Zometa
Zoledronic Acid
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zometa
Zometa belongs to bisphosphonate group of drugs. It acts by decreasing the demineralization of bone. Demineralization generally reduces release of calcium into the blood from bones and which helps to lower blood calcium level.
Therapeutic Uses of Zometa
Zometa is used for treatment of high blood calcium levels (which is generally caused by cancer). Zometa is also used with other medications to treat patients with certain types of cancer. It can also be used for other medical conditions that your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Zometa
Zometa should be used as directed by your doctor or as follows:
- Zometa is taken by mouth with food.
- If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, it can be crushed or chewed with a little water.
- If you have any question about the direction of use of Zometa, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.
If You Miss a Dose of Zometa
If you miss a dose of Zometa and are taking it regularly, you should take it as soon you can remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose of Zometa and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose.
How to Store Zometa
Zometa should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed light resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zometa out of the reach of children.
More Information About Zometa
Zometa is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. It should not be shared with other people. Do not use it for other medical conditions without consulting your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, you should consult with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zometa
Do not use Zometa if you have any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Zometa.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you are taking another medicine that contains zoledronic acid or any bisphosphonate group of drug like alendronate.
- If you have any severe kidney problem or if you also have multiple myeloma (a type of cancer) or cancer that has metastasized into the bones from other parts of the body.
Important notes about Zometa:
- Zometa should be used with caution. Zometa may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurring of vision etc. and these effects may be worse if you take Zometa with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other unsafe tasks like operating machinery that require constant attention and monitoring, until you know how you react to it.
- Consult your doctor if you need to take a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you are using Zometa.
- Zometa may cause problems in the jaw in some patients and this risk is greater if you are suffering from cancer, are using certain medicines (chemotherapy, corticosteroids), or have poor dental hygiene. The jaw problems have been often associated with dental procedures. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dental exam before you start using Zometa.
- Certain dental procedures should ideally be avoided (if possible) while you are using Zometa. Check with your doctor and dentist before having any dental treatment if you are using Zometa.
- Lab tests, including kidney function tests, complete blood cell counts, and blood electrolyte levels (especially calcium, magnesium, phosphate), should be performed while you use Zometa. These tests may be used to monitor your condition and also used to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Zometa should be used with extreme caution in children, as the safety and effectiveness of Zometa in children have not been established.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Zometa should not be used if you are pregnant as it may cause harm to the growing fetus. You also should avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking Zometa. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Zometa is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zometa.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zometa
- The most common and minor side effects of Zometa are nausea, constipation, cough, dehydration, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, mild flu-like symptoms (the flu like symptoms are bone pain, chills, fever, flushing, joint pain, muscle aches), pain, swelling etc. If any of these common and minor side effects of Zometa become persistent or bothersome you should consult your doctor.
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the severe side effects of Zometa occurs. The severe side effects of Zometa are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); agitation, anxiety, depression; blurring of vision or other vision changes; change in the amount of urine produced (increased or drecresed); chest pain, fainting; irregular or slow heartbeat; jaw pain or swelling; numbness or tingling of the skin; symptoms of infection (persistent fever, chills, or sore throat); redness, pain, or swelling of the eyes; severe bone, joint, or muscle pain; severe dizziness; shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual tiredness and/or weakness, white patches in the mouth.