Why is this medication prescribed?

Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of certain bone conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, and its main use is to:

• Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: Reclast is often prescribed to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It helps to increase bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures.
• Osteoporosis in Men: It is also used in the treatment of osteoporosis in men.
• Paget’s Disease of Bone: Reclast is indicated for the treatment of Paget’s disease, a condition characterized by abnormal bone destruction and regrowth.
• Prevention of Fractures in Patients with Hip Fractures or Spinal Cord Injuries: In certain cases, Reclast may be used to prevent fractures in patients who have recently had a hip fracture or those with spinal cord injuries.

How should this medicine be used?

Reclast (zoledronic acid) is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The specific dosage and frequency will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your medical condition. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Here are general guidelines for the use of Reclast:

• Administration: Reclast is administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion. The infusion is usually given over a specific period, typically around 15 minutes.
• Dosage and Frequency: For the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men, Reclast is often given as a single infusion once a year. For Paget’s disease of bone or prevention of fractures in patients with hip fractures or spinal cord injuries, the frequency of infusion may be different. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency for your specific condition.
• Preparation: The healthcare provider will prepare and administer the Reclast infusion. It should not be mixed with other solutions.
• Hydration: Adequate hydration before and after the infusion is often recommended to help reduce the risk of kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may advise you on the amount of fluids you should consume.
• Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Your healthcare provider may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, unless you are already getting enough from your diet. These supplements can help support the treatment.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after the infusion to check for any potential side effects or adverse reactions.
• Follow-up: Follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled. They may conduct periodic bone density tests to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as well as any existing medical conditions. This is important to ensure that Reclast is safe for you and does not interact negatively with other drugs.

It’s crucial to adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your response to the treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about the use of Reclast, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to the primary uses mentioned earlier (osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men, Paget’s disease of bone, prevention of fractures in certain cases), Reclast (zoledronic acid) may also be used for the treatment of hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood) associated with malignancy.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions and considerations for Reclast use include:

• Kidney Function Monitoring: Reclast is excreted through the kidneys, and it’s important to monitor kidney function before and after administration. Adequate hydration is usually recommended to reduce the risk of kidney problems.
• Calcium and Vitamin D Levels: Adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health. Your healthcare provider may recommend supplements if necessary.
• Pre-existing Kidney Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have pre-existing kidney problems. In some cases, Reclast may not be suitable for individuals with impaired kidney function.
• History of Hypocalcemia: Individuals with a history of low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) may require correction of this condition before receiving Reclast.
• Dental Precautions: There have been reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (a rare condition involving the death of jawbone tissue) in patients receiving bisphosphonates, including Reclast. Inform your healthcare provider about any dental procedures you have planned, and maintain good oral hygiene.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Reclast is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially if you are allergic to zoledronic acid or other bisphosphonates.
• Bone and Muscle Pain: Some individuals may experience bone, joint, or muscle pain while taking Reclast. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe discomfort.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain medications may interact with Reclast.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and inform them of any changes in your health status or any side effects you may experience. Reclast is a prescription medication, and its use should be supervised by a healthcare professional. If you have specific concerns or questions about Reclast, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your individual health profile.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Consume an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D either through your diet or as supplements, as advised by your healthcare provider. These nutrients are important for bone health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Reclast is typically administered as a once-yearly infusion, so there is no daily dosing schedule to worry about. However, if you miss a scheduled infusion, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly. They will advise you on the next steps, which may involve rescheduling the infusion.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Reclast (zoledronic acid) can cause various side effects, and it’s important to be aware of them and promptly inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. Common side effects may include:

• Flu-Like Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
• Bone, Joint, or Muscle Pain:
  • Some individuals may experience pain in the bones, joints, or muscles.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
• Inflammation at the Infusion Site:
  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the site of infusion
• Kidney Problems:
  • Reclast is excreted through the kidneys, and in rare cases, it may cause kidney problems. It’s important to stay adequately hydrated before and after the infusion to minimize this risk.
• Hypocalcemia (Low Calcium Levels):
  • Reclast may lead to low blood calcium levels, which can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, twitching, or numbness/tingling around the mouth or in the fingers and toes.
• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw:
  • While rare, bisphosphonates, including Reclast, have been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition involves the death of jawbone tissue and may be associated with dental procedures or conditions.
• Eye Problems:
  • Some individuals may experience inflammation of the eyes (uveitis).
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Serious allergic reactions to Reclast are rare but possible. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

It’s important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and individual responses to medications can vary. Your healthcare provider will discuss potential side effects with you before prescribing Reclast, and they will monitor you for any adverse reactions during and after the infusion.

If you experience any unexpected or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not hesitate to seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and report any changes in your health status during Reclast treatment.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Reclast:

• Storage: Reclast is typically administered by a healthcare professional, and you may not have to store it at home. If, however, you are given any medications to take at home, follow the storage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Disposal: Unused or expired medications, including Reclast, should be disposed of properly. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for guidelines on medication disposal in your area.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or suspected overdose, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include:

• Severe or persistent symptoms of low blood calcium: muscle spasms, twitching, numbness/tingling around the mouth or in the fingers and toes.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They may conduct bone density tests and monitor your response to the treatment.
• Dental Care: Inform your healthcare provider about any planned dental procedures, as Reclast has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw.
• Hydration: Adequate hydration is important before and after Reclast infusion to reduce the risk of kidney problems.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care, including dentists and surgeons, that you are taking Reclast.
• Medical and Dental Emergencies: In case of a medical or dental emergency, inform the healthcare professionals treating you about your Reclast treatment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Reclast is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Allergies: Inform healthcare providers about any allergies, especially to zoledronic acid or other bisphosphonates.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as Reclast may interact with other medications.

Always keep a list of all the medications you are taking and share it with your healthcare providers, including your pharmacist and dentist. This information can help ensure safe and coordinated care. If you have any questions or concerns about Reclast, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your individual health status.