Zometa (zoledronic acid ) information for patients

Zometa ( zoledronic acid )is used on a weekly basis with cancer patients. It has also been studied as a once a year treatment for those with post menopausal Osteoporosis.

This drug belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates bind to the mineral surface in bone and they interfere with the work of osteoclasts. (The bone cells that remove bone.) Thus bisphosphonates slow

The drug is manufactured by Novartis, one of the world's largest drug companies. The company information states that it is the only bisphosphonate "effective and approved in preventing SREs in multiple tumor types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, multiple myeloma and other solid tumor types." Frequently asked Questions about Zometa (FAQ)

1. How is this drug administered? The drug is administered intravenously at your physicians office. Infusions usually take 15 minutes and so it is not a long, complicated visit.
2. Who should NOT take this drug?
Anyone who is pregnant or breast feeding should not use this drug. Also anyone with a sensitivity to bisphosphonates should not use this medication.
3. What are the potential side effects? The side effects of this drug are like those of other bisphosphonates. Some people experience a rise in body temperature; a flu-like symptoms of fever, fatigue, chills, and bone, joint, and/or muscle pain; headache. There can also be an elevation of serum creatinine levels; renal impairment or failure ; anemia or conjunctivitis.

   The most frequent adverse reaction is a reduction in renal calcium excretion can be accompanied by a fall in serum phosphate levels (hypophosphataemia); serum calcium may fall to asymptomatic hypocalcaemia levels.

   There are occasional hypersensitivity reactions, “hypertension, shortness of breath, dizziness, sleeping disturbances gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea and vomiting or diarrhea; loss of appetite; local reactions at the infusion site such as redness or swelling; some cases of rash and pruritus. “ (Novartis) Any unusual reaction should be discussed with your health care provider. Call and let your doctor know if you are experiencing anything new or different

   And finally persons taking bisphosphonates who have had dental work have sometimes experienced Osteonecrosis of the jaw. If you are taking Zometa or any other bisphosphonate, you should tell your dentist on your next visit.

4. Is there anything I should discuss with my doctor before taking this drug?Yes. Be sure to list all the prescription drugs and give that list to your doctor before you take this drug.

   Also list all the ‘over the counter’ non-prescription drugs you use – including pain medications, vitamins and other supplements. This is important since your doctor many need to adjust your dosage depending on what else you are taking. If after treatment you want to use a different over the counter medication or supplement, check with your pharmacist. Ask if there would be any problem given the fact that you are taking Zometa (zoledronic acid ). Your pharmacist should be able to give you such advice.

Source: Novartis, the company that makes this drug. To read the recently study published in the New England Journal of Medicine go to Zometa (zolendronic acid) Once yearly treatment for Osteoporosis