What is Zoledronic Acid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Zoledronic Acid overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Reclast, Zoledronic Acid Novaplus, Zoledronic Acid Novaplus, Zometa

Generic Names:

  • Zoledronic Acid

Uses:

  • Treats high blood calcium levels. Also treats bone damage caused by Paget disease, multiple myeloma, and cancers that spread to the bone. Also treats osteoporosis and reduces the risk of hip fractures in certain patients.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Calcium Regulator

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Zoledronic Acid used for?

Reclast is a prescription-only medication that is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis or Paget's disease. Reclast works by increasing bone density within the body in order to create and maintain strong, healthy bones.

What form(s) does Zoledronic Acid come in

  • Injectable

What are common Zoledronic Acid doses?

  • Bottle 100ML of 5MG/100ML

  • Vial 5ML of 4MG/5ML

  • Vial 100ML of 4MG/100ML

  • Vial 100ML of 5MG/100ML

  • Flex Cont 100ML of 4MG/100ML

  • Flex Cont 100ML of 5MG/100ML

  • Plas Cont 100ML of 4MG/100ML

  • Bag 100ML of 5MG/100ML

Common Zoledronic Acid prescriptions

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 5mg/100ml bag

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 4mg/100ml bottle

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 5mg/100ml bottle

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 4mg/100ml flex cont

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 5mg/100ml flex cont

  • Zoledronic Acid
    4mg solution reconstituted

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 4mg/100ml vial

  • Zoledronic Acid
    100ml of 5mg/100ml vial

  • Zoledronic Acid
    5ml of 4mg/5ml vial

How to take Zoledronic Acid

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Your doctor may tell you to drink extra liquids before your treatment to prevent kidney problems.

  • Your doctor may also give you vitamin D and calcium supplements. Tell your doctor if you are not able to take these medicines.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose:You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Your doctor may tell you to drink extra liquids before your treatment to prevent kidney problems.

  • Your doctor may also give you vitamin D and calcium supplements. Tell your doctor if you are not able to take these medicines.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose:You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Zoledronic Acid contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to zoledronic acid, or if you are pregnant.

Zoledronic Acid warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, anemia, aspirin-sensitive asthma, bleeding problems, cancer, congestive heart failure, low blood calcium levels, stomach absorption problems, mineral imbalance, dental problems or gum disease. Also tell your doctor if you had surgery on your bowel or parathyroid or thyroid gland.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Jaw or teeth problemsSevere bone, joint, or muscle painIncreased risk of thigh bone fractureLow calcium levels in your blood

  • You must have regular dental exams while you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your dentist or oral surgeon that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Severe muscle, bone, or joint pain

  • Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip

Zoledronic Acid interactions

  • Do not use other medicines that also contain zoledronic acid. Do not use zoledronic acid together with another bisphosphonate medicine.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how zoledronic acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin, antibiotics, diuretics (water pills), an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen), steroid medicines, or cancer medicines.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Jaw or teeth problemsSevere bone, joint, or muscle painIncreased risk of thigh bone fractureLow calcium levels in your blood

  • You must have regular dental exams while you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your dentist or oral surgeon that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Zoledronic Acid side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, burning or painful urination

  • Muscle spasm or twitching, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, feet, or around your mouth

  • Severe muscle, bone, or joint pain

  • Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip

  • Pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw, loose teeth or other teeth problems

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

  • Redness, pain, or swelling of your skin where the needle is placed

  • Headache

  • Mild nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset