Zolestad
Zolestad is a medicine that strengthens bones and helps prevent fractures in adults with osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone.
Form
infuusioneste, liuos
Strength
5 mg / 100 ml
Active Ingredient
Zoledronic acid monohydrate
Manufacturer
STADA Arzneimittel AG
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is 5 mg.
Method
A doctor or nurse will give you the medicine directly into your vein as a drip (infusion), which takes at least 15 minutes.
Important
This medicine is given only once a year, so there is no daily maximum dose.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Fever
- •Headache
- •Dizziness
- •Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- •Diarrhea
- •Pain in muscles, bones, or joints (including back, arms, and legs)
- •Flu-like symptoms (feeling tired, chills)
- •Feeling weak, tired, or lacking energy
- •Swelling or pain at the infusion site
- •Muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling, especially around the mouth (for Paget's disease)
- •Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
RARE
- •Eye problems (swelling, redness, pain, itching, sensitivity to light, infection)
- •Ear pain, infection, or discharge (could be a sign of bone damage in the ear)
- •Jaw bone damage (pain, swelling, non-healing sores, numbness, loose teeth, feeling of heaviness in the jaw)
- •Kidney problems (e.g., passing less urine)
- •Flu, upper respiratory tract infections
- •Reduced red blood cells (anemia)
- •Loss of appetite
- •Trouble sleeping, drowsiness, or feeling less aware
- •Tingling or numbness, extreme tiredness, shaking, temporary loss of consciousness
- •High blood pressure, flushing, cough, shortness of breath
- •Stomach upset, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth, heartburn
- •Skin rash, heavy sweating, itching, red skin
- •Neck pain, stiff muscles/joints, joint swelling, muscle spasms, shoulder pain, chest muscle pain, muscle weakness
- •Frequent urination, swelling in hands/ankles/feet, thirst, toothache, altered taste
- •Unusual thigh bone fractures (a rare but serious risk)
- •Severe allergic reaction (dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling of face/throat, low blood pressure)
Important Warnings
- Do not use Zolestad if you are allergic to zoledronic acid, other similar medicines (bisphosphonates), or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use Zolestad if you have very low calcium levels in your blood.
- Do not use Zolestad if you have severe kidney disease or if you have or have had kidney problems. Your doctor will check your kidney function with a blood test before each dose.
- Do not use Zolestad if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or have any mouth or tooth problems, or if you are planning to have a tooth removed. Maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly during treatment. Contact your doctor or dentist right away if you have pain, swelling, or sores in your mouth or jaw.
Show 3 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines that contain zoledronic acid.
- Drink at least 2 glasses of fluid (like water) a few hours before your Zolestad dose, as instructed by your doctor, to prevent dehydration.
- If you feel dizzy during Zolestad treatment, do not drive or use machines until you feel better.