Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate).
Asthma and acetylsalicylic acid (Asa) allergy: Other medications similar to zoledronic acid have caused difficulty breathing for people with asthma who are allergic to ASA. If you have asthma and are allergic to ASA, discuss with your doctor how Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Atypical femur fracture: There is evidence that long term use of this class of medication may contribute to a type of rare fracture of the long bone in the thigh (femur).
If you experience new or unusual pain in the groin, hip, or thigh area, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Low blood calcium levels: Before starting zoledronic acid, people who have low blood calcium levels must adjust their levels with calcium and vitamin D supplements as recommended by their doctors. Your doctor may recommend that you continue to take calcium and vitamin D while you are receiving zoledronic.
Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) may cause decreases in blood calcium levels, which can be life-threatening when severely low. If you experience muscle spasms or muscle pain, irregular heart beat or seizures, contact your doctor immediately.
Deterioration of the jaw bone: People with cancer treated with zoledronic acid (or other bisphosphonates) have a higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (deterioration of the jaw bone). If you experience numbness or feeling of heaviness in the jaw; poor healing of the gums; loose teeth; exposed bone in the mouth; swelling or gum infections; bad breath; or mouth, teeth, or jaw pain, contact your doctor. Before starting treatment with zoledronic acid, your doctor may recommend that you see a dentist for an examination. While receiving zoledronic acid, try to postpone invasive dental procedures such as tooth extractions until your treatment with zoledronic acid is finished.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Zoledronic acid may cause sleepiness and dizziness. If these symptoms occur, avoid driving, operating machinery, or participating in other possibly hazardous activities requiring alertness.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. The use of zoledronic acid is not recommended for people with severe kidney disease.
Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) can cause reduced kidney function. Your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking zoledronic acid.
You will probably need to have regular tests to check kidney function before and after receiving Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate).
Liver function: If you have reduced liver function or liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if zoledronic acid passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Zoledronic Acid Z (Zoledronate) have not been established for children.
