Zometa (Zoledronic acid) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood calcium levels caused by cancer (hypercalcemia). Hypercalcemia can weaken the bones, causes kidney stones, and interfere with brain and heart function. The drug is also used with cancer chemotherapy to treat bone problems resulting from multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer) and other types of cancer that have spread to the bones. The active ingredient in Zometa is Zoledronic acid. Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by slowing down bone breakdown, increasing bone density, and decreasing the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Zometa from Turkey manufactured by Novartis in the strength of 4mg/5ml vials. The generic Zoledronic acid comes from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 4mg/5ml vials.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Zometa. The most common side effects of Zometa may include the following:
• Anemia;
• Appetite loss;
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Eye pain;
• Headache;
• Insomnia;
• Nausea;
• Tiredness;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Cold hands and feet;
• Confusion;
• Little to no urination;
• Muscle spasms;
• New or unusual pain in thigh or hip;
• Numbness or tingly feeling;
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw;
• Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain;
• Swelling in your feet or ankles;
• Unusual tiredness
These are not all of the side effects of Zoledronic acid. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Zometa if you are allergic to Zoledronic acid, any ingredient in Zometa, or other bisphosphonates. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have a dental problem;
• Have asthma caused by taking aspirin;
• Have had a thyroid or parathyroid surgery;
• Have had surgery to remove part of your intestine;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have malabsorption (a condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food)
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Zometa and other medicines, including aspirin, diclofenac, ketorolac, metrizamide, and cyclosporin. Avoid tenofovir, streptomycin, naproxen, or mesalamine with Zometa. This medication can reduce fertility in females. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Zoledronic acid may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medication. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. It is not known if Zoledronic acid is excreted in breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Use Zometa precisely as prescribed by your doctor. This drug may cause severe kidney problems, especially in older people. Your doctor may recommend a dental exam for preventive tooth and gum care before treatment with Zometa. Avoid any type of dental surgery while using this medication. It may take longer than normal to recover. Zoledronic acid may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). People with cancer, blood cell disorders, and pre-existing dental problems are at a higher risk. Avoid smoking while using this drug. Smoking can reduce your bone mineral density and increase the risk of fractures. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can lead to bone loss. Store Zometa vials at 770F(250C).
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