Reclast (Zoledronic Acid IV Solution)

Do’s

• Before starting to use Reclast each time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist.
• If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Reclast is typically given as a single dose as directed by your healthcare provider.
• The medication is administered slowly into a vein over at least 15 minutes. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Eat and drink normally on the day of treatment. Drink at least 2 glasses of fluid before treatment unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Getting plenty of fluids when given this medication is very important.
• If you are instructed to give this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare provider.
• Before using the medication, check the product visually for particles or discoloration. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
• Your healthcare provider may direct you to take calcium and vitamin D each day, particularly if you have Paget's disease. Take the directed amount of calcium and vitamin D during the 2 weeks after your Reclast dose, as these are very important to prevent low levels of calcium in the blood.
• Inform your healthcare provider right away if you experience any symptoms of low calcium, such as numbness/tingling (especially around the lips/mouth) and muscle spasms.
• For the treatment of Paget's disease, Reclast is given as a single dose and may be repeated based on your symptoms
• For the treatment of osteoporosis, this medication is given as a single dose once a year.
• Discuss with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of long-term use of this medication

Don’ts

• If particles or discoloration is present, do not use the liquid.
• Avoid mixing Reclast with IV fluids that have calcium in them, such as Ringer's solution, Hartmann's solution, and parenteral nutrition (TPN/PPN). For more details, talk to your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects:

• Agitation
• Black, tarry stools
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Cough
• Depression
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dizziness
• Signs of kidney problems, such as changes in the amount of urine
• Seizures
• Serious allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing

The above-listed serious side effects require immediate medical attention if they occur.

Other Possible Side Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, and chills
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Thigh bone fractures
• Damage to the jawbone

Report any side effects not listed above to your healthcare provider.

Reclast is associated with the risk of renal impairment, which can be serious and life-threatening.

Healthcare providers should be adequately informed about the risk of renal toxicity associated with Reclast, and precautions must be taken to avoid such toxicity.

Reclast may lower the calcium levels in your blood. If you have low blood calcium before starting Reclast, it may worsen during treatment. Low blood calcium must be treated before taking Reclast.

A routine oral examination should be performed by a healthcare provider prior to initiation of Reclast treatment.

Patients being treated for Paget's disease of bone should be instructed on the importance of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in maintaining serum calcium levels, particularly in the 2 weeks following Reclast administration.

The optimal duration of use of Reclast has not been determined. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by a healthcare provider after 3 to 5 years in patients with osteoporosis who have a low risk of fracture. Patients who discontinue therapy should have their risk for fracture re-evaluated periodically.

Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized information about the warnings and precautions associated with Reclast and any concerns you may have.