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What is Zometa
 Zometa
inhibits the release of calcium from bones.
Zometa
is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood associated
with malignancy (cancer), multiple myeloma (a type of blood
cancer), and bone metastases from solid tumors.
Zometa
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Zometa
Do not take Zometa without first talking to your
doctor if your have had an allergic reaction to Zometa or
another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax),
etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate
(Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).
A dental examination
with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered
before starting treatment with Zometa. This is especially
important if you:
- have poor dental health;
-
have cancer;
- are receiving chemotherapy; or
-
are taking corticosteroids.
What you should find out before taking Zometa Do not take Zometa without first talking to your
doctor if your have had an allergic reaction to Zometa or
another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax),
etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate
(Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).
Before taking
Zometa, tell your doctor if you have:
- aspirin-sensitive
asthma;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
You may not be able to take Zometa, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
A
dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry
should be considered before starting treatment with Zometa.
This is especially important if you:
- have poor
dental health;
- have cancer;
- are receiving
chemotherapy; or
- are taking corticosteroids.
Zometa is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that
it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
Zometa without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is
not known whether Zometa passes into breast milk. Do not
take Zometa without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Zometa A healthcare professional will administer Zometa
by intravenous infusion.
Your doctor may want you
to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical
evaluations during treatment with Zometa to monitor progress
and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store
Zometa as directed by the manufacturer.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Zometa.
What happens if you overdose: If for any reason an overdose of Zometa is suspected,
seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare
provider immediately.
The symptoms of a Zometa overdose
are not known.
Avoid while taking Zometa There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity while taking Zometa unless your doctor directs
otherwise.
Possible side effects of Zometa Stop taking Zometa and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any
of the following serious side effects:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- kidney
problems (detected by blood tests); or
- low levels
of calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in the blood (detected
by blood tests).
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zometa and
talk to your doctor if you experience
- flu-like
symptoms such as fever, chills, bone pain, or muscle or
joint soreness or aches;
- stomach upset, nausea,
vomiting, or diarrhea; or
- redness or swelling at
the injection site.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Zometa Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
an aminoglycoside antibiotic such as amikacin (Amikin),
gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin,
Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), paromomycin
(Humatin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi); or
- a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide
(Lasix, Lo-Aqua, others), bumetanide ( Bumex), ethacrynic
acid (Edecrin), or torsemide (Demadex).
You may not
be able to take Zometa, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Zometa.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
