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What Are the Functions of Zometa?

Zometa is a medication that is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood, which is caused by certain types of cancers. It also treats bone metastases from solid tumors, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and multiple myeloma. Zometa is also called zoledronic acid or zoledronate, and belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It inhibits the release of calcium from the bones.

  1. Cancers

    • Zometa is used to help treat metastatic bone disease, which is cancer that develops in an organ and spreads to the bones. Bone metastases can result in elevated levels of calcium in the blood. This can cause hypercalcemia of malignancy, which can interfere with bone growth, muscle development, the release of hormones and brain function. It can also be caused by cancers of the blood such as multiple myeloma. Tumors can produce a protein that stimulates the release of calcium in the bones. Zometa can help to halt the release of that protein.

    Injection

    • Zometa is given as an injection through an IV. It can take 15 minutes for it to be fully administered. According to Drugs.com, depending on your doctor's orders, it may only be given once a year. Drugs.com suggests drinking two glasses of water a few hours prior to treatment to avoid dehydration. Drugs.com says that your doctor may suggest you take vitamin D or calcium supplements if you take Zometa, to keep the levels of calcium in your body balanced. Following Zometa treatments, your kidney functions may need to be tested and regular blood tests will be administered.

    Side Effects

    • As with any medication, there are possible side and adverse effects involved when taking Zometa. Less serious side effects may be; coughing, nausea, loss of appetite, joint or muscle pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, feeling tired and redness or swelling at the injection site. According to Drugs.com, if you experience any of these potentially serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately; fever, chills, infrequent urination, wheezing, pale skin, chest tightness, muscle spasms, numbness around the mouth or severe joint or muscle pain.

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