This medicine is a bisphosphonate used for treating and preventing osteoporosis (weak bones) in women who are past menopause. It is used to help build bone in men with osteoporosis and to reduce the risk of bone fractures due to osteoporosis. It is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in certain patients treated with corticosteroids (eg, prednisone). It may also be used to treat Paget disease or other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. This medicine is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. DRINK AT LEAST 2 FULL GLASSES (16 oz/480 mL) of fluid (eg, water) within a few hours before you receive this medicine, as directed by your doctor. IT IS IMPORTANT TO AVOID BECOMING DEHYDRATED while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor for instructions. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way. This medicine is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using this medicine at home, STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, contact your doctor right away.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are using another medicine that contains zoledronic acid. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg, gentamicin), diuretics (eg, furosemide), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), thalidomide, or medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, amphotericin B; cyclosporine; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen; tacrolimus; vancomycin). Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including if you have a history of kidney problems, low blood calcium levels, blood clotting problems, anemia, bone infection, thyroid or parathyroid problems, thyroid or parathyroid surgery, asthma or other breathing problems from taking aspirin, allergies, pregnancy or if you are able to become pregnant, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have poor nutrition, nutrient absorption problems (eg, malabsorption syndrome), low blood volume, recent vomiting or diarrhea, decreased appetite, dehydration, cancer, poor dental hygiene or other dental problems, or an upcoming dental procedure (eg, tooth extraction). Tell your doctor if you have had sections of your intestines removed, if you have had or will be receiving radiation or chemotherapy, or if you are unable to take calcium or vitamin D supplements. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe kidney problems or recent worsening of kidney function, or if you have low blood calcium levels. This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; dizziness; headache; mild back, joint, or muscle pain; mild flu-like symptoms (eg, mild fever, muscle aches); mild itching, pain, or redness at the injection site; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; vomiting; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience change in the amount of urine produced; eye pain, redness, or swelling; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; jaw pain or swelling; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle cramps or spasms; numbness or tingling (especially around the mouth); severe bone, joint, or muscle pain (especially in the hip, groin, or thigh); severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include decreased urination, irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes, muscle cramps, or numbness or tingling (especially around the mouth).
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.