Zoldria (Zoledronic Acid) 4mg

• To treat thinning and weakening of the bone (osteoporosis) in post-menopausal women and adult men at increased risk of fracture.
• To treat thinning and weakening of the bone (osteoporosis) associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy (used to treat inflammation).
• To treat Paget's disease of the bone (disease causing enlarged and misshapen bones due to abnormal bone destruction and growth) in adults.
• To prevent bone complications, e.g. fractures, in adult patients due to spread of cancer from other organs to bone
• To reduce the amount of calcium in the blood in adult patients where it is too high due to the presence of a tumor (tumor-induced hypercalcemia).

How it works

• Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates.  It works by slowing bone breakdown, increasing bone density (thickness), and decreasing the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood.

Common side effects

watering of the eyes, chills and bone, fainting, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, or loosening of a tooth, pain in the mouth, fatigue, shortness of breath, joint and/or muscle ache, kidney problems, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, low level of red blood cells, low level of magnesium and potassium in the blood, abnormal blood counts, drowsiness, conjunctivitis, low blood pressure, itching, skin reactions at the infusion site, high blood pressure, swelling or sores inside the mouth, Fever, diarrhea, teeth and/or jaw, dizziness, chest pain, rash, low blood phosphate and calcium levels, sleep disturbances, intolerance to sunlight, irregular heart rhythm, a flu-like syndrome consisting of fever, severe allergic reactions, headache, itchy skin rash, difficulty in breathing with wheezing or coughing, nausea and vomiting as well as loss of appetite, weakness

Expert advice

• Do take calcium, vitamin D supplements, in addition to adequate amount of water as directed by your doctor. However, avoid excess water intake (over hydration) if you are at risk of heart failure.)
• Do not take zoledronic acid
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to the zoledronic acid, to any bisphosphonates or to any of the other ingredients of the zoledronic acid
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• If you have low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia)
• If you have severe kidney problem with creatinine clearance < 35 ml/min
• Zoledronic acid should not be used in adolescents and children below the age of 18 years.
• Do talk to your doctor or pharmacist:
• If you have or have had a kidney problem
• If you have or have had pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw, a feeling of heaviness in the jaw or loosening of a tooth.
• If you are having dental treatment or are due to undergo dental surgery
• If you are elderly
• If you are unable to take daily calcium supplements.
• If you have had some or all of the parathyroid glands in your neck surgically removed.
• If you have had sections of your intestine removed.

Frequently asked questions

Zoledronate

Q. Is zoledronic acid safe?Zoledronic acid is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.Q. What is Zobone injection used for?Zobone is a trade name for active drug zoledronic acid. It is used to treat thinning and weakening of the bone (osteoporosis) and osteoporosis associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy in post-menopausal women and adult men at increased risk of fracture. It is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone (disease causing enlarged and misshapen bones due to abnormal bone destruction and growth) in adults, to prevent bone complications, e.g. fractures, in adult patients due to spread of cancer from other organs to bone, to reduce the amount of calcium in the blood in adult patients where it is too high due to the presence of a tumor (tumor-induced hypercalcemia). Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.Q. Is zoledronic acid a st***d/a chemotherapy drug/a bisphosphonate? Zoledronic acid is not a st***d or a chemotherapy drug. Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It is used to treat thinning and weakening of bones, which may also be associated with cancer. Q. How is zoledronic acid stored?Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist knows how to store zoledronic acid properly. Zoledronic acid solution for infusion should preferably be used immediately after first opening. If it is not used immediately, it should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C–8°C for not more than 24 hours.Q. How long do zoledronic acid side effects last?Side effects like flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, chills, and bone, joint or muscle pain may begin during the first 3 days after receiving zoledronic acid injection and may last 3 to 14 days.The duration of other side effects will depend upon its severity, intensity and the system involved, which would be adjudged by your doctor. Consult your doctor for any side effect and its treatment.Q. How long does zoledronic acid stay in the body?After you stop taking zoledronic acid, as per the reports it can stay in your blood for approximately 146 hours and in your bones for a very long period of time.