Zoledronic acid is a drug to treat calcium levels that are too high in the blood (hypercalcemia) due to cancer. In addition, zoledronic acid is also used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease, or osteoporosis due to long-term use of corticosteroid drugs.
Hypercalcemia due to cancer occurs due to increased osteoclast activity, so bone resorption continues. Zoledronic acid will work by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts in bone resorption.
With this way of working, calcium levels in the blood can be reduced and indirectly increase bone mass and strength.
This way of working will also reduce the risk of fractures. This drug is available in injectable form and should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Zoledronic acid trademark: Bonmet, Fondronic, Zoledronic Acid Monohydrate, Zoltero, Zolenic, Zometa, Zyfoss
What is Zoledronic Acid
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Bisphosphonates |
| Benefit | Treat hypercalcemia due to cancer, osteoporosis, cancer that has spread to the bones, or Paget's disease |
| Used by | Mature |
| Zoledronic acid for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Zoledronic acid is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Zoledronic Acid
There are several things you should pay attention to before using zoledronic acid, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Zoledronic acid should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to other bisphosphonate drugs, such as ibandronate.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, low calcium levels, asthma, electrolyte disturbances, food malabsorption, anemia, dehydration, or problems with your teeth and mouth.
- Tell your doctor if you have had thyroid, parathyroid, or digestive tract surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception while on treatment with zoledronic acid.
- Tell your doctor that you are being treated with zoledronic acid if you plan to have any surgery or medical procedures, including dental surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using zoledronic acid, as this medicine may cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Report to your doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using zoledronic acid.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Zoledronic Acid
Zoledronic acid will be given by injection into a vein (intravenous / IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition.
The following is a general dose of zoledronic acid for adults based on the condition you wish to treat:
- Condition: Hypercalcemia due to cancer
The dose is 4 mg, given by infusion over 15 minutes. Treatment will be combined with calcium supplements 500 mg and vitamin D 400 IU per day.
- Condition: Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women or due to long-term use of corticosteroid drugs
The dose is 5 mg, given by infusion over 15 minutes, once a year. Treatment will be combined with calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Condition: Paget's disease
The dose is 5 mg, given by infusion over 15 minutes. Treatment will be combined with calcium supplements of 1,500 mg and vitamin D 800 IU per day, for 2 weeks.
- Condition: Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the bone
Dosage 4 mg, given by infusion over 15 minutes, every 3-4 weeks. Treatment will be combined with 500 mg calcium supplements and 400 IU vitamin D.
How to Use Zoledronic Acid Correctly
Zoledronic acid injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor by injection into a vein (intravenous / IV). Generally, the administration of this drug is done for 15 minutes.
During treatment using this drug, make sure you always drink plenty of water to prevent kidney problems.
Follow your doctor's advice and advice while you are on treatment with zoledronic acid. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first.
Zoledronic Acid Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur when zoledronic acid is used with other medicines:
- Increased risk of developing kidney disease if used with cidofovir, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or intravenous immunoglobulin
- Increased risk of peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding when used with deferasirox
- Increased risk of developing hypocalcemia when used with etelcalcitide, furosemide, or aminoglycoside antibiotics
Zoledronic Acid Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can arise after using zoledronic acid include:
- Dizziness or headache
- Weakness, fever, not feeling well
- Muscle pain or joint pain
- Constipation
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn
Tell your doctor if the complaints and side effects above do not improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Pain in the mouth, gums, or jaw that doesn't go away
- Tingling, numbness, or muscle stiffness
- Thigh or hip pain and muscle or joint pain, which is getting worse
- Irregular heartbeat or difficulty breathing
- Rarely pee or urine that comes out very little
- Seizures
