Natzold Infusion (Zoledronic acid 5mg)

INTRODUCTION

NATZOLD contain zoledronic acid which belongs to a group of medicine called bisphosphonates. It is used to prevent bone complications such as fractures, bone metastases in adult patients and helps in reducing the amount of calcium in the blood in a condition called tumour-induced hypercalcaemia (TIH) in adult patients. Tumour can accelerate normal bone change in such a way that the release of calcium from bone is increased.

NATZOLD works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bone and minimize the risk of fracture. This medicine is strictly not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, heart disease, liver problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.

USES OF NATZOLD

Prevent bone complications (e.g., fractures, in adult patients with bone metastases (spread of cancer from primary site to the bone))
Reduce the amount of calcium in tumour-induced hypercalcaemia (TIH) in adult patients

HOW NATZOLD WORKS

NATZOLD works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bone and minimize the risk of fracture.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

NATZOLD will be administered by a doctor or nurse. It will be given as a drip (infusion) into a vein. Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency depending on your condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF NATZOLD

SERIOUS
Severe kidney impairment
Low level of calcium in the blood
COMMON
Low level of phosphate in the blood
Headache
Flu-like syndrome such as fever, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, chills, and bone, joint and/or muscle ache
Gastrointestinal reaction such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Conjunctivitis
Low level of red blood cells (anaemia)
RARE
Slow heartbeat
Confusion
Unusual fracture of the thigh bone
Discomfort in your thigh, hip
Interstitial lung disease (inflammation of the tissue around the air sacks of the lungs)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

Fever:

Drink plenty of fluids and water. Avoid taking cold bath or showers.

Nausea and vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
NATZOLD is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
NATZOLD is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machine while taking this medicine as it may cause drowsiness, sleepiness.

ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with NATZOLD.

KIDNEY
NATZOLD should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take NATZOLD if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to zoledronic acid or any other ingredients in this medicine.

OTHERS

Tell your doctor if you have or had a condition such as,

Pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw, a feeling of heaviness in the jaw or loosening of a tooth
Dental treatment or are due to undergo dental surgery
Irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia), seizures, spasm and twitching (tetany) (secondary to severe hypocalcaemia)
Patients aged 65 years and over

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor if you are taking,

Aminoglycosides (used to treat severe infections)
Thalidomide (used to treat a certain type of blood cancer involving the bone)
Anti-angiogenic medicines (used to treat cancer)