Aclasta (zolendronic acid) is a medication used to manage osteoporosis (a condition of decreased bone density) and Paget's disease, a condition in which your bones overgrow and become weaker. Aclasta is a bisphosphonate that slows bone deterioration and increases bone density, says MedlinePlus. Aclasta is given as an intravenous injection typically once a year or as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, in a study of more than 189 patients taking Aclasta, 44 percent developed a fever, 11 percent developed hypotension (low blood pressure), 29 percent developed nausea, 27 percent experienced constipation and 17 percent developed diarrhea. Also, 16 percent developed stomach pain, 14 percent vomited, 9 percent were anorexic and 22 percent suffered from anemia. Additionally, 12 percent developed low potassium levels, 15 percent developed trouble sleeping and 12 percent developed a urinary tract infection.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that Aclasta can cause infrequent urination, easy bruising, muscle or bone pain, physical weakness and a fever. Infrequent urination can elevate certain substances produced in your kidneys called blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Elevated BUN can be indicative of acute kidney failure. Easy bruising is typically a manifestation of thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder in which your platelet levels are low. Alclasta can also cause trouble breathing, chest pain and osteonecrosis (bone loss) of the jaw, says Drugs.com. Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw include jaw pain, loose teeth, gum infections and jaw numbness or swelling. Phone your physician when Aclasta causes these effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Aclasta if you are allergic to zolendronic acid or any other bisphosphonates. You may develop trouble breathing, hives and facial, lip or tongue angioedema (swelling). Do not use Aclasta if you are pregnant as it can lead to severe birth defects. Avoid combining Aclasta with diuretics (water pills), amikacin, gentamycin, pentamidine, cisplatin and carmustine. The combination can lead to the aforementioned side effects.
Member Comments