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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