zometa

This medication is used to treat high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) that may occur with cancer. Zoledronic acid is also used with cancer chemotherapy to treat bone problems that may occur with multiple myeloma and other types of cancer (such as breast, lung) that have spread to the bones. Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It lowers high blood calcium levels by reducing the amount of calcium released from your bones into your blood. It also works by slowing the breakdown of your bones by cancer to prevent bone fractures.

It is important to receive each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately for a new schedule.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start receiving zoledronic acid and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually over at least 15 minutes. The dosage is based on your medical condition (including your kidney function) and response to treatment. For the treatment of high blood calcium levels, fluids are usually given through a vein before you receive this medication. To decrease the chance of kidney problems, drink plenty of fluids during treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It takes at least 7 days after a dose to get the full benefit of this drug. The dose may need to be repeated depending on your blood calcium levels. For the treatment of multiple myeloma and bone problems caused by the spread of cancer, this medication is usually given every 3 to 4 weeks or as directed by your doctor. You may also be instructed to take calcium and vitamin D supplements each day.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. While using this medication, you should not be treated with other bisphosphonates, including other brands of zoledronic acid used to prevent or treat bone loss (osteoporosis). This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as calcium and other blood mineral levels, kidney function tests) will be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, irregular heartbeat, seizures.

Before using zoledronic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, risedronate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, loss of too much body water (dehydration), aspirin-sensitive asthma. Infrequently, people taking this class of medication (bisphosphonates) have had serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis). Lack of proper dental hygiene, poorly fitting dentures, or certain dental procedures (such as tooth extraction, dental surgery) may increase your risk. Medical conditions (such as gum disease/infection, cancer, anemia) might also increase the risk. If you develop jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist immediately. Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because it may harm a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital and will not be stored at home.

Dizziness, headache, or flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, muscle/joint aches) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, jaw pain, eye/vision problems, numbness/tingling, change in the amount of urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.