zoledronic acid

(zole DROE nick AH cid)
Zometa

What is the most important information I should know about zoledronic acid?

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Do not take zoledronic acid without first talking to your doctor if your have had an allergic reaction to zoledronic acid or another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).

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A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before starting treatment with zoledronic acid. This is especially important if you:

have poor dental health;

have cancer;

are receiving chemotherapy; or

are taking corticosteroids.

What is zoledronic acid?

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Zoledronic acid inhibits the release of calcium from bones.

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Zoledronic acid is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood associated with malignancy (cancer), multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer), and bone metastases from solid tumors.

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Zoledronic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zoledronic acid?

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Before taking zoledronic acid, tell your doctor if you have:

aspirin-sensitive asthma;

liver disease; or

kidney disease.

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You may not be able to take zoledronic acid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before starting treatment with zoledronic acid. This is especially important if you:

have poor dental health;

have cancer;

are receiving chemotherapy; or

are taking corticosteroids.

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Zoledronic acid is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take zoledronic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether zoledronic acid passes into breast milk. Do not take zoledronic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take zoledronic acid?

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A healthcare professional will administer zoledronic acid by intravenous infusion.

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Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with zoledronic acid to monitor progress and side effects.

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Your healthcare provider will store zoledronic acid as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of zoledronic acid.

What happens if I overdose?

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If for any reason an overdose of zoledronic acid is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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The symptoms of a zoledronic acid overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking zoledronic acid?

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There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking zoledronic acid unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of zoledronic acid?

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Stop taking zoledronic acid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

kidney problems (detected by blood tests); or

low levels of calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in the blood (detected by blood tests).

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take zoledronic acid and talk to your doctor if you experience

flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, bone pain, or muscle or joint soreness or aches;

stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

redness or swelling at the injection site.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect zoledronic acid?

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

an aminoglycoside antibiotic such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), paromomycin (Humatin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi); or

a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix, Lo-Aqua, others), bumetanide ( Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), or torsemide (Demadex).

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You may not be able to take zoledronic acid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with zoledronic acid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about zoledronic acid written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.