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Zoledronic acid

  • Zoledronic acid is given by intravenous infusion in a hospital setting.
  • Your doctor may recommend that you see your dentist if s/he thinks you are at risk of osteonecrosis (a disease where the bone is no longer alive and cannot re-form itself) of the jaw.

About zoledronic acid

Type of medicine Bisphosphonate
Used for Strengthening bone in cancer patients
Tumour-induced hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in the blood as a result of cancer)
Paget's disease (bone breaks down more quickly, and when it grows again it is softer than normal bone)
Also called Aclasta
Zometa
Available as Injection

Zoledronic Acid works by binding to bone and stopping it from being broken down. It also has an anti-cancer effect on the cancer cells in the bone that helps reduce the growth of the cancer in the bones.
When osteoclasts (cells that nibble at and break down bone) remove calcium from the bones, the calcium then seeps into the blood. In cancer, there is excessive breakdown of bone which leads to high levels of calcium in the blood. As zoledronic acid prevents the calcium being removed from the bone, it can be used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood that are a result of cancer.

Before taking zoledronic acid

Before taking zoledronic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you suffer from hypocalcaemia (low levels of calcium in the blood).
  • If you have had an allergy to any of the group of drugs called bisphosphonates.

How to take zoledronic acid

  • Zoledronic acid is given by intravenous infusion in a hospital setting.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Your doctor may recommend that you see your dentist if s/he thinks you are at risk of osteonecrosis (a disease where the bone is no longer alive and cannot re-form itself) of the jaw.

Can zoledronic acid cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Conjunctivitis Ask your pharmacist to recommend some eye drops.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If vomiting occurs, drink plenty of liquid.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Lethargy, generalised pain, flu-like symptoms Take plenty of rest.

Important: If you experience difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention straight away.

Important: If you experience dizziness, chest pains, palpitations and breathlessness, contact your doctor straight away.

How to store zoledronic acid

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3882		 DocRef:
dils3922		 Last Updated:
9 May 2007		 Date of Next Review:
8 May 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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