Zoledronic Acid
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Zoledronic acid can be used in cancer treatment regimens. However, more often, zoledronic acid is used to treat a particular symptom caused by some types of cancer: hypercalcemia (or increased calcium levels in the blood). Because zoledronic acid slows the release of calcium into the blood stream, it useful in treating secondary bone cancer, particularly multiple myeloma.
Other cancers that can cause hypercalcemia also include:
Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate, a kind of drug which can be valuable in the maintenance of bone strength. Bisphosphonates slow the normal breakdown process of bone, which can reduce the amount of calcium in the blood. They can also help maintain bone density. This makes it an especially beneficial option in treating secondary bone cancer.
Our team of specialists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is committed to keeping you well informed of all of your treatment options, and will help you to decide zoledronic acid is advantageous to include in your customized treatment plan. Also, taking into consideration the stage of the cancer, your overall health and the potential side effects, your cancer care professionals at CTCA may also present you with other conventional and complementary/supportive cancer treatment options.
We believe in treating all of you, not just the cancer. To learn more about our unique treatment approach, and how it may benefit you or a loved one, you can click to chat now with a cancer information specialist from CTCA.
Any medication has the potential to cause an allergic reaction in some users. Zoledronic acid is no different. In the event that you experience any of the following reactions to zoledronic acid, you should seek immediate, medical attention.
- Difficulty breathing or tightness of the chest
- Development of a rash or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other serious side effects users of zoledronic acid may experience that require urgent, medical attention include:
- Anxiety/depression/agitation
- Changes in urinary output
- Dizziness and/or fatigue
- Intense bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the skin
- Persistent fever, chills, or sore throat
- Swelling or pain in the jaws
- White patches or sores that develop in the mouth or on the lips
In most instances, though, the more common side effects are the least serious. Some of the more common, yet less serious side effects of zoledronic acid are:
- Abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite
- Bone, muscle, or joint pain
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Dizziness, light-headedness, and/or headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Insomnia
- Redness, swelling, and/or pain at the site of injection
- Reduced kidney performance (determined by blood test)
- Vomiting/nausea
Because no two patients are alike, some patients may experience more than one of these side effects. Additionally, a patient may experience a side effect (or side effects), not listed here. If you experience unexpected side effects from zoledronic acid, you should contact your doctor to determine what medical attention should be sought.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your treatment team will discuss with you the possible side effects of zoledronic acid and recommend possible alternatives.
As zoledronic acid addresses hypercalcemia by bringing about a change in a body process, you need to be sure that this change, or the side effects from using zoledronic acid, do not unduly complicate other facets of your cancer treatment. Because zoledronic acid does not treat cancer, per se, but rather treats a symptom presented by several types of cancer, it is best to discuss the matter in detail with your doctor.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer specialists can work with you to determine if zoledronic acid should be considered a viable option in your treatment plan. Discover more about whole-patient treatment and our cancer hospitals today. Contact us at 1-800-615-3055.
CTCA treats many types of cancer. If you would like more information on treatment options available at our cancer hospitals, please contact one of our cancer information specialists at 1-1-800-615-3055 or click here to chat.
