Zometa (zoledronic acid) belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). Zoledronic acid inhibits the release of calcium from bones.
Zometa is used to treat high blood levels of calcium caused by cancer (hypercalcemia of malignancy). Zometa also treats multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer) or bone cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body.
The Reclast brand of zoledronic acid is used to treat Paget"s disease, and to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women or people who take certain steroid medicines. Reclast is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
You should not be treated with Reclast if you are already receiving Zometa.
Zometa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Zometa if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Your doctor may recommend you have a dental exam for preventive tooth and gum care before you start your treatment with Zometa. 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 Zometa 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 Zometa. It may take longer than normal for you to recover.
Zometa can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use other medicines harmful to the kidneys, such as: chemotherapy, antiviral medication, pain or arthritis medicine, injected antibiotics, or medicines to treat a bowel disorder or prevent organ transplant rejection.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zometa if you are allergic to zoledronic acid.
You also should not use Reclast if you have:
To make sure Zometa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease;
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a history of thyroid or parathyroid surgery;
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malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly);
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a history of surgical removal of part of your intestine;
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asthma caused by taking aspirin;
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planned dental work or oral surgery;
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if you are dehydrated;
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if you take a diuretic ("water pill"); or
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if you are using other bisphosphonates (alendronate, etidronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, risedronate, Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva, and others).
In rare cases, Zometa may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use Zometa, the more likely you are to develop this condition.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre-existing dental problem.
Your doctor may recommend you have a dental exam for preventive tooth and gum care before you start your treatment with Zometa. This is especially important if you have cancer, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or using steroids, or if you have poor dental health.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Zometa if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Zoledronic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is Zometa given?
Zometa is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
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 Zometa. Carefully follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and strength of calcium to take.
You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with Zometa. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Zometa injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving Zometa?
Avoid having any type of dental surgery while you are being treated with Zometa. It may take longer than normal for you to recover.
Zometa side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Zometa: hives; wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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fever, chills, flu symptoms, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
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new or unusual pain in your thigh or groin;
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pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
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hypocalcemia--numbness or tingly feeling in your fingers or toes or around your mouth, twitching, muscle spasms or cramps; or
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signs of a kidney problem--little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling, rapid weight gain; feeling tired or short of breath.
Serious side effects on the kidneys may be more likely in older adults.
Common Zometa side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
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diarrhea, constipation;
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bone pain, back pain, muscle or joint pain;
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swelling in your feet or ankles;
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weight loss;
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headache, tiredness, weakness, dizziness;
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numbness or tingling;
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cough, trouble breathing; or
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sleep problems (insomnia).
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Zometa?
Zometa can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).
Other drugs may interact with zoledronic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
