Zoledronic Acid Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Zoledronic Acid Injection (generic name: zoledronic acid) is a prescription bisphosphonate medicine given through a vein by a healthcare provider. It is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and other bone conditions, including Paget's disease and bone problems caused by certain cancers. It works by slowing down bone breakdown, which helps bones become denser and stronger.

What is Zoledronic Acid Injection

Zoledronic acid is a prescription medicine given through a vein by a healthcare provider. It belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates, which work on bone.

Zoledronic Acid Injection uses

• Prevent or treat osteoporosis (thin, weak bones that break easily) in women after menopause
• Increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis
• Treat and prevent osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid medicines
• Treat Paget's disease of bone, where bones become soft, weak, deformed, or painful
• Treat high levels of calcium in the blood caused by certain cancers
• Treat bone damage caused by multiple myeloma or cancer that has spread to the bone
• Reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading to the bones and other parts of the body in some post-menopausal women

Benefits of Zoledronic Acid Injection

• Reduces the chance of hip and spinal fractures in people with osteoporosis
• Increases bone density over time
• Lowers the amount of calcium released from bone into the blood
• Can return bone turnover to normal levels in Paget's disease

How Zoledronic Acid Injection works

Zoledronic acid attaches to bone and slows down the rate at which bone breaks down. This helps bones become denser and stronger, and it lowers the amount of calcium released from bone into the blood.

Zoledronic Acid Injection dosage

This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein. The injection is given slowly, over at least 15 minutes. The dose and how often it is given depend on the condition being treated. Treatment is given under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional.

Available forms and strengths

Solution (liquid) for injection into a vein.

Side effects of Zoledronic Acid Injection

Common

• Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Arm or leg pain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Red, swollen, itchy, or teary eyes
• Itching, redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
• Trouble sleeping, worry, agitation, depression
• Mouth sores, white patches in the mouth
• Hair loss
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth or in fingers or toes

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or legs
• Low calcium levels in the blood, which can cause muscle spasms, twitches, cramps, or numbness and tingling
• Severe kidney problems, which may need hospitalization or dialysis
• Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis of the jaw): jaw pain, swelling, numbness or heaviness, loose teeth, mouth sores that do not heal
• Unusual fractures of the thigh bone, felt as new pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Upper chest pain

Warnings and precautions

• Zoledronic acid should not be used during pregnancy because it may harm the unborn baby. It may also remain in your body for years after you stop treatment, so tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant in the future. This medicine should not be given to women who are breastfeeding.
• Zoledronic acid is not recommended if your kidneys are not working well or if you are dehydrated. Your doctor will check how well your kidneys are working before each dose.
• There is no specific information in this source about use in people with liver problems; this medicine is not broken down by the liver.
• It is not known for certain how alcohol affects this medicine, but alcohol can increase your risk of dehydration, so it's important to drink enough water before each dose.
• This medicine has very rarely caused drowsiness and sleepiness. Be careful when driving or using machinery.
• This medicine can lower calcium levels in your blood, which must be treated before you start treatment. Watch for muscle spasms, cramps, or numbness and tingling.
• Severe kidney problems can occur and may require hospital treatment or dialysis. Drink enough fluids before each dose to lower this risk.
• Serious jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis of the jaw) can occur, especially after dental surgery. Have a dental check-up before starting treatment and maintain good oral hygiene throughout.
• Unusual breaks in the thigh bone have happened in people taking this medicine, even without a fall or injury.
• Some people develop severe bone, joint, or muscle pain that can begin days to months after starting treatment.
• You should not receive this medicine if you are already receiving Zometa, since both contain the same active ingredient.

Storage

• Your doctor will store this medication in his or her office and give it to you as needed.
• The unopened vial does not require any special storage conditions.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• The diluted infusion solution should be used immediately to avoid microbial contamination.

When to see a doctor

• Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood calcium, such as muscle spasms, twitches, cramps, or numbness and tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.
• Contact your doctor and dentist immediately if you have loose teeth, jaw pain or swelling, or sores or discharge in your mouth that do not heal, as these could be signs of jaw bone damage.
• Call your doctor if you have new or unusual pain in your thigh, hip, or groin, as this could be an early sign of an unusual bone fracture.
• Call your doctor right away if you experience severe bone, muscle, or joint pain at any time during treatment.
• Get help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or hives.
• If you become pregnant while receiving this medicine, call your doctor immediately.

Alternatives

• Alendronate
• Risedronate
• Pamidronate