Zometa

Zometa is a medication that is used for treating high blood calcium levels due to cancer and preventing broken bones due to multiple myeloma or solid tumor cancers that have spread to the bone. The drug, which is available by prescription, is administered through an IV by a healthcare provider. Most people tolerate Zometa well, but potential side effects may include nausea, fever, and fatigue.

 

What Is Zometa?

Zometa® (zoledronic acid) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. It is used to treat the following conditions:
 
  • High blood calcium levels due to cancer (known medically as hypercalcemia of malignancy)
  • Multiple myeloma or solid tumor cancers that have spread to the bone (to help prevent or delay broken bones or other bone damage).
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(Click Zometa Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Zometa?

Zometa is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Zometa Work?

Zometa belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are most commonly used to treat osteoporosis, but some can be used to treat other conditions. Zometa works to prevent or delay broken bones (fractures) or other bone damage by slowing the destruction that occurs with cancer and by fighting the abnormal cells that cause bone to wear away.
 
When cancer causes bone destruction, large amounts of calcium are released into the bloodstream, leading to high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). This can be very dangerous. By slowing down the breakdown of bone, Zometa helps to treat high calcium levels caused by cancer.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;