Zometa

What is Zometa?

Zometa is a bisphosphonate-based medicine that affects bone formation and breaks down in the body. This may slow the loss of bone and could help prevent bone fractures.

Zometa can be used to treat high calcium levels in the blood that are caused by cancer (also known as hypercalcemia of malignancy). It also helps treat multi myeloma (a kind of bone marrow cancer), which is a bone tumor that spreads to other parts of the body.

It is the Reclast version of zoledronic acid, which is utilized for both genders to prevent or treat osteoporosis due to menopause or via taking steroids. Reclast can also be utilized to boost bone mass in males who suffer from osteoporosis and to treat the disease of Paget's bones in women and men. It is not recommended to use Reclast and Zometa in the same order.

Warnings

Zoledronic acid could harm a newborn baby. Avoid using Zometa in the event that you are expecting. Make sure you use an effective birth control method, and ask your physician when you can stop preventing pregnancy following your stop of the medication.

Zometa can lead to severe kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated, taking diuretic medications, or suffer from kidney disease. Contact your doctor if you are less frequent urination, experience swelling around your ankles or feet, are tired, or feel sluggish.

Contact your doctor if you experience muscle spasms, numbness, or sensations of tingling (in your feet and hands or around your mouth) or if you notice a new and unusual pain in your hips or intense discomfort in your joints or bones.

The doctor may suggest having a dental examination for gum and tooth care prior to starting the treatment process with Zometa. This is particularly important in the case of people who have cancer, are taking chemotherapy or steroids, or are suffering from poor dental health.

Certain people who take medications similar to Zometa are experiencing jaw bone loss known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Signs of this disease could include jaw swelling, pain or numbness of the jaw, gum inflammation, loose teeth, or slow healing after injuries or surgeries that involve the gums. It is possible to suffer from osteonecrosis of your jaw if you suffer from cancer or have had treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Other ailments that are associated with osteonecrosis in the jaw are blood clotting issues, anemia (low red blood cells), and previous dental problems.

Do not undergo any dental procedures while receiving treatment with Zometa. It could take longer than usual for you to fully recover.

Similar or related drugs

Prednisone, hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate, dexamethasone, Prolia, Fosamax, and calcium carbonate

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to treat with Zometa if you are sensitive to zoledronic acid.

Also, you should not be receiving Reclast if you are:

• Low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia)
• Chronic kidney diseases.

You shouldn't be treated with Zometa when you are already taking another bisphosphonate (such as alendronate or etidronate, Ibandronate, pamidronate, risedronate, or tiludronate).

To be sure Zometa is safe for you, ask your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• Kidney disease;
• Hypocalcemia;
• Parathyroid or thyroid surgery;
• Surgical procedure to eliminate a portion of your intestine
• Asthma is caused by the use of aspirin.
• Any medical condition that hinders your body from taking in the nutrients in the food you eat (malabsorption);
• A dental issue (you might require an examination for your teeth before receiving Zometa);
• If you are dehydrated;
• If you are taking a diuretic (or "water pill").

Zoledronic acid may cause kidney damage, especially if you are dehydrated, taking diuretic medication, or suffer from kidney disease.This medication can cause jaw bone issues (osteonecrosis). The risk is greatest for those suffering from cancer or blood-cell disorders, pre-existing dental issues, or patients receiving chemotherapy, steroids, or radiation. Talk to your doctor about your risk.It is possible that you will need to take a pregnancy test that is negative prior to beginning treatments with Zometa.

Do not take Zometa while you are expecting. Zoledronic acid can cause harm to an unborn baby and cause a birth defect. Zoledronic acid may remain in your body for several weeks or even years after the last dose. Utilize effective birth control to avoid the birth of a baby while taking this medication. Discuss with your physician the need to avoid pregnancy once you have stopped using Zometa.

Zoledronic acid could alter fertility (the ability to have children) among women. It is, however, important to utilize birth control to stop pregnancy as the zoledronic acid could affect the unborn baby.It is recommended not to breastfeed while taking Zometa.

How to take Zometa?

Zometa is administered as an infusion into the vein. Your healthcare provider will offer the injection.Take at least two glasses of water within a few hours of the injection to avoid becoming dehydrated.

It is possible that you will require frequent medical tests to assist your doctor in determining the length of time you will be treated with Zometa. Your kidney function could be a factor to be monitored.Be attentive to your oral hygiene when using Zometa. Make sure to floss and brush your teeth on a regular basis. If you require any dental procedure (especially surgery), be sure to inform the dentist in advance that you're taking Zometa.

Zometa is only a part of a comprehensive treatment that could also include dietary changes as well as vitamin and calcium supplements. Follow the instructions of your doctor precisely.The doctor you consult will decide on what time period you'll be on this medication for.

Details on dosage

Dose of Multiple Myeloma:

Zometa 4 mg IV for not less than 15 minutes every 3–4 weeks
Comments: An oral calcium supplementation of 500 mg as well as a multivitamin containing 400 vitamin D units per day are suggested.
Uses: Patients suffering from multiple myeloma as well as patients with documented bone metastases caused by solid tumors when used in combination with the standard antineoplastic therapy

Dose of Solid Tumors:

Zometa 4 mg intravenously over not less than 15 minutes each of the next 3 to 4 weeks.
Comments: An oral calcium supplementation of 500 mg and an additional vitamin that contains 400 doses of vitamin D per day are recommended.
Uses: Patients suffering from multiple myeloma or patients with documented bone metastases due to solid tumors used in combination with standard antineoplastic treatment

Dose for Hypercalcemia in Malignancy:

Zometa maximum dosage: single dose of IV infusion (4 mg) for not less than 15 minutes.
Comments: If the serum calcium levels are not returning to normal levels, retreatment should be considered after seven days.
Use: Treatment for malignancy-related hypercalcemia (albumin-corrected calcium levels equal to 12 mg/dl or higher).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for advice if you do not make an appointment to receive the Zometa injection.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid this

Try to avoid smoking or attempt to stop. Smoking cigarettes can lower your calcium mineral count, which makes fractures more likely.Do not consume large quantities of alcohol. Consuming alcohol may also cause the loss of bone.

Side effects of Zometa

Get immediate medical attention. If you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction to Zometa: hives, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue

Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:

• New or unusual pain in your hips or thighs;
• Numbness in the jaw or pain in the gums that are swollen or red, or loose teeth slow healing after dental surgery;
• Extreme joint, bone, or muscle discomfort;
• Kidney issues There is no or little urine output; swelling in your ankles or feet; fatigue;
• Red blood cell count is low (anemia): pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded or breathless, cold feet and hands,
• Low levels of calcium, muscle spasms or contractions, numbness, or sensation (around your mouth or on your toes and fingers).

The risk of serious kidney side effects is more common in older people.

Common Zometa side effects can include:

• Trouble breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation;
• Muscle or joint pain
• Other flu-like symptoms or fever;
• Tiredness;
• Eye swelling or pain;
• The pain in your arms and legs;
• Headache

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Zoledronic acid could cause kidney damage, particularly in conjunction with specific medications for cancer, osteoporosis, infections, organ transplant rejection, intestinal problems, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other medications can interfere with zoledronic acids, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking and any medications you begin or stop taking.