Zometa Uses

Zometa is used for treating high blood calcium levels due to cancer. It can also be used to prevent broken bones or other bone damage caused by solid tumor cancers that have spread to the bone or multiple myeloma. Off-label Zometa uses may also include the treatment of osteoporosis. The medication is not approved for use in children.

 

Zometa Uses: An Overview

Zometa® (zoledronic acid) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:
 
  • To prevent or delay broken bones or other bone damage due to multiple myeloma or solid tumor cancers that have spread to the bone
  • To treat high blood calcium levels due to cancer (known medically as hypercalcemia of malignancy).
     

Zometa for Preventing Bone Damage

Cancer can affect the bones. Cancer from other parts of the body can spread to the bones, or cancer can start in the bones (such as with multiple myeloma). Either way, cancer can wear away the bone, leading to pain, broken bones, and the need for bone surgery or radiation. If the spinal bones are affected, this can lead to pressure on the spine, causing pain, unusual sensations, loss of bowel or bladder control, or even paralysis.
 
Zometa is approved to help prevent or delay bone damage due to solid tumor cancers (such as breast, prostate, or lung cancer, among many others) that have spread to the bone. These are known as cancers with bone metastases. The drug is also approved to prevent or delay bone damage due to multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is important to understand that Zometa is not a chemotherapy medication; it should always be used along with appropriate cancer treatment.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;