Zometa (Zoledronic Acid)

Zometa is used for treating high blood calcium levels caused by cancer. It is also used with other medications to treat patients with certain types of cancer. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Zometa as directed by your doctor.

• Take Zometa by mouth with food.
• If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, it may be crushed or chewed with a little water.

Zometa is a bisphosphonate. It works by decreasing the breakdown of bone. This reduces the amount of calcium that is released into the blood from bones and helps to lower your blood calcium level.

If you miss a dose of Zometa and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Zometa at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Zometa out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Zometa if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zometa;
• you are taking another medicine that contains zoledronic acid or a bisphosphonate (e.g., alendronate);
• you have severe kidney problems and you also have a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma) or cancer that has moved into the bones from other parts of the body;
• you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

• Zometa may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zometa with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Ask your doctor about taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you are using Zometa.
• Zometa may cause jaw bone problems in some patients. The risk may be greater if you have cancer, are using certain medicines (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids), or have poor dental hygiene. These problems have been often associated with dental procedures. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dental exam before you begin using Zometa.
• Certain dental procedures should be avoided if possible while you are using Zometa. Check with your doctor and dentist before having any dental treatments while using Zometa.
• Lab tests, including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood electrolyte levels (eg, calcium, magnesium, phosphate), may be performed while you use Zometa. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Zometa should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Zometa if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Zometa is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zometa.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; cough; dehydration; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue; headache; loss of appetite; mild flu-like symptoms (e.g., bone pain, chills, fever, flushing, joint pain, muscle aches); nausea; pain, swelling.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); agitation; anxiety; blurred vision or other vision changes; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; depression; fainting; irregular or slow heartbeat; jaw pain or swelling; numbness or tingling of the skin; persistent fever, chills, or sore throat; redness, pain, or swelling of the eyes; severe bone, joint, or muscle pain; severe dizziness; shortness of breath; swelling of the ankles or feet; unusual tiredness or weakness; white patches in the mouth.

Zometa is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.