Reclast (Zoledronic Acid Injection) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Reclast

Osteoporosis »

Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

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Reclast Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Reclast, Zometa

Generic Name: zoledronic acid (Pronunciation: zole DRO nik AS sid)

What is zoledronic acid (Reclast)?

Zoledronic acid (sometimes called zoledronate) is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). Zoledronic acid inhibits the release of calcium from bones.

Zoledronic acid is used to treat Paget's disease, and high blood levels of calcium caused by cancer (hypercalcemia of malignancy). Zoledronic acid also treats multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer) or bone cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body.

Zoledronic acid is also used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in people who will be taking certain steroid medicines for 12 months or longer.

Zoledronic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of zoledronic acid (Reclast)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

urinating less than usual or not at all;
muscle spasms, numb or tingly feeling (especially around your mouth);
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness;
severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or
bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing).

Less serious side effects may include:

cough;
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;
diarrhea, constipation;
headache, tired feeling;
mild joint or muscle pain; or
redness or swelling where the needle was placed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about zoledronic acid (Reclast)?

Do not receive zoledronic acid without telling your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to zoledronic acid or similar medicine such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Your doctor may recommend you have a dental exam for preventive tooth and gum care before you start your treatment with zoledronic acid. This is especially important if you have cancer, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or using steroids, or if you have poor dental health.

Some people using medicines similar to zoledronic acid have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and pre-existing dental problems.

Avoid having any type of dental surgery while you are being treated with zoledronic acid. It may take longer than normal for you to recover.

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