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In this Article

• What is zoledronic acid (Zometa)?
• What are the possible side effects of zoledronic acid (Zometa)?
• What is the most important information I should know about zoledronic acid (Zometa)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving zoledronic acid (Zometa)?
• How is zoledronic acid given (Zometa)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zometa)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zometa)?
• What should I avoid while receiving zoledronic acid (Zometa)?
• What other drugs will affect zoledronic acid (Zometa)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving zoledronic acid (Zometa)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to zoledronic acid or similar medicine such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).

You should also not receive zoledronic acid if you have:

• low levels of calcium in your blood; or
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Zometa and Reclast are two different brands of zoledronic acid. You should not be treated with Reclast if you are already receiving Zometa. Before receiving a Reclast injection, tell your doctor if you are already being treated with Zometa.

Before receiving zoledronic acid, tell your doctor if you have:

• aspirin-sensitive asthma;
• a thyroid or parathyroid disorder;
• malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly);
• a history of surgical removal of part of your intestine;
• bone cancer; or
• kidney disease.

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 dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive zoledronic acid without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Zoledronic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is zoledronic acid given (Zometa)?

Zoledronic acid is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 15 minutes to complete.

Zoledronic acid is sometimes given only once per year. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Drink at least 2 glasses of water within a few hours before your injection to keep from getting dehydrated.

Your doctor may want you to take a calcium and/or vitamin D supplement while you are being treated with zoledronic acid. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about the type and strength of calcium to take.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful side effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.