About Zoledronic acid 4/5 mg/ml
Bisphosphonate; bone-resorption inhibitor
Used for
- Treats bone complications from advanced cancer, including fractures and spinal cord compression.
- Treats high blood calcium caused by cancer.
Usual adult dose
Usually 4 mg by intravenous infusion every 3–4 weeks for cancer-related bone complications; high blood calcium is usually treated with one 4 mg infusion.
Common side effects
- Fever, muscle or joint pain, and flu-like symptoms.
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
- Low blood calcium or phosphate.
- Kidney problems; rarely, jawbone damage or unusual thigh fractures.
Important warnings
- Kidney function and blood calcium should be checked; dose adjustment may be needed for kidney impairment.
- Maintain adequate hydration and calcium/vitamin D as directed.
- Tell dental professionals before dental procedures; jawbone damage risk is higher with cancer treatment.
- Infusion must be given intravenously by a healthcare professional; rapid administration can harm kidneys.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; it may harm the fetus. Reliable human safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment; whether the medicine passes into milk is unknown.
Interactions
- Other medicines that can harm the kidneys may increase kidney injury risk.
- Thalidomide may increase kidney problems when used with zoledronic acid.
- Calcium-lowering medicines, including calcitonin, may increase low blood calcium risk.
- Other bisphosphonates should generally not be used together.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.