Zometa, a brand name for the drug zoledronic acid, treats high calcium levels in the blood, which may be caused by certain cancer types. It is also used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat damaged bones from myeloma or a different cancer that has spread to the bones. Zometa is used in cancer patients because it slows the breakdown of bones by increasing bone thickness and decreasing calcium release from bones. A medical professional usually administers Zometa by injection into a vein, which can last approximately 15 minutes. As with any medication, Zometa has the potential for side effects.
Common Side Effects
Per Rxlist.com, the most common side effects include constipation, fever, anemia, shortness of breath and nausea. Most users will also experience pain, tenderness, bruising and/or minor bleeding at the site of injection.
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects include itching, rash, vomiting, anorexia, secondary infection, abnormal liver function results, bone pain, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, agitation, coughing, urinary tract infection and chest pain, as indicated by RxList.com. Drugs.com also suggests other less common but serious hazards like swelling of the leg, mucus infection, blood clotting, dehydration, sleepiness, inflammation of the iris and the progression of cancer cells. RxList.com also warns about potential vision changes, blurred vision, reduced or increased urination, chills, heartbeat irregularities, jaw pain, swelling of the jaw, mental changes or mood changes. Users should report any muscle cramps or swelling to their doctors. Other unusual hazards may include tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue, fingers or feet. Any redness, pain or swelling of the eyes should be reported to a doctor. Drugs.com also warns about unusual bleeding or bruising or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Complications
Per the FDA, patients who are treated with Zometa should not be concurrently treated with Reclast. Also, Zometa can cause harm to a fetus and is classified in pregnancy category D per the FDA.
Serious allergic reaction is possible with Zometa. Drugs.com describes the symptoms as hives, rash, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, swelling of the face, swelling of the tongue, swelling of the lips or unusual hoarseness.
Rare Complications or Hazards
RxList.com lists the following complications of Zometa use and indicates that they are rare: thirst, gout, uncontrollable diabetes, vertigo, depression, abnormal dreams, decrease in reflexes, bronchitis, asthma, increase in mucus, tremors, infection of the eyes, dry eyes, cataract, eye hemorrhage, ear pain, ringing of the ears, breast enlargement, urinary incontinence, abnormal ejaculation, genital swelling or inability to reach an orgasm.
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