ZOMETA is a treatment to reduce and delay bone complications due to multiple myeloma and bone metastases from solid tumors. ZOMETA is not an anti-cancer therapy.

ZOMETA is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects you may experience with ZOMETA therapy are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, headache, fever, shortness of breath, anemia, constipation, or lack of appetite. These side effects with ZOMETA were usually mild and transient. Your doctor may recommend a mild pain reliever to make you more comfortable.

In some cases, ZOMETA and other bisphosphonates have been known to cause kidney damage. Prior to each infusion, your doctor will routinely do blood tests to monitor your kidney function. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may decide that you need a lower dose of ZOMETA, or that ZOMETA should not be given. Patients with severe kidney problems should not receive ZOMETA.

If you are pregnant, you should not receive ZOMETA because of the potential harm to the unborn child. While on ZOMETA therapy, you should avoid becoming pregnant.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported mostly in cancer patients receiving treatments, including intravenous bisphosphonates, chemotherapy, and/or corticosteroids. The majority of reported cases have been associated with dental procedures such as tooth extraction. You should maintain good oral hygiene and should have a dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry prior to treatment with bisphosphonates. While on treatment, you should avoid invasive dental procedures if possible. No data are available as to whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy reduces the risk of ONJ in patients requiring dental procedures. A connection between the use of bisphosphonates and ONJ has not been established. Based on your condition, your doctor will determine the treatment plan you will receive.

In postmarketing experience, severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported infrequently in patients taking bisphosphonates.

ZOMETA contains the same active ingredient as found in Reclast® (zoledronic acid). If you are treated with ZOMETA, you should not be treated with Reclast.

You should take an oral calcium supplement of 500 mg and a multiple vitamin containing 400 IU of vitamin D daily.

It is important to keep up with your fluid intake while on ZOMETA therapy. Signs and symptoms of low fluid intake include thirst, sagging skin, low urine output, and dry mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids.

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