Zometa

What is it?

A preparation affecting bone metabolism and biphosphonate, available as a powder in vials with solvent for reconstitution containing 4mg of zoledronic acid

Medical Uses

High blood calcium levels caused by tumours. Prevention of skeletal disorders related to advanced bone malignancies.

Dosage

Adults, treatment, a single infusion given over 15minutes intravenously; prevention, intravenous infusion given over 15 minutes every 3 to 4 weeks. in both cases, reconstituted drug is first diluted with saline or glucose solution before administration.

Special Care

Heart failure, severely impaired liver or kidney function. Blood levels of phosphate, calcium and magnesium must be checked and kidney function monitored.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, known hypersensitivity to other biphosphonates.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Thalidomide, aminoglycosides.

Known Side Effects

Anorexia, impaired kidney function, headaches, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, slow heartbeat, conjunctivitis, altered sense of taste, low blood calcium and phosphate levels, nausea, anaemia, pancytopenia (seroius decline in all blood elements), increase in urea and creatinine, increased thirst, fever. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).