Reclast

Brand Names

Reclast, Zometa

What is Reclast

Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a prescription medications that refers to a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by slowing bone breakdown, increasing bone density (thickness), and decreasing the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood. This medication is commonly used for treating and preventing osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women.

Side effects of Reclast

Side effects caused by this medication can include:

• itching, redness, pain, or swelling in the place where you received your injection
• red, swollen, itchy, or teary eyes or swelling around the eyes
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• heartburn
• mouth sores
• excessive worry
• agitation
• depression
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• fever, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
• white patches in the mouth
• swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina
• white vaginal discharge
• numbness or tingling around the mouth or in fingers or toes
• hair loss

There is a list of more serious side effects:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• upper chest pain
• irregular heart beat
• muscle spasms, twitches, or cramps
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• painful or swollen gums
• loosening of the teeth
• numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw
• sore in the mouth or the jaw that does not heal

Indication

Reclast is used for the following purposes:

• Treating Paget's disease of the bone
• Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Treating osteoporosis in men
• Preventing and treating osteoporosis due to glucocorticoid steroid medications (such as prednisone)

It is very important to note that for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, the medication is taken as a single dose per year, given by IV (intravenously).

Precautions

It is obligatory to tell your doctor before taking Reclast if you have/are:

• Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
• Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
• Hypoparathyroidism
• A history of thyroid or parathyroid surgery
• Problems absorbing vitamins and minerals from your diet
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Planning to have a dental procedure
• Taking any other medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Reclast dose for Paget's Disease

The recommended dose of Reclast for treating Paget's disease of bone is 5 mg, which is injected as a single dose using an IV. It should take at least 15 minutes to inject the dose. While taking more than one dose has not been studied, there may be situations in which your doctor recommends re-treatment with Reclast.

You should take calcium (500 mg three times a day or 750 mg twice daily) and vitamin D (800 IU daily) after your Reclast dose. Calcium and vitamin D are important for Reclast to work properly and are also important to help prevent low blood calcium (one of the possible Reclast side effects). This is especially important in the two weeks after your dose.

Reclast dose for Osteoporosis

The recommended dose of Reclast for treating osteoporosis in men or postmenopausal women is Reclast 5 mg per year, which is injected as a single dose using an IV. It should take at least 15 minutes to inject the dose. The same dosage is also recommended for preventing or treating osteoporosis due to glucocorticoid steroid medications.

For preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, the recommended dosage is Reclast 5 mg once every two years injected by IV (given over at least 15 minutes).

You should take calcium (at least 1200 mg a day) and vitamin D (800 to 1000 IU daily) after your Reclast dose. Calcium and vitamin D are important for Reclast to work properly and are also important to help prevent low blood calcium (one of the possible Reclast side effects). This is especially important in the two weeks after your dose.