Zoledoc Injection

Composition Zoledronic acid (4mg)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack vial of 1 Injection
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical Class Bisphosphonate Derivative
Action Class Bone Resorption Inhibitors- Bisphosphonates
Habbit Forming
Manufacturer Symbion Lifescience
Manufacturer address 430, Sidhharth Complex, NH 8, Vadodara

Zoledoc Injection is used to treat or prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) caused by menopause or use of steroids. Using this medicine can reduce your risk of breaking bones. It is also used to treat high levels of calcium in people who have cancer.

Zoledoc Injection is given by a doctor or nurse. How much you are given, and how often, will be decided by your doctor. It may just be a single injection or you may need regular injections depending upon your underlying condition. Your doctor will ask you to drink plenty of water before the injection, to avoid getting dehydrated. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Zoledoc Injection is only part of a treatment program that may also include changes to your diet and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.

The most common side effects include nausea, fatigue, anemia, bone pain, fever, and vomiting. Zoledoc Injection can cause serious kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated, if you take diuretic medicine (water pills) or if you already have kidney disease. It can also cause low levels of calcium in the blood and pain in the mouth or jaw. These are serious side effects and need urgent medical attention. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of these.

You should not be given this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or low calcium levels. Also, let your doctor know what other medicines you are taking. Some of them may affect, or be affected by, this injection, especially medicines used to treat severe infections and medicines used to treat cancer and osteoporosis. You may need frequent medical tests to check your kidney function and calcium levels. Avoid smoking as it can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also cause bone loss and should be avoided.

Hypercalcemia

Osteoporosis

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Zoledoc Injection is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.

Q: What if you forget to take Zoledoc Injection?
A: If you miss a dose of Zoledoc Injection. Please consult your doctor.

You have been prescribed Zoledoc Injection for the treatment of osteoporosis.

It may also be used to treat high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) or bone damage and pain that may occur with cancer.

It is given by injection into a vein, usually over at least 15 minutes or as directed by your doctor.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.

It can lower the level of calcium in the blood. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.

You may develop fever or flu like symptoms, such as chills, tiredness and weakness. These are usually temporary and should go away after a few days. You may take a pain reliever/fever reducer to prevent or treat these symptoms.

Zoledoc Injection may cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your doctor if you develop sudden pain in your jaw.

Your doctor will monitor your response to Zoledoc Injection by testing your bone mineral density (BMD). This is usually done every 1-3 years.

Do not take Zoledoc Injection if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. What is Zoledoc Injection? What is it used for?

Zoledoc Injection belongs to a class of medicines called bisphosphonates that prevents abnormal breakdown of the bones. Zoledoc Injection is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and fractures in people with metastatic cancer (a cancer which spreads to newer areas of the body). It may also be used to treat hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels).

Q. How does Zoledoc Injection work?

Zoledoc Injection works by increasing the density of the bones which helps in preventing osteoporosis. In addition to that, it helps to treat high calcium levels in the blood caused due to secondary bone cancer. Also, it is helpful in treating metastasis of bone which is caused due to breast cancer.

Q. How long should I take Zoledoc Injection?

Zoledoc Injection should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. The medicine takes around 6 month to show its maximum benefits on bones. However, in some cases, the doctor may suggest Zoledoc Injection for a longer duration. The exact duration will depend on the condition you are being treated for.

Q. How is Zoledoc Injection administered?

Zoledoc Injection should be administered by a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Zoledoc Injection.

Q. Why can you not lie down after taking Zoledoc Injection?

One should not lie down after taking Zoledoc Injection as there is a possibility that the medication might come back up into the esophagus (food pipe). Due to this the esophagus may also get damaged. Staying upright will help the medicine to settle down quickly in your stomach and prevent side effects like heartburn and pain.

Q. Is Zoledoc Injection safe?

Zoledoc Injection is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What other lifestyle changes should I make?

To get maximum benefit from Zoledoc Injection, there are certain lifestyle changes that you must adhere to. Include some calcium or Vitamin D rich foods for bone strength. Try to spend more time in sunlight to get natural vitamin D. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption as they may harm your bones. You can take up an exercise regime such as walking and low-impact aerobics as they are good for your bones. Similarly, you can try strength-training exercises where you use your own body weight which in turn improve bone health.

In Hypercalcemia

Calcium is a mineral found in different places in your body and has many functions including bone growth. Most of your calcium should be in your bones. When you have more calcium in your blood than normal it is called hypercalcaemia. It is a serious condition and affects a large number of people with cancer. Zoledoc Injection is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It reduces the amount of calcium in your blood by slowing down the rate at which bone is broken down in your body. This medicine is normally only given once by injection to treat hypercalcaemia, but you may need additional doses. Make sure you attend all appointments with your doctor. Being immobile makes hypercalcaemia worse. Whenever possible you should take regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise. Do not take calcium or vitamin D3 supplements and try to decrease your intake of these in your diet.

Headache

Back pain

Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain

Heartburn

Diarrhea

Fever

Anemia (low number of red blood cells)

Fatigue

Bone pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Alcohol:CAUTION

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Zoledoc Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Zoledoc Injection is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Zoledoc Injection is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Zoledoc Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Zoledoc Injection in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Zoledoc Injection in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

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Zoledronic acid [Prescribing Information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2016. [Accessed 25 Jul. 2024] (online) Available from: View