Post Tags
Helpful Links
- ADI of Iowa
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Blue Zones
- Bone Density / Vertebral Fracture Assessment
- Cedar Valley Bone Health Institute of Iowa
- CVBoneHealth
- International Osteoporosis Foundation
- International Society for Clinical Densitometry
- National Osteoporosis Foundation
- Own the Bone
- USDA Listing of Nutrients in Food
Pharmaceutical Industry Websites
Pharmaceutical Industry Websites
Archives
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- June 2019
- February 2019
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- July 2016
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
Reclast and Zometa are both Zolendronate, a bisphosphonate antiresorptive. Because they are given as a shot into a vein (IV) they have no heartburn, GERD, esophagus or stomach issues. This makes Zolendronate an antiresorptive which can be used if you have GERD.
Reclast is used for Osteoporosis treatment. Reclast is given once a year. Zometa is used in cancer patients in higher total doses twice a year, especially those whose cancer has spread to bone as metastatic cancer.
Reclast is given once every year. It is 12 times as much drug as a monthly dose. Zometa is 10 times as much drug as a monthly dose and given twice a year. These higher doses mean that you must have normal kidney function for these drugs to be safe. Reclast requires a GFR of at least 35. Zometa requires a higher GFR. As long as your kidneys are functioning at least this well, the drugs are safe. Many individuals over 80 and some who are younger no longer have kidney function this good.
Reclast has been used in a few patients with rare cases of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and Atypical Fractures of the Femur. Zometa is a higher dose and used in patients more likely to have these problems. Therefore Zometa has been used in the most patients with these problems. Even so, there is not yet any conclusive evidence that Reclast, Zometa, or any other Antiresorptive or Bisphosphonate, causes these conditions.
Reclast/Zometa (Zolendronate) is a Bisphosphonate and has the same safety and effectiveness issues as others in this class except for the GI issues. Read about these issues in the sections about Antiresorptives, Bisphosphonates, and IV Bisphosphonates.
Jay Ginther, MD
2008 / Revised May 2011
r u taking funds from novartis. first u can not write an infusion as shot.and becareful what u suggest people when u have a title of dr.
I do not receive any money or other compensation from Novartis.
I am attempting to provide easily understood information to those who seek it.
I hope it is clear that each person needs to weigh the risks and benefits of their own personal situation and discuss it with their own physician.
I make no recommendations about therapy except to my own patients.
Currently about half of my patients are being treated without any pharmaceuticals.
They do get enough calcium and vitamin D and will be rechecked.
Jay Ginther, MD
is there a maximum number of doses you can have the reclast? I was told once a year for five years, but I don’t know what would happen after that?
Reclast is a bisphosphonate (like Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, and their generics) and builds up in the bone
After 3-5 years of Reclast there should be enough built up to go on “Holiday” for 2-5 years – you should be checked regularly to determine how long you as an individual can go before more medication is needed
There are no fixed guidelines because everyone is a little different