Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOE-le-DRON-ik AS-id)
This medicine is a bisphosphonate used for treating osteoporosis (weak bones) in women who are past menopause. It is used to help build bone in men with osteoporosis and to reduce the risk of bone fractures due to osteoporosis in certain patients. It is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in certain patients treated with corticosteroids (eg, prednisone). It may also be used to treat Paget disease or other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are using another form of zoledronic acid. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg, gentamicin); diuretics (eg, furosemide); corticosteroids (eg, prednisone); medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin); or thalidomide. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including if you have a history of kidney problems; low blood calcium levels; blood clotting problems; anemia; bone infection; thyroid or parathyroid problems; thyroid or parathyroid surgery; cancer or are receiving radiation or chemotherapy; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have had sections of your intestines removed; poor nutrition; nutrient absorption problems (eg, "malabsorption syndrome"); or if you are unable to take calcium or vitamin D supplements. Tell your doctor if you have low blood volume; recent vomiting or diarrhea; decreased appetite; you are dehydrated; have dental problems or have planned dental surgery (eg, tooth extraction); or if you have had asthma or other breathing problems from taking aspirin. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe kidney problems or if you have low calcium levels. This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. AN EXTRA PATIENT LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. This medicine is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. DRINK AT LEAST 2 FULL GLASSES (16 oz/480 mL) of fluid (eg, water) within a few hours before you receive this medicine, as directed by your doctor. This medicine is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using this medicine at home, STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, contact your doctor right away.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to any other bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate). LAB TESTS, including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood electrolyte levels (eg, calcium, magnesium, phosphate), may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS until you know how you react to it. FOLLOW THE DIET AND EXERCISE PROGRAM given to you by your health care provider. Talk to your doctor about taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you use this medicine. YOU MAY DEVELOP FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS, mild fever, muscle or joint aches, or headache after you receive this medicine. If this occurs, a mild pain reliever (eg, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may help to relieve these symptoms. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE JAW BONE PROBLEMS in some patients. Your risk may be greater if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, or certain other conditions (eg, anemia, blood clotting problems, dental problems, infections). Your risk may also be greater if you use certain medicines or therapies (eg, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation). Talk to your doctor about having a dental exam before you start to use this medicine. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about dental treatment while you use this medicine. PROPER DENTAL CARE IS IMPORTANT while you are taking this medicine. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. CERTAIN DENTAL PROCEDURES SHOULD BE AVOIDED if possible while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor and dentist before having any dental treatments while using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY, especially those with kidney problems; they may be more sensitive its effects. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IT MAY CAUSE HARM to the fetus. AVOID BECOMING PREGNANT while you are taking it. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor right away. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while you are using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; dizziness; headache; mild bone, joint, or muscle pain; mild flu-like symptoms (eg, mild fever, muscle aches); mild itching, pain, or redness at the injection site; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience change in the amount of urine produced; eye pain, redness, or swelling; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; jaw pain or swelling; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle cramps or spasms; numbness or tingling (especially around the mouth); severe bone, joint, or muscle pain; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include decreased urination, irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes, muscle cramps, or numbness or tingling (especially around the mouth).
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.
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