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Zoledronic Acid

Description

Zoledronic Acid is used to treat bone loss and decrease the risk of fractures i

n certain groups of patients. It belongs to a class of medicines called ‘Bisphosphonates.’

uses

Uses of Zoledronic Acid

  • Treatment of thinning of bone or bone loss (osteoporosis) in adult men and postmenopausal women (age-related termination of menstrual periods)
  • In patients who are at increased risk for fracture or had a recent hip fracture. This includes patients being treated with or without glucocorticoids (a class of medicines that suppress the immune res...
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  • Treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone in adults (a bone disorder more common in white adults, in which the bone becomes weakened and bent)
contraindications

Contraindications of Zoledronic Acid

When should one not use Zoledronic Acid

  • Hypersensitivity to Zoledronic Acid or any of the components of the medicine or other Bisphosphonates
  • Severe kidney diseases
  • Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
sideEffects

Side effects of Zoledronic Acid

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Abnormal heart rhythms (common, but inform the doctor promptly), especially seen in postmenopausal women
  • Increased sensitivity to light, swollen, red and painful eyes with itching (uncommon)
  • A serious condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw can occur with the use of Zoledronic acid – symptoms include pain in the jaw or the mouth, mouth sores, loose tooth, heaviness or numb feeling of th...
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  • Allergic reaction like - fever, chills, rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling over your face, lips, throat
  • Fainting, slow breathing; fast breathing or heartbeats, headache, chest pain
  • Fever, swollen glands, chills, flu-like symptoms, cold, sudden weakness
  • Sore skin, easy bruising, bleeding, itching, numbness, muscle weakness and pain
  • Problems with urination indicating kidney problem- little, no urine, painful, difficult urination
  • Skin reaction- fever, swelling on face and tongue, sore throat, burning skin and eyes, purple and red rash on the skin which later starts peeling and scaling
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
  • Back pain, joint and muscle pain, weakness
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness
  • Loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain
  • Sore throat, cough
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Zoledronic Acid

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Zoledronic Acid during pregnancy?
A:
Not enough data is available. Zoledronic Acid should not be used during pregnancy as it has the potential to harm the unborn baby
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Zoledronic Acid while breastfeeding?
A:
Sufficient data is lacking and it is not known with certainty if Zoledronic Acid is secreted in breast milk. It is best advised to avoid this medicine in breastfeeding women.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Zoledronic Acid?
A:
This medicine may cause problems with your vision or dizziness. Exercise caution if you experience any such side effects.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Zoledronic Acid?
A:
Alcohol may not directly interact with Zoledronic Acid but may increase the risk for fractures. It is advised to minimize alcohol consumption (to occasional drinking) while taking this medicine. Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks before and after treatment.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • Inform the doctor if any of the following applies to you:
  • Taking any other treatment containing Zoledronic Acid
  • Surgery of parathyroid glands (specialized tissue in the neck that control calcium levels in the body) or intestines
  • Kidney problems
  • If you cannot take daily calcium supplements, you have cancer or you are taking medicines that suppress immune response (Corticosteroids – Prednisolone, Dexamethasone)
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Zoledronic Acid

How Does It Work?

Zoledronic Acid works by attaching to bone minerals, preventing them from break down. This will reduce bone loss and decreases the risk of fractures. When this is combined with calcium or vitamin D in...
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interactions

Interactions of Zoledronic Acid

Interactions with other medicines

  • Use the following medicines with caution:
  • Any medicines that can cause kidney damage - Diuretics or water pills (Spironolactone, Triamterene, etc.), Aminoglycoside antibiotics (Amikacin, Gentamicin, Neomycin, etc.), pain killers (Ibuprofen, D...
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  • Other forms of Bisphosphonates
  • Medicines that suppress immune response (Corticosteroids – Prednisolone, Dexamethasone)
  • Do not mix Zoledronic acid with IV fluids containing calcium (Ringer’s solution, parenteral nutrition)
  • Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements or herbs you are taking

Interactions with food items

Zoledronic Acid infusion can be taken before or after food.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Zoledronic Acid

Drink plenty of fluids, starting at least a week before and up to 2 weeks after the treatment. You can have your regular diet on the day of surgery.
dosage

Dosage of Zoledronic Acid

Overdose

An overdose is unlikely as healthcare professionals will give you the medicine as an injection. Excess Zoledronic Acid may cause muscle weakness, stiffness and aches, low calcium levels and may increa...
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Missed a Dose

Zoledronic Acid is usually taken once a year under medical supervision. If you miss a dose, call the doctor and take the missed dose as soon as you can.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What are Bisphosphonates? Are they better than other medicines for bone loss?

  • Bisphosphonates are substances that are naturally made in the body and they primarily strengthen the bone (increase the density of the bone). They do this mainly by preventing the breakdown of the bon...
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  • Osteoporosis is thinning of bone due to the death of bone cells which is usually age-related. For such patients, when Bisphosphonates are given, they penetrate the bone and stop the bone cells from dy...
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  • In old aged people and certain diseases (like cancers), there is only bone loss, but the bone does not grow which leads to thinning of the bone and increases the risk of fractures
  • Bisphosphonates are phosphates which prevent bone loss. In these conditions and with calcium and Vitamin D supplementation, bone strength can be restored
  • Bisphosphonate injections are usually safe but they are not given in all patients with bone loss. They are generally reserved for patients who cannot tolerate the tablets or those at high risk for fra...
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  • Bisphosphonates are also used to treat certain types of cancer

Q: Anything else I must know before taking Zoledronic Acid?

  • The frequency of administration of Zoledronic Acid varies depending on the condition of the patients. For some diseases, it is given once a year, and for some others as a single dose
  • Retreatment may be necessary, but in any case, the usual frequency is once in a year. So, there is no problem of overdose or missed dose
  • Adequate calcium and Vitamin D supplementation is necessary to derive maximum benefit from Zoledronic Acid. Calcium can be taken in the form of tablets every day, but injections may be required for Vi...
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  • Zoledronic Acid is given as a slow intravenous drip (through the veins), for a period not less than 15 minutes
  • Quit smoking, maintain good oral health, have regular dental check-ups and inform the doctor if you have any cancers or previously treated with Bisphosphonates
  • Zoledronic Acid should not be used in patients with severe kidney disease or those less than 18 years of age
  • Never self-administer this medicine. Zoledronic Acid must always be taken under medical supervision
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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