass urine.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

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

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 16:21:22.0

Modified: 2008-03-14 08:58:56.0

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