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Zoledronic acid (Reclast)
Prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis should always include a well-balanced diet, adequate
intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, safety precautions
for fall prevention, avoidance of tobacco products 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 medical professional may
tell you that you need an osteoporosis medication to help stop further
bone loss and to 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 prevention and/or treatment
including: four bisphosphonate medications: alendronate sodium (Fosamax), risedronate sodium (Actonel), ibandronate sodium (Boniva), and zoledronic acid (Reclast), calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin), estrogen therapy or hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo), Speak to your doctor or medical professional about the medication option that is right for you.
What is zoledronic acid (Reclast)?
Zoledronic
acid is the generic name for Reclast (brand name). Reclast is
chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication. It is not a hormone.
Reclast 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 (Reclast)?
Zolendronic acid (Reclast) is FDA-approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
How is Reclast usually prescribed/administered?
Reclast
is given as a 5 mg dose once yearly by intravenous (IV) infusion. The
infusion is administered by a doctor or medical professional and takes
about 15 minutes. It is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day when Reclast is prescribed. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.
What are the benefits of Reclast?
A
large clinical trial involving postmenopausal women shows Reclast
increases bone mineral density of the spine and hip, 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.
Reclast is a bisphosphonate medication but it is given by intravenous
administration that gives doctors the choice to avoid any risk of
gastrointestinal side effects. Reclast offers the advantage of getting
a full year of the treatment to protect bones in a once yearly infusion.
What are the side effects of taking Reclast?
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 Reclast.
Reclast is not intended for individuals with low blood calcium, with
severe kidney impairment, during pregnancy, or for those already being
treated with Zometa.
Reclast 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
Reclast 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 Reclast. 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 Reclast with your medical professional.
For more information about zoledronic acid (Reclast) visit the Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation website: http://www.reclast.com/index.jsp
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