Zoledronic acid
Information about Zoledronic acid
Zoledronic acid uses
Zoledronic acid is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. It treats osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk of fractures.
How zoledronic acid works
Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.
Common side effects of zoledronic acid
Headache, Diarrhea, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Vomiting, Nausea, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Flu-like symptoms, Bone pain, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Hypersensitivity reaction, Itching, Peripheral edema, Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Electrolyte imbalance, Renal insufficiency, Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets), Granulocytopenia, Angioneurotic edema, Seizure, Numbness, Uveitis, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
Available Medicine for Zoledronic acid
Expert advice for Zoledronic acid
- Your doctor has prescribed Zoledronic acid to make your bones stronger and lower the risk of fractures.
- Take it in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
- It may cause the amount of calcium in your blood to fall. Take calcium-rich food in your diet and have regular blood tests to monitor the level of calcium in your blood.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
- You may develop fever or flu like symptoms, such as chills, tiredness and weakness. These are usually temporary and should go away after a few days. You may take a pain reliever/fever reducer to prevent or treat these symptoms.
- It may cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your doctor if you develop sudden pain in your jaw.
- Your doctor will monitor your response to Zoledronic acid by testing your bone mineral density (BMD). This is usually done every 1-3 years.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Zoledronic acid
Zoledronic acid
Q. What is Zoledronic acid? What is it used for?
Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of medicines called bisphosphonates that prevents abnormal breakdown of the bones. Zoledronic acid is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and fractures in people with metastatic cancer (a cancer which spreads to newer areas of the body). It may also be used to treat hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels).
Q. How does Zoledronic acid work?
Zoledronic acid works by increasing the density of the bones which helps in preventing osteoporosis. In addition to that, it helps to treat high calcium levels in the blood caused due to secondary bone cancer. Also, it is helpful in treating metastasis of bone which is caused due to breast cancer.
Q. How long should I take Zoledronic acid?
Zoledronic acid should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. The medicine takes around 6 month to show its maximum benefits on bones. However, in some cases, the doctor may suggest Zoledronic acid for a longer duration. The exact duration will depend on the condition you are being treated for.