Zoledronic acid benefit for osteoporosis and Zoledronic acid side effects

Zoledronic acid is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood that may be caused by certain types of cancer. Zoledronic acid goes by the brand names Zometa and Reclast, Zoledronic acid is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by slowing bone breakdown and decreasing the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood.

Once a year Zoledronic acid treatment
Zoledronic acid is being tested for the treatment of osteoporosis, given once a year by intravenous method. A once-a-year infusion of zoledronate, can reduce the risk of fractures of the spine and hip in postmenopausal women with brittle bones due to osteoporosis.

Zalendronic acid study in NEJM
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 1065 patients were assigned to receive yearly intravenous zoledronic acid (at a dose of 5 mg), and 1062 patients were assigned to receive placebo. The infusions were first administered within 90 days after surgical repair of a hip fracture. All patients (mean age, 74 years) received supplemental vitamin D and calcium. The median follow-up was 2 years. The findings: An annual infusion of zoledronic acid within 90 days after repair of a low-trauma hip fracture was associated with a reduction in the rate of new clinical fractures and improved survival.
   Comments: It would be helpful to know what the outcome would be in a 2, 3 or more year followup or whether this approach is better or safer than the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with exercise.

Zoledronic acid side effects
Osteonecrosis has been associated with the use of bisphosphonates. Side effects of intravenous zoledronic acid could include heart rhythm abnormalities. In one study, serious atrial fibrillation -- in which the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly but weakly -- affected significantly more patients in the zoledronate group compared with the placebo group.

For more information on pharmaceutical drugs.