Reclast

What is Reclast?

The Bisphosphonate Medicine Reclast, also known as zoledronate, affects the formation of bones and their breakdown within the body. It can help prevent fractures and slow down bone loss.Reclast can be used to prevent or treat osteoporosis that is caused by menopause or steroids. The medicine can also increase bone mass for men who have osteoporosis. You should use Reclast if you are at high risk for a bone fracture.The treatment of Paget disease (of the bone) with Reclast also includes treating it.Zometa, another name for zoledronic acid, is used to treat hypercalcemia (a malignancy) or high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer. The medicine is also used to treat multiple myeloma, a form of cancer in the bone marrow. It can also be used for bone cancers that have spread elsewhere. Reclast and Zometa should never be taken together.

Warnings

Zoledronic acid can harm a developing baby. Reclast should not be used if pregnant. Ask your doctor about how long you can prevent pregnancy when stopping Reclast.Reclast can lead to serious kidney issues, particularly if dehydration is present, you're taking diuretic medication, or you have already developed kidney disease. If you are urinating less often than normal, have swelling of your ankles or feet, feel fatigued, or are short of breath, call your doctor.Call your doctor immediately if you experience muscle spasms or have numbness, tingling, or pain (in your hands, feet, around your mouth, hips, or joints) or new, unusual, or intense pain.Before you begin treatment with zoledronic acids, your doctor might recommend that you undergo a dental examination to ensure you are taking care of your teeth and gums. It is important to have a dental exam if your mouth or teeth are in poor health, you're undergoing chemotherapy or steroids, or you have cancer.People who use medicines that are similar to Reclast may develop osteonecrosis, or bone loss of the jaw. This condition can cause jaw pain, swelling, and numbness. It may also lead to loose teeth, infection of the gums, or a slow recovery after an injury or gum surgery. If you are cancerous or have had chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or steroids, then it is more likely that osteonecrosis will develop. Osteonecrosis is also associated with blood clotting problems, low red blood cell counts, and dental issues.

Before you take this drug

Reclast should not be used if you have an allergy to zoledronic acids.

If you are a

• Low levels of calcium (hypocalcemia) in the blood
• Severe kidney disease

Reclast should not be used if you are using another bisphosphonate. Examples include alendronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, and risedronate.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Reclast will be safe for you:

• Kidney disease
• Hypocalcemia;
• Surgery of the thyroid or parathyroid glands
• A part of the intestinal tract is removed during surgery.
• Asthma is caused by taking aspirin.
• Malabsorption is a condition in which your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients.
• A dental issue (you may require a dental examination before receiving Reclast);
• If you are dehydrated;
• If you are taking a "water pill" or diuretic,

Zoledronic acid can cause kidney damage, particularly if you are dehydrated or taking diuretic medication.The medicine can cause problems with the jaw bones (osteonecrosis). Most at-risk are people who have cancer, blood disorders, dental problems, or are treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.Reclast may require a pregnancy test to be negative before you begin treatment.Reclast should not be used if pregnant. Zoledronic acid can harm an unborn child or cause a birth defect. Zoledronic acid can stay in your system for many weeks, even years, after you have taken your last dose. Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control while taking this medication. After stopping Reclast, discuss with your doctor the importance of preventing pregnancy.It is possible that this medicine can affect women's fertility. It is still important to avoid pregnancy by using birth control, as zoledronic acids can cause harm to an unborn child.Reclast should never be used while breastfeeding.

How to take Reclast?

An injection of reclast into the vein is administered. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional.Sometimes reclast can be given in a single dosage. The dose may be administered every year or two. The reason you use Reclast determines how often you will receive it. Please follow your doctor's advice.To avoid dehydration, drink at least two glasses of water in the few hours prior to your injection.Your doctor may want to conduct frequent tests in order to determine the length of time you should be treated with Reclast. You may need your kidney function tested.Reclast can cause dental problems. Regularly brush and floss your teeth. Tell your dentist that you use Reclast before you have dental work done (especially if you require surgery).The Reclast treatment is part of an overall program that could also involve dietary changes, calcium supplements, and other vitamins. You should follow your doctor’s advice.The length of treatment will be determined by your doctor. Reclast can be given only for 3–5 years.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for Paget's disease

Infusion of 5 mg intravenously at a constant rate over a period not less than 15 min
Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D
Calcium: Take 750 mg of elemental calcium twice daily or 500mg three times per day.
Vitamin D: 800 units international daily orally, particularly in the first 2 weeks after drug administration.
Comment: Patients who have experienced a relapse may consider retreatment if their serum alkaline-phosphatase levels are higher than normal or if they fail to reach a level of normal alkaline-phosphatase.
Paget's Disease of Bone with Elevations in Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Two Times or Higher Than the Upper Limit of the Age-Specific Normal Reference Range

Adult dose for osteoporosis:

Once a year, 5 mg of IV infusion for no less than 15 minutes
Comment: It is suggested that you consume between 800 and 1000 international units of vitamin D per day, as well as 1200 mg of calcium.
Uses:
Osteoporosis is diagnosed in women after menopause by measuring bone mineral content or having vertebral fractures (this medication reduces fractures).
Increase bone mass among men suffering from osteoporosis.
treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women who are either initiating or continuing systemic glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and are Expected to continue taking glucocorticoids at least for 12 months.

Adult dose for prevention of osteoporosis:

Every 2 years, take 5 mg IV over 15 minutes.
Uses:
Preventing osteoporosis among postmenopausal females
prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women who are either initiating or continuing systemic glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and are Expected to continue taking glucocorticoids at least for 12 months.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you missed your Reclast appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.

What should be avoided?

Try to stop smoking or avoid it. Smoking reduces your bone density and increases the risk of fractures.Drinking excessive alcohol can cause bone loss. Bone loss can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Interaction with other drug

You may harm your kidneys if you use certain medications for cancer, infection, organ rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, pain, arthritis, or other conditions (including Advil and Alave).Other medications, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal remedies, may also interact with zoledronic acids. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.