Zolasta 4mg Injection (Zoledronic acid 4mg)

About Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml

Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml belongs to the class of medicines called ‘bisphosphonates‘ used to treat osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) caused by menopause or long-term steroid use. Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml also treats Paget’s bone and high calcium levels caused by cancer. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that weakens and thins bones by decreasing bone density, common in post-menopausal women.  As the density of bones decreases, they weaken and are more likely to break.

Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml contains Zoledronic acid that works by binding to the bone tightly and preventing the removal of calcium by osteoclasts (a type of bone cells that destroy bone tissue). This prevents osteoclasts from breaking down the bone and keeps the bones strong and minimizes the risk of bones breaking.

A doctor or nurse will give Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml intravenously (IV). You are advised to take Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, back pain, diarrhoea, pain in the muscles, joints or bones, swelling or pain at the infusion site. Most of these side effects of Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are allergic to Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor. Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml if you have hypocalcaemia (low calcium levels in the blood) and severe kidney problems. Drive only if you are alert as Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may cause dizziness. Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in some patients. Therefore, if you experience any problems with teeth or mouth such as loose teeth, swelling or pain, non-healing of sores or discharge, consult your doctor and dentist as these might be signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Uses of Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml

Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, Hypercalcemia (high level of calcium) in cancer

Medicinal Benefits

Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml contains Zoledronic acid used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget’s disease and hypercalcemia of malignancy (bone cancer in which excess of calcium exits). Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml binds to the bone tightly and prevents calcium removal by osteoclasts (a type of bone cells that destroy bone tissue). This prevents osteoclasts from breaking down the bone, strengthening bones, and minimising the risk of bones breaking. Also, Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may reduce calcium levels in the blood by preventing calcium reabsorption from bones to the blood. Thus, it helps in treating high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer.

Directions for Use

Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml is given as an intravenous (into a vein) infusion by a doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Flu-like symptoms (chills, tiredness, muscle and joint pain)
• Pain in the muscles, joints or bones
• Swelling or pain at the infusion site

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

If you are allergic to Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor. Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml if you have hypocalcaemia (low calcium levels in the blood) and severe kidney problems. Drive only if you are alert as Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may cause dizziness. If you are not able to take daily calcium supplements, have had sections of the intestine or some or all of the parathyroid glands in the neck surgically removed, have cancer, gum disease, poor dental health or planned tooth extraction or kidney problem, inform your doctor before taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml. If you are a smoker, inform your doctor before receiving Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml as it may increase the risk of dental problems. Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in some patients. Therefore, if you experience any problems with teeth or mouth such as loose teeth, swelling or pain, non-healing of sores or discharge, consult your doctor and dentist as these might be signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw. You are recommended to drink at least 2 glasses of fluids before and after treatment with Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml as advised by your doctor to prevent dehydration. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor as Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may reduce calcium levels in the blood.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml may interact with antibiotics (gentamicin) and water pills (furosemide).

Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml if you have hypocalcaemia (low calcium levels in the blood) and severe kidney problems. If you have cancer, gum disease, poor dental health or planned tooth extraction or kidney problem, inform your doctor before taking Zolasta 4mg Injection 10 ml.