Zoledronic Acid (Reclast)
Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that strengthens your bones by increasing bone mass and lowering the chance of breaking bones (fractures).  Click here for information about RECLAST

What is Reclast used for?

To treat osteoporosis in women after menopause and in patients after a recent hip fracture

To increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis

To treat men and women with Paget's disease of the bone

Reclast Treatment:

• The usual dosage of Reclast is a 5 mg (100 ml) given as an infusion into a vein (IV) over at least 15  minutes one time each year
• In addition to Reclast, it is important to continue daily adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D (typically at least 1200 mg calcium and 800-1000 units vitamin D)
• Before you receive Reclast, drink at least 2 glasses of fluid (such as water) within a few hours. You may eat normally before your infusion.
• The most common side effect of Reclast infusion is fever, muscle or joint pain, and/or headache, which may occur within the first three (3) days following the infusion. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) after Reclast administration may reduce the incidence of these symptoms.
• Reclast is not recommended in people with severe kidney dysfunction and a blood test for kidney function should be done within one month prior to the Reclast infusion
• Reclast cannot be used during pregnancy or breast feeding or in children

Reclast may not be right for you. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have kidney problems
• have or have had low blood calcium
• are not able to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements
• had parathyroid or thyroid surgery (these glands are located in your neck)
• have trouble absorbing minerals in your stomach or intestines ("malabsorption syndrome")
• had sections of your intestine removed
• have asthma (wheezing) from taking aspirin
• have a planned dental surgery such as tooth extraction
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; Reclast may harm your unborn baby
• are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed. It is not known if Reclast passes into breast milk

What are the possible side effects of Reclast?

Reclast may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms after receiving Reclast:

• Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Symptoms may include numbness or tingling feeling (especially in the area around the mouth) or muscle spasms. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms after receiving Reclast.
• Kidney problems. Your doctor may do a blood test to check your kidneys before each dose of Reclast. It is important for you to drink at least 2 glasses of fluid (such as water), within a few hours before receiving Reclast, as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Jaw-bone problems (Osteonecrosis of the jaw). Jaw-bone problems may occur in some people and include: infection, slower healing after teeth are pulled.
• Severe muscle, bone and joint pain.Tell your doctor if you have severe muscle, bone, or joint pain after receiving Reclast.

The most common side effects of Reclast include: flu-like illness, fever, pain in your muscles or joints, and headache that can happen over several days after you get Reclast. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may reduce these symptoms. The side effects lessen each time you receive Reclast.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Reclast. If you have questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the ingredients in Reclast?

Active ingredient: zoledronic acid.

Inactive ingredients: mannitol, USP; sodium citrate, USP; and water for injection, USP.

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