Virtual Medical Centre

Drugs

Zometa

Generic Name: Zoledronic acid
Product Name: Zometa

• Indication of Zometa
• Action of Zometa
• Dose Advice of Zometa
• Schedule of Zometa
• Common side effects of Zometa
• Uncommon side effects of Zometa
• Reference

Indication of Zometa:

Zometa is used to slow down the spread of cancers in bone, helping to prevent changes to the bones that may cause them to weaken and fracture. It is used in people with multiple myeloma (advanced cancer of the bone marrow) and other advanced cancers that have spread to the bone. This medicine is used in addition to other standard cancer treatments. Zometa is also used to lower the amount of calcium in the blood when it becomes too high (known as hypercalcaemia).

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Action of Zometa:

Some cancers can speed up normal changes in bone so that the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood is increased. Zometa belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates, which strongly bind to bone. These medicines slow down the rate of bone change and help to restore the amount of calcium in the blood to normal.

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Dose Advice of Zometa:

Zometa is given as a 15 minute infusion into a vein. You may also be given an infusion of fluids to ensure that you do not become dehydrated. To lower the amount of calcium in the blood, the usual dose of Zometa is 4 mg, given as a single infusion. If the calcium level starts to rise again, another infusion can be given, usually with an increased dose of 8 mg Zometa. To treat cancer in the bone, the usual dose is 4 mg, given as an infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe a daily calcium supplement and a multiple vitamin containing Vitamin D. Before each dose of Zometa, a blood test will taken to ensure that the medication is not effecting your kidneys.

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