Aclasta: Zolendronic acid for Osteoporosis

Aclasta is a form of zoledronic acid sold in Europe. In the United States it is distributed under the name Reclast. Like Reclast and Zometa, which are also forms of zolendronic acid, aclasta is given once a year by infusion. This means that you go to your health care provider's office and you get a single annual treatment for Osteoporosis.

The advantage that many people find with these drugs is that there is no daily or weekly pills. Nothing to remember except your annual appointment. The drug is manufactured by Novartis, one of the largest

Aclasta is claimed to be the only treatment demonstrated to reduce fractures at all these key sites.

In May 2007 New England Journal of Medicine stated that in a study involving more than 7,700 women showed that treatment with this drug reduced the risk of spine fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 41%.

The reduction in spine fractures for the three years of the study was as follows:

• 60% in year one
• 71% in year two
• 70% in year three

Those are significant numbers - especially when we consider that there is a high mortality rate in the year following a hip fracture.

A spokesperson for Novatis said of this drug: "(It) has shown significant efficacy in protecting women against fractures in

Novartis says that the drug:

• " is indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In patients with a recent low-trauma hip fracture," It "reduces the incidence of new clinical fractures".>/li>

• "is indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in men at increased risk of fracture, including those with a recent low-trauma hip fracture."
• "is indicated for treatment of osteoporosis associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy in postmenopausal women and in men with increased risk of fracture"
.
• and finally, "Aclasta is indicated for the treatment of Paget's disease of the bone."

Many in the health care industry believe that once a year infusions will be an effective remedy for the main problem with daily, weekly or monthly medications. Studies show that people just stop taking their daily, weekly and monthly medications for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. (This failure to take one's medication called 'non-compliance' in the medical community)

Side effects Since the drug is sold under various names in different countries, the same side effects would apply to it as apply to the drug under its other name, Reclast. In fact, if you live in the United States, the Novartis site directsyour to the page about Reclast.

Novartis is careful to mention the possibility of osetonecrosiswith any of the bisphosphonates. They also state:

"Disturbances of mineral metabolism must be treated before starting therapy. Patients must be adequately supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. A single dose of Aclasta should not exceed 5 mg and infusion time should be no less than 15 minutes."

To read about other potential side effects and a list of conditions that would preclude using this drug go to: If you want to know the potential side effect of this drug, go to this web page and scroll down to Aclasta, Reclast Side Effects

.

Click here to read about other Osteopenia and Osteoporosis medications

If you are interested in reading about natural treatments for building stronger bones, click on Natural Osteopenia, Osteoporosis Treatments

In particular you may want to read the research about natural supplements of Strontium for stronger bones

Go to: Full list of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Medications

Click here for HOME