What are the medical uses of Zoledronic Acid?

Zoledronic Acid Injection is approved in order to be used for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy defined as an albumin corrected calcium (cCa) of greater than or equal to the 12 mg/dL.

Zoledronic Injection is also approved in order to be used for the treatment of patients with MM (Multiple Myeloma) and patients with documented bone metastases from the solid tumors, in conjunction with the standard antineoplastic therapy.

Approval: In the year of 1986, Zoledronic acid was patented, and in the year of 2001 it was approved for medical use in the United States.

Zoledronic acid falls under the bisphosphonate family of medications. It works in order to block the activity of osteoclast cells and thus reduces the breakdown of bone.

Dosage Form: Zoledronic comes in the form of injection generically and under the brand name Reclast/Zometa. The recommended dose of zoledronic acid in hypercalcemia of malignancy is 4 mg. Zoledronic acid 4 mg dose must be administered as a single-dose intravenous infusion over no less than 15 minutes.

The recommended dose of zoledronic acid in patients with multiple myeloma and metastatic bone lesions from solid tumors for patients with creatinine clearance greater than the 60 mL/min is 4mg infused over not less than 15-minutes every 3-4 weeks.

Side Effects: Side effects of zoledronic acid are usually mild and not life threatening. The commonly reported side effects include joint pain, fever, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and feeling tired.

Cost: The zoledronic acid price in India may vary depending on the wholesaler/pharmacy and of course the brand you choose. The cost of zoledronic ranges from around 1,000 INR to 6,500 INR for a supply of vial of 1 injection.