Reclast (Zoledronic Acid)
What is Reclast?
Reclast is an infusible drug belonging to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates
that strengthen bone and are used primarily to treat osteoporosis. Bone
is in a constant state of remodeling in which old bone is removed by
cells called osteoclasts, and new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts.
Reclast inhibits bone removal by osteoclasts and was approved by the
FDA in August, 2007.
The Benefits of Reclast:
Reclast is a medication used to treat Osteoporosis in postmenopausal
women and Paget’s disease of bone in men and women. Reclast strengthens
bones by increasing bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures
(hip, vertebral, and non-vertebral osteoporosis-related fractures).
What You Need to Know Before Taking Reclast:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription
and nonprescription drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some medicines
may increase your chance for low blood calcium levels or kidney problems
when used with Reclast. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions,
including kidney problems, a history of low blood calcium, if you are
not able to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements or have had
parathyroid or thyroid problems.
You may be asked to have some routine blood work done prior to each
Reclast infusion. This may include a serum creatinine level, to evaluate
basic kidney function.
Reclast Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Reclast are fever, muscle pain, headaches,
arthralgia and pain in hands and feet. Discuss your questions about side
effects or possible allergic reactions with your physician and your infusion
nurse prior to your infusion.
Dosing and Length of Infusion:
The recommended dose is a single 5 mg/100 cc infusion of Reclast given
intravenously over a constant infusion rate (no less than 15 minutes),
once a year.
