Zometa

Details

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Zoledronic  acid 4mg per 5ml concentrate for solution for infusion is used in the treatment of hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) due to cancer and also to treat Paget’s disease. It is sold under the brand name Zometa all over the world.

Purpose:

• These medications are used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
• Zometa is also used to increase bone mass in osteoporosis men.
• It is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma and metastatic bone cancer.

 

How does it work:

Zoledronic  acid 4mg per 5ml concentrate for solution for infusion belongs to the bisphosphonate class of drugs. When the drug is administered into the body it acts by inhibiting the bone resorption and blocks the osteoclastic activity along with inhibiting increased skeletal calcium release in the body by various factors released by tumors.

 

Dosage:

• The dose of the drug depends on the condition of the patient and should be given under the doctor’s supervision.
• The recommended dose for Zoledronic acid 4mg per 5ml concentrate for solution for infusion is 4mg.
• The dose may vary for kidney patients depending upon the severity of the disease.
• It is given through an intravenous route for at least 15 minutes as a single solution.
• The patients are advised to take vitamin D and calcium supplements each day whose blood calcium levels are low.
• For bone metastases, one infusion is given every 3 to 4 weeks.

 

Side effects:

Zoledronic  acid 4mg per 5ml concentrate for solution for infusion Shows some side effects

 

Common side effects:

• Low level of phosphate in the blood
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, drowsiness, and muscle/ joint pain
• Fatigue
• I disturbances such as nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Conjunctivitis
• Anemia

 

rare/ adverse side effects:

• Osteonecrosis (pain in jaw, teeth, or swelling)
• Low B.P
• Angina pain
• Low level of W.B.C and platelets
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion

 

Contraindications:

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in the Zometa drugs.
• Inform your doctor if you are on any other medications such as OTC drugs, herbal, or any other medical drugs before taking the infusions.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant before taking these medications.
• These medications should be avoided by lactating mothers.
• If you are suffering from liver, kidney, or heart disorders then inform your doctor before taking these drugs.
• Let your doctor know if you ever had a dental treatment or swelling in the jaw before the treatment.

 

Precautions:

• Physicians will recommend you drink enough water before each infusion to prevent dehydration.
• Care should be taken in patients who use aminoglycosides along with these medications because it may result in low calcium levels.
• The patient needs to be monitored by the doctor at a regular interval of times by taking their blood test.
• Zometa infusion should not be prepared by cation-containing solutions such as lactated ringer solutions.

 

Storage:

• The sealed vial should be stored at room temperature of 2 to 8c.
• The readily prepared infusion solution should be used immediately or within 24 hours and can be stored at 2-8 °C.

Keep these medications out of reach of children.