Zometa Dosage

The recommended Zometa dosage for the treatment of high blood calcium due to cancer is 4 mg, taken as a single dose. For the prevention of bone problems in people with cancer, most people start with 4 mg of Zometa every three to four weeks. People with decreased kidney function may need a lower Zometa dose.

 

Zometa Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Zometa® (zoledronic acid) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How well your kidneys are functioning
  • The condition being treated
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your Zometa dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Zometa Dosing for High Blood Calcium

The recommended Zometa dose for treating high blood calcium due to cancer (known medically as hypercalcemia of malignancy) is 4 mg, taken as a single dose. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower Zometa dose if you have decreased kidney function. He or she should check your kidney function (using a simple blood test) before your Zometa dose. If necessary, you may need to be retreated with Zometa if you do not fully respond to the medication (if your blood calcium does not return to normal). In this case, there should be at least seven days between doses.
 

Zometa Dosing for Preventing Bone Problems

Zometa is also used to prevent bone problems (such as broken bones) in people with cancer. For this use, the recommended dose is Zometa 4 mg every three to four weeks. Your healthcare provider should measure your kidney function (using a simple blood test) before each dose and adjust your dose as necessary. People with decreased kidney function need lower Zometa dosages.
 
(Zometa Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;