Reclast (Zoledronic Acid)
Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) Dosage and Side Effects
RECLAST is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which bones become weak and may break easily). It may also be used to increase bone mass in certain people without osteoporosis.
Proper Use of this medication
RECLAST is given as an injection into a vein. It's typically administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
Your dose will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment. Some people require an injection of RECLAST just once a year, while others may need more frequent doses.
Drink at least two glasses of water a few hours before your injection, to prevent dehydration. Follow your doctor's instructions about preparation and aftercare for your treatment.
RECLAST Overdose
If you suspect an overdose of RECLAST, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose of RECLAST
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an injection of RECLAST.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of RECLAST
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Vaginal discharge
- Swelling, redness, irritation, itching, or burning of the vagina
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Hair loss
- Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the injection site
- Red, swollen, itchy, or teary eyes
Serious Side Effects of RECLAST
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the RECLAST Warnings section above, or any of the following serious side effects:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (may include rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs)
- Hoarseness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Upper chest pain
- Signs of an infection, such as fever, chills, or cough
- Muscle spasms, twitches, or cramps
- Unusual pain in the thigh or groin
- Pale skin
- Painful or swollen gums
- Loosening of the teeth
- Numbness or heaviness in the jaw
- A sore in the mouth or jaw that doesn't heal
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Numbness or tingling around the mouth, or in the fingers or toes
- Little or no urination
- Painful or difficult urination
- Rapid weight gain
- Extreme fatigue
Warnings and Precautions
RECLAST may damage your kidneys.
This risk is greater if you also use other medicines that are harmful to the kidneys, such as chemotherapy drugs, arthritis or pain medicines, injectable antibiotics, antiviral drugs, drugs to treat a bowel disorder, or drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Before taking RECLAST, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever experienced:
- Kidney disease
- Dark-colored urine
- Excessive sweating
- Decreased sweating
- Dry skin
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Fever
- Infection
- Inability to drink enough fluids
- Other signs of dehydration
If you're dehydrated, your doctor may want to wait to give you this treatment. Your doctor may also tell you to drink extra fluids before receiving your treatment of RECLAST. Follow these instructions carefully.
RECLAST contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name medicine Zometa. You shouldn't take both of these drugs at the same time.
RECLAST may cause severe bone, muscle, or joint pain. These symptoms can begin within days of starting your treatment, or they may not show up for some time. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe pain while taking RECLAST.
You may also experience a reaction during the first few days after receiving your treatment of RECLAST. Symptoms of this reaction can include fever, headache, or chills.
Your doctor may tell you to take a fever-reducing medicine to prevent or treat these symptoms.
RECLAST can also cause bone loss in the jaw (osteonecrosis of the jaw).
Osteonecrosis is more likely to occur if you have dental surgery or treatments while using RECLAST; if you have cancer or certain blood disorders; or if you've been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
Be sure to brush your teeth and keep your mouth clean while using RECLAST. A dentist should examine your mouth and perform any necessary treatments before you start on the medicine.
Don't have any dental procedures while taking this drug without first talking to your doctor.
Before using RECLAST, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
- Heart failure
- Anemia or another blood disorder
- Problems with your teeth, mouth, or gums
- An infection
- Asthma or wheezing (especially if it's caused by taking aspirin)
- Parathyroid disease
- Liver disease
- Low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood
- Surgery to remove part of your intestines
- Thyroid or parathyroid surgery
- Any condition that prevents your body from absorbing nutrients from food
- Allergies to medications
Also, let your doctor know if you've been treated with RECLAST or another bisphosphonate drug in the past.
Your doctor may tell you to take calcium or vitamin D while using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Bisphosphonate drugs such as RECLAST may raise the risk of breaking your thigh bone. Talk to your doctor about this potential risk.
Your doctor may order frequent tests to monitor your body's response to RECLAST. Keep all appointments with your doctor's office and laboratory.
Pregnancy and RECLAST
RECLAST can harm an unborn baby. Don't take this medicine if you're pregnant or might become pregnant.
Use an effective form of birth control while receiving RECLAST.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during your treatment, or if you might become pregnant in the future.
The medicine passes into breast milk and may hurt a nursing baby. Don't breastfeed while taking RECLAST without first talking to your doctor.
Interactions with this medication
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially those mentioned in the RECLAST Warnings section above, and any of the following:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as Amikin (amikacin), Garamycin (gentamicin), Kantrex (kanamycin), Neo-Rx or Neo-Fradin (neomycin), Humatin (paromomycin), streptomycin, or Tobi or Nebcin (tobramycin)
- Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen)
- Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
- Lanoxin or Digitek (digoxin)
- Diuretics (water pills), such as Bumex (bumetanide), Edecrin (ethacrynic acid), or Lasix (furosemide)
- Oral steroids, such as Decadron or Dexone (dexamethasone), Medrol (methylprednisolone), or Deltasone (prednisone)
RECLAST and Other Interactions
RECLAST may make you dizzy.
Don't drive or perform any activity that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
RECLAST and Alcohol
Alcohol may worsen certain side effects of RECLAST.
Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to drink while receiving this drug.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.