s important to follow your doctors instructions regarding this, particularly if you have a heart condition or are at risk of heart failure. If you are unable to take fluids by mouth your doctor may need to give you a drip to rehydrate you.
The class of medicines that zoledronic acid belongs to (bisphosphonates) has been associated with a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. The majority of cases of this condition have been in cancer patients treated with bisphosphonates by injection into a vein, and many of these people were also having treatment with chemotherapy or corticosteroids. The risk may also be increased by poor oral hygiene, dental problems such as gum disease or poorly fitting dentures, teeth extractions, oral surgery and smoking. For this reason, you should have a dental examination and, if necessary, appropriate preventive dentistry, before you start treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor. It is important to look after your mouth and teeth as much as possible while you are having treatment with this medicine. You should have regular check-ups with your dentist and get advice straight away if you have any problems with your mouth or teeth. When you see a dentist during treatment, make sure they know you are having this medicine. Invasive dental procedures such as tooth extraction or surgery should be avoided if possible.
Some people being treated with bisphosphonates (mainly people having long-term treatment for osteoporosis) have experienced an unusual fracture of their thigh bone. For this reason it is important to let your doctor know if you get any pain in your thighs, hips or groin while you are having treatment with this medicine. These symptoms could be an early indication of a possible fracture.
Use with caution in
Elderly people.
Decreased kidney function.
Dehydration.
Not to be used in
People who are allergic to other bisphosphonate medicines.
People with a low level of calcium in their blood (hypocalcaemia).
People with severely decreased kidney function.
Pregnancy.
Breastfeeding.
This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one orany of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you havepreviously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stopusing this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy orbreastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy orbreastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to theunborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning apregnancy, before using any medicine.
The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should not be given to women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individualpeople in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that areknown to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is statedhere, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience thator any side effect.
Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1
