Zometa (generic name: zolendronic acid) is a medication used to treat bone cancer, hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) due to cancer and multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer), says Drugs.com. Zometa is slowly given intravenously (through your vein) over a period of 15 minutes at your local hospital. Sometimes, Zometa is given once a year but its dosage is determined at your doctor's discretion.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Zometa's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and weight loss. It can also cause red eyes, constipation, heartburn, fever, depression and hair loss. Other common side effects include white patches inside your mouth, numbness and tingling on your fingers and toes, and vaginal irritation.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com states that Zometa can lead to such serious side effects as fever, chills, muscle pain, weakness and difficulty breathing. Other harmful side effects include chest tightness, wheezing, body aches and decreased urination. Report these symptoms to your doctor; she may tell you to discontinue Zometa's use and prescribe you another medication to treat your medical conditions.
Additional Side Effects
Drugs.com states that Zometa may provoke a serious condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Gum infections, jaw pain, loose teeth and jaw swelling characterize osteonecrosis (bone breakdown) of the jaw. Other symptoms include swelling and numbness of your jaws. You are more likely to experience these symptoms if you have a history of prior chemotherapy treatment, radiation or steroid treatment.
According to the National Library of Medicine, Zometa can cause kidney damage, hypotension (low blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels), confusion and urinary tract infections.
Other Concerns
According to Drugs.com, Zometa can have adverse affects on your unborn child and pass into breast milk. Inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or intend to breastfeed.
You should avoid Zometa if you have low blood calcium levels.Tell your doctor if you suffer from such medical conditions as kidney disease, bone cancer or thyroid disorder. These conditions can provoke or worsen your side effects. They can also make Zometa less effective.
MedlinePlus recommends you tell your doctor if you are taking such medications as gentamicin, amikacin, bumetanide or neomycin. These medications may interact with Zometa and cause some of the aforementioned side effects.
You should avoid Zometa if you are allergic to its components. According to the National Library of Medicine, serious side effects include urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling of your face, lips and throat) and even anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening side effect where your body does not receive adequate amounts of blood). Seek emergency medical care for any of these symptoms or conditions.
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