WHAT IS ZOMETA?

ZOMETA contains Zoledronic acid which belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates.

CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION:

THERAPEUTIC USES:

What ZOMETA is used for?

ZOMETA is used to,

• treat post-menopausal women and adult men with osteoporosis.
• treat osteoporosis caused by treatment with corticosteroids used to treat inflammation and Pagets disease of the bone in adults.
• reduce the amount of calcium in the blood in adult patients where it is too high due to the presence of a tumour.

INTERACTIONS:

Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines such as,

• aminoglycosides.
• diuretics.
• thalidomide (used to treat a certain type of blood cancer involving the bone)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

ZOMETA should be administered under the responsibility of a healthcare professional

SIDE EFFECTS:

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

SERIOUS:

• severe kidney impairment.
• low level of calcium in the blood.
• severe allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, swelling mainly of the face and throat.

COMMON:

• fever, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, chills.
• pain in the muscles or joints and headache.
• irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation).
• low level of calcium in the blood.
• gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
• conjunctivitis
• low level of red blood cells (anaemia).

UNCOMMON:

• low blood pressure.
• chest pain.
• skin reactions (redness and swelling) at the infusion site, rash, itching.
• shortness of breath, dizziness, anxiety, sleep disturbances, taste disturbances, trembling, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, diarrhoea constipation, abdominal pain, dry mouth.
• low counts of white blood cells and blood platelets.
• low level of magnesium and potassium in the blood.
• increase in weight
• increased sweating.
• sleepiness.
• blurred vision, tearing of the eye, eye sensitivity to light.
• sudden coldness with fainting, limpness or collapse.
• difficulty in breathing with wheezing or coughing.
• urticaria.
• itching eyes or eye sensitivity to light.

RARE:

• cardiac arrhythmia.
• kidney function disorder called fanconi syndrome.
• confusion.
• weakness or discomfort in your thigh, hip or groin as this may be an early indication of a possible fracture of the thigh bone.
• interstitial lung disease (inflammation of the tissue around the air sacks of the lungs).
• flu-like symptoms including arthritis and joint swelling.
• painful redness and/or swelling of the eye.

VERY RARE:

• discharge from the ear.
• low calcium values: seizures, numbness and tetany (secondary to hypocalcaemia).
• fainting due to low blood pressure.
• severe bone, joint and/or muscle pain.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS:

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR:

Talk to your doctor before taking ZOMETA, if you:

• are allergic to Zoledronic acid, other bisphosphonates or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• have hypocalcaemia (this means that the levels of calcium in your blood are too low).
• have severe kidney problems.
• have cancer.
• have bone complications or reduced amount of calcium.
• have a kidney problem.
• are unable to take daily calcium supplements.
• had surgically removed part or whole of the parathyroid gland in your neck.
• have had sections of your intestine removed.
• have any problems with your mouth or teeth such as poor dental health, gum disease planned tooth extraction.
• do not receive routine dental care or have not had a dental check-up for a long time.
• are a smoker (as this may increase the risk of dental problems).
• have problems with your mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, pain or swelling, or non-healing of sores or discharge, as these could be signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING:

• You must not be given ZOMETA if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or are planning to have a baby Consult your doctor for advice.

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS:

• ZOMETA is not recommended for children under 18 years of age

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES:

• If you feel dizzy while taking ZOMETA, do not drive or use machines until you feel better.

STORAGE:

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
• Store at room temperature (15-25C).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Osteoporosis:

• Osteoporosis is a disease that involves the thinning and weakening of the bones and is common in women after the menopause but can also occur in men.
• At the menopause, a womans ovaries stop producing the female hormone oestrogen, which helps keep bones healthy. Following the menopause bone loss occurs, bones become weaker and break more easily.
• Osteoporosis could also occur in men and women because of the long term use of steroids, which can affect the strength of bones.

Pagets disease of the bone:

• It is normal that old bone is removed and is replaced with new bone material. This process is called remodeling.
• In Pagets disease, bone remodeling is too rapid and new bone is formed in a disordered fashion, which makes it weaker than normal. If the disease is not treated, bones may become deformed and painful and may break.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.