Note when using Aclasta 5mg to treat osteoporosis

Posted by Pharmacist Duong Thanh Hai - Clinical Pharmacist - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Aclasta 5mg contains the active ingredient zoledronic acid, which is a bisphosphonate derivative, used to treat certain medical conditions affecting the bones. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment, patients need to take the drug exactly as directed by the doctor or pharmacist.

Aclasta 5mg contains the active ingredient zoledronic acid. It is prescribed to treat osteoporosis and prevent bone damage in people with Paget's disease of bone. In addition, zoledronic acid is also used in some cancer patients to reduce bone damage and lower blood calcium levels. The brand name of the drug commonly used in cancer is Zometa.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become brittle and fragile, leading to the risk of fractures and fractures. Normally, old bone tissue is constantly being broken down and replaced with new bone. However, as we age, bones begin to lose their density because the rate of bone resorption is faster than the rate of new bone formation. Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Aclasta 5mg slows down the rate of bone loss by inhibiting cells that cause bone resorption, leading to an increase in bone density.
Aclasta 5mg does not relieve pain from fractures, drugs such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) need to be used to treat pain after fracture.

In addition to the question of how much Aclasta osteoporosis drug costs, many people are also interested in how to use Aclasta 5mg. Accordingly, the drug is administered by slow infusion into a vein. The infusion time is at least 15 minutes or so. The number of doses to be injected will depend on the reason for use. To treat osteoporosis, the drug is given once a year and will continue for at least 3 years or longer until a response to the medication is achieved. It should be noted that the drug should only be used and supervised by an experienced doctor.

Aclasta anti-osteoporosis should not be used in the following conditions:
Having hypocalcemia (blood calcium levels are too low) Severe kidney disease. Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

As with any medication, there are potential side effects with zoledronic acid. It is important to remember that most people will not experience side effects, and not all of the symptoms listed on the patient medication leaflet are necessarily caused by the medication.
Patients may experience some side effects when using the drug as follows:
Fever, chills, pain in muscles or joints and headache, "flu-like symptoms", common in about 1/ 3 people take the first dose. These symptoms should go away after a few days, sometimes the doctor can add a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce these side effects. This side effect will subside gradually. with subsequent doses
A small increase in cases of atrial fibrillation (a rapid, irregular heartbeat) has been observed in some studies and has not been clearly identified as being related to treatment In general, the benefits of bisphosphonates outweigh this risk, but if you have other risk factors for atrial fibrillation, talk to your doctor.
Inflammation in the eye (uveitis and episcleritis) causes eye pain or vision disturbances that may occur infrequently (occurring in less than 1 out of 100 users. i see a specialist.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious but extremely rare side effect in patients taking the drug. They are often associated with delayed healing in the mouth following invasive dental procedures. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are very important. It is important to inform your dentist that you have been given zoledronic acid, as some dental treatments may not be suitable for someone taking it.
Increased risk of femur fracture is an unusual and very rare side effect that can be encountered in patients using the drug for a long time. See a doctor immediately if you have a dull ache or pain in your thigh, groin, or hip.

When using drugs to treat osteoporosis, adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation is extremely important. Your doctor may order a blood test to check your kidney function and calcium and vitamin D levels before taking the medicine. Patients should make sure to drink enough fluids, usually at least 1-2 cups of water before and after the infusion. Drinking more water helps you urinate more often and prevents kidney problems.
Aclasta 5mg has the same active ingredient as Zometa commonly used in cancer indications. Therefore, patients being treated with Zometa should not take Aclasta to avoid overdose.
As with any medicine, tell your pharmacist or doctor about the medicines you are taking, to make sure they are safe to take together. Patients should always read the printed information leaflet that comes with the medicine and if in doubt, ask the pharmacist for full advice.