Treatment to prevent bone damage You have zoledronic acid every 3 to 4 weeks. You might need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you are having it regularly.
Zoledronic acid is administered as a 5-mg, 15-minute infusion once a year.
Zoledronic acid administered as a 5 mg intravenous infusion annually increases bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck by 6.7% and 5.1% respectively and reduces the incidence of new vertebral and hip fractures by 70% and 41% respectively in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
If you are having zoledronic acid to help prevent the cancer coming back, you will have an infusion once every 6 months for 3 to 5 years. If you are having zoledronic acid to lower calcium levels in your blood, it is usually given as a single dose.
Medicare recipients who are prescribed zoledronic acid as an outpatient treatment, Medicare Part B may cover some of the cost of your care and medication. There may be a copay or coinsurance amount that applies, as well as a deductible amount that must be met before costs are covered by Medicare.
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
Fever is the most common adverse effect associated with zoledronic acid infusion. Flu-like syndromes including fever, chills, bone pain, and/or arthralgias and myalgias have also occasionally been reported. These symptoms generally did not require treatment and resolved within 24 to 48 hours.
Zoledronic acid is a clear liquid. You have it as a drip into your bloodstream (intravenously). The drip usually lasts about 15 minutes, but you might have it over a longer period.
Zoledronic acid medication is a long-acting drug. As such, it stays in your body longer than 12 months (probably more than 24 months). Therefore, delaying your treatment for a number of months will not put you at a higher risk of sustaining fragility fracture nor cause significant decline in your bone mineral density.
Zoledronate (zoledronic acid) Zoledronate is a drug treatment for osteoporosis. It can help to strengthen bones, making them less likely to break. It is given as an intravenous infusion (IV or 'drip') once a year.
Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is not cancer chemotherapy, and it will not slow or stop the spread of cancer.
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Reclast including urinating less than usual or not at all; drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (especially around your mouth), ...
Men who began treatment at age 50 had a life expectancy of 18.2 years, while the life expectancy for a man beginning treatment at 75 was an average of 7.5 years. For women, the figure was 26.4 years for those beginning treatment at 50 and 13.5 years for those beginning treatment at 75.
May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney disease, pre-existing esophageal or gastrointestinal conditions, low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), or dental disease.
Recheck calcium level weekly as long as risk of hypercalcaemia remains or more frequently if symptoms dictate. 10. Give further doses of bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) if calcium levels high and it is more than 3 weeks since the last dose of bisphosphonate.
A Link between Poor Dental Health and Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Zoledronic acid and similar drugs, known as bisphosphonates, interfere with the breakdown of bone tissue that results when cancer cells grow in the bone.
Hair loss. Hair loss can occur with Zometa use. Hair loss can also occur with cancer treatments that you may have with Zometa. These treatments include chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The cost for zoledronic acid intravenous solution (4 mg/5 mL) is around $46 for a supply of 5 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans.
Adverse reactions that have been attributed to zoledronic acid include nausea, fever and itching. Hypocalcaemia will occur in 6% of patients. If this is symptomatic the patient may need to be given calcium gluconate. Renal function should be monitoredas it can be impaired by bisphosphonates.
Zoledronic acid is generally well tolerated. Additional comparative data are required to definitively position zoledronic acid with respect to other agents.
Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving the medicine. This medicine may cause hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood). Low blood calcium must be corrected before you receive this medicine.
But "you can live with osteoporosis for a long, long time and never have complications such as fractures -- if you take certain precautions," says Felicia Cosman, MD, osteoporosis expert and medical director of the clinical research center at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, N.Y.
Fosamax is usually the first-choice option for osteoporosis. But Prolia may be preferred in people with very high fracture risk.
Teriparatide (Brand name Forteo) self-administered daily injection for up to 24 months. This medicine must be prescribed by a specialist and is initiated in people with severe osteoporosis when other osteoporosis medication has not worked.