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Zoledronic
Acid (Zometa)
Available:
Intravenous administration, 4 mg in
5 mL vials
Dose: 4
mg over a 15 minute intravenous infusion; no regimen is firmly
established, but infusions suppress markers of bone turnover
for 1 year
Cost: 4
mg in 5 mL = $920.04
Indications:
Mainly used to bring down elevated calcium levels
associated with cancer but is being studied as an alternative
treatment for osteoporosis (FDA approval pending)
Side
effects: Nausea, vomiting, �bone pain,� and headache are
minor side effects. During infusions, reactions can
uncommonly occur that may include fever, decreased blood
pressure, cough, and shortness of breath.
Monitoring:
Bone density testing should be performed every 1-2 years
to assess the efficacy of therapy. Kidney function testing,
calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels should be checked
prior to starting zoledronic acid and several months following
the infusion.
Important
points to know: Patients with severe kidney disease
should not receive this medication as it will not adequately
clear from their system. Patients should drink enough fluids
for several days after taking this medication to excrete about
2 quarts of urine daily. Please inform your provider if you
have a medical condition that requires you to limit your fluid
intake. Using zoledronic acid with certain medications
classified as diuretics may cause lowered blood levels of
calcium. Inform your provider if you are either allergic to
aspirin or have aspirin-sensitive asthma, as these patients
have an increased risk of infusion reactions.
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