Risk Factor Reduction

FDA Approved Medications

Alendronate sodium (Fosamax)

Calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin)

Estrogen Therapy / Hormone Therapy

Ibandronate sodium (Boniva)

Risedronate sodium (Actonel)

Raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista)

Teriparatide (Forteo)

Zoledronic acid (Reclast)

Other Treatments

Zoledronic acid (Reclast)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a nutrient-rich diet, the recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular physical activity, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of smoking and limited consumption of alcohol. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, you still must continue to make bone healthy lifestyle choices. However, lifestyle modifications alone are often not enough. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and reduce your risk for broken bones.

What are the medication options for osteoporosis?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for osteoporosis which fall into two classes: antiresorptive medications and anabolic medications. Antiresorptive medications are used to strengthen bone, prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture (broken bone).

The antiresorptive medications include a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.The four bisphosphonate medications are:

  • alendronate - available as a generic medication (Brand name: Fosamax, Fosamax D)
  • risedronate (Brand name: Actonel, Actonel with Calcium )
  • ibandronate ( Brand name: Boniva)
  • zoledronic acid (Brand name: Reclast)

Other approved antiresorptive medications include:

Anabolic medication builds new bone, increases bone density and helps reduce fracture risk. At this time the only approved anabolic medication is:

It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about the medication option that is right for you

What is zoledronic acid ?

Zoledronic acid is the generic name for Reclast (brand name). Zoledronic acid is chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication. It is not a hormone. Zoledronic acid works only on the bone and does not affect the heart, breast, uterus or non-skeletal other parts of the body.

What is the use for zoledronic acid ?

Zoledronic acid is FDA-approved to:

  • prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • treat osteoporosis in men
  • prevent new fractures in patients who have had a low-trauma hip fracture
  • prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women caused by longterm use of glucocorticoid medication (steroid medication such as prednisone or cortisone)

How is zoledronic acid prescribed/administered?

Zoledronic acid is given as a 5 mg dose once yearly by intravenous (IV) infusion. The infusion is administered by a doctor or healthcare provider and takes at least 15 minutes. It is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day when zoledronic acid is prescribed. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of zoledronic acid?

Zoledronic acid increases bone density and reduces fractures in the hips, spine, and other non-spine areas of the body typically affected by osteoporosis such as the wrists and ribs. The side effects of other bisphosphonate medications that are given orally may include heartburn and irritation of the esophagus although these side effects can usually be avoided by taking the medication properly. Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate medication but it is given by intravenous administration that gives doctors the choice to avoid any risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Zoledronic acid offers the advantage of getting a full year of treatment to protect bones in a once yearly infusion.

What are the side effects of taking zoledronic acid?

It is always important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There are medications such as certain water pills (referred to as loop diuretics) and a few antibiotics (called aminoglycosides) that may increase your risk for low blood calcium levels or kidney problems when used with zoledronic acid. Zoledronic acid is not intended for individuals with low blood calcium, with severe kidney impairment, during pregnancy, or for those already being treated with Zometa.

Zoledronic acid  may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, pain in the muscles, bones or joints, and headache. These symptoms can occur within the first few days after being given zoledronic acid and may take 1 to 2 weeks to completely go away.

 Rarely, dental complications occur when taking bisphosphonate medications, mostly in high-risk patients. It is important to see your dentist for a routine oral examination before starting treatment with any bisphosphonate medication including zoledronic acid. During  treatment with a bisphosphonate medication, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene and to continue to see your dentist for regular checkups.

Like all medications, it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of taking zoledronic acid with your healthcare professional. For more information about zoledronic acid (Reclast) visit the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation website:






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The advice or information contained on these pages should NOT be construed as medical advice. Consult with your doctor or health care provider about your individual needs related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

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