Zometa®

Generic Name: Zoledronic Acid

Drug Type:

Zometa is a bisphosphonate derivative. (For more detail, see "How Zometa Works" section below).

What Zometa Is Used For:

Zometa is used as a support medication to treat symptoms of cancer such as hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) or to decrease complications (such as fractures or pain) produced by bone metastasis (spread of cancer to the bone).

Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.

How Zometa Is Given:

As an infusion into the vein (intravenous, IV).
There is no pill form of Zometa.
The amount of Zometa that you will receive depends on many factors, including, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

Side Effects of Zometa:

Important things to remember about the side effects of Zometa:

Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed.
Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration.
Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.
There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects.
There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication.

The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Zometa:

Fever usually mild and short lived
Flu-like symptoms; mild fever sometimes accompanied by malaise, chills, fatigue and flushing. Usually occurs with first treatment with Zometa only.

These are less common side effects (occurring in <10%) for patients receiving Zometa:

Flu-like symptoms with redness, pain swelling at IV site
Bone, muscle or joint pain
Nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite.
Blood tests indicating worsening kidney function (increased creatinine levels) see kidney problems. Your levels will be closely monitored.
Headache
Blood test abnormality: low magnesium level

Note: Zometa may be used to treat a condition called hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) symptoms of hypercalcemia may include frequent urination, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, fatigue, muscle twitching, confusion, stupor and coma. Presence of these symptoms while a person is receiving treatment with Zometa may not be drug-related side effects, but related to hypercalcemia.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely in patients with cancer receiving treatment regimens including bisphosphonates. Many of the reported cases were associated with dental procedures such as removal of a tooth. Many had signs of local infection including infection in the bone. A dental examination with appropriate preventative dentistry should be considered prior to treatment with bisphoshonates particularly in patients with additional risk factors (e.g. cancer, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, poor oral hygiene). Invasive dental procedures should be avoided during treatment.

Not all side effects are listed above, some that are rare (occurring in less than 1% of patients) are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

When To Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider:

Seek emergency help immediately and notify your health care provider, it you experience the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, closing up of the throat, swelling of facial features, hives (possible allergic reaction).

Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience the following:

Unusual muscle twitching or spasms (symptom of hypercalcemia)
Confusion (symptom of hypercalcemia)
Fever of 100.5º F (38º C), chills, sore throat (possible signs of infection)
Shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort

The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not emergency situations. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:

Vomiting (more than 4-5 episodes within a 24 hour period)
Nausea that interferes with eating and is not relieved by mediations prescribed by your doctor.
Constipation unrelieved by laxative use
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and extreme tiredness (unable to perform self care activities)
Feelings of confusion
Unable to eat or drink for 24 hours or have signs of dehydration: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, dark and decrease amount of urine, or dizziness.

Zometa Precautions:

Before starting Zometa treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal remedies).
It is important to discuss with your health care professional any medications you are taking. Some medications may have an effect on the kidney, and combining them with Zometa may cause kidney function to deteriorate. Examples of these types of medication are aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprophen or naproxen, diuretics (water pills), ACE inhibitors such as analapril, ramipril or fosinopril.
The use of Zometa may be inadvisable if you have had an allergic reaction to Zometa or other medications like it (bisphosphonates) in the past. Also alert your healthcare professional if you have a history of asthma or an allergy to aspirin.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely in patients with cancer receiving treatment regimens including bisphosphonates. Many of the reported cases were associated with dental procedures such as removal of a tooth. Many had signs of local infection including infection in the bone. A dental examination with appropriate preventative dentistry should be considered prior to treatment with bisphoshonates particularly in patients with additional risk factors (e.g. cancer, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, poor oral hygiene). Invasive dental procedures should be avoided during treatment.
Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Pregnancy category D (Zometa may be hazardous to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus).
For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Zometa. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy.
Do not breast feed while taking Zometa.

Zometa Self Care Tips:

It is important that you stay well hydrated during treatment to protect your kidneys. Drink two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
Acetaminophen may help relieve discomfort from fever, headache and/or generalized aches and pains. However, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking it.
Zometa causes little nausea. But if you should experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness; avoid driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until your response to the drug is known.
Get plenty of rest.
Maintain good nutrition.
If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.

Monitoring and Testing While Taking Zometa:

You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking Zometa, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Periodic blood work to monitor your complete blood count (CBC), kidney function (specifically creatinine and BUN), and blood calcium levels will also be ordered by your doctor.

How Zometa Works:

Cancer cells that spread to the bone can secrete substances that can cause cells found in the bone called osteoclasts to dissolve or "eat away" a portion of the bone. These tumors or lesions weaken the bone and can lead to complications. Some of the complications resulting from this bone breakdown are bone pain, fractures and less commonly, hypercalcemia (increased levels of calcium in the blood).

Zometa is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonate medications are used to slow down the osteoclast's effects on the bone. In doing this it can be useful in slowing down or preventing the complications (bone pain, fractures, or high calcium levels) of the bone breakdown.

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.