Zoledronic acid is used to treat Paget's disease (a bone disorder which causes painful, abnormal bone growth and deformity). It helps to regulate the growth of bone in patients with this disease.
It is also be used to treat osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in men and postmenopausal women. It helps stop bone loss and increase bone mass.
Zoledronic acid may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Zoledronic acid injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Zoledronic acid.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have hypocalcaemia (low levels of calcium in the blood) as Zoledronic acid may not be suitable for you.
If you are using this medicine for osteoporosis or Paget's disease, alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Zoledronic acid, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods during and after stopping your treatment with Zoledronic acid.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- onset of asthma after taking aspirin (medicine for pain and inflammation)
- anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body)
- blood clotting problems
- infection
- cancer
- kidney problems
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Zoledronic acid to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are undergoing radiotherapy (use of radiation to treat cancer) or going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Zoledronic acid may cause your jaw bones to weaken. You may experience dental problems such as jaw swelling and pain, loose or shaky teeth. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with this medicine. Your doctor may recommend that you have a dental check-up before starting you on this medicine. Inform your doctor and dentist if you:
- develop a tooth infection
- develop pain, numbness or discomfort in your teeth or gums
- have a tooth extraction
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Zoledronic acid. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, bone mineral density, calcium and vitamin D levels, urine test, blood electrolyte [essential minerals] levels including phosphorus, magnesium) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of height, weight, and signs and symptoms of bone fracture, muscle pain, and problems in the mouth may also be needed.
Zoledronic acid may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, tiredness, and back pain, arm or leg pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- signs and symptoms of low calcium levels e.g. fits or seizures, unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, muscle cramps, tingling sensation, spasms or numbness
- severe bone, joint and/or muscle pain
- severe jawbone problems
- signs of bone damage in the ear e.g. ear pain, discharge, inflammation
- irregular heart rhythm
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood e.g. calcitonin
- certain antibiotics e.g. aminoglycosides
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- certain medicines for cancer
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zoledronic acid.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important to ensure adequate fluid intake and adhere to the recommended diet prescribed by your doctor to prevent kidney problems while you are being treated with Zoledronic acid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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