Can zoledronic acid help treat osteoporosis?
ANSWER
Zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) is a once-yearly 15-minute infusion you get through a vein. It is a bisphosphonate that can increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine, wrist, arm, leg, or rib. The most common side effects include bone pain, nausea, and vomiting. People whose kidneys don’t work very well should avoid it or use it with caution.
Reviewed by David Zelman on May 28, 2019
SOURCES:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases:"The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases -- National Resource Center."
National Osteoporosis Association: "Osteoporosis: The Bone Thief."
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: "Osteoporosis."
MayoClinic.com: "Bone density test: Measure your risk of osteoporosis."
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Osteoporosis: Peak Bone Mass in Women."
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: "Screening for Osteoporosis."
National Osteoporosis Foundation: "Facts on Osteoporosis."
News release, FDA.
SOURCES:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases:"The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases -- National Resource Center."
National Osteoporosis Association: "Osteoporosis: The Bone Thief."
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: "Osteoporosis."
MayoClinic.com: "Bone density test: Measure your risk of osteoporosis."
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Osteoporosis: Peak Bone Mass in Women."
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: "Screening for Osteoporosis."
National Osteoporosis Foundation: "Facts on Osteoporosis."
News release, FDA.
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