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Zoledronic acid (Cancer)

Q: What Precautions Should I Take When Taking Or Using This Medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication. You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. You have any other medical conditions. You are going to receive any vaccination or surgery, including dental surgery. You should not breastfeed during treatment. You should not become pregnant during treatment and for at least 12 months after stopping after stopping Zoledronic acid. You should use an effective birth control method during treatment. If you have a partner who could become pregnant, you should use an effective birth control method during treatment.

Zoledronic acid is used to treat high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer. It may also be used to reduce the risk of bone fracture or bone pain related to your cancer.

Article last reviewed 18 August 2026
9 mins read

What is this medication for?

Zoledronic acid is used to treat high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer. It may also be used to reduce the risk of bone fracture or bone pain related to your cancer.

How should I take or use this medication?

Zoledronic acid is injected into the vein as an infusion over at least 15 minutes.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have any other medical conditions.
- You are going to receive any vaccination or surgery, including dental surgery.
You should not breastfeed during treatment.
You should not become pregnant during treatment and for at least 12 months after stopping after stopping Zoledronic acid. You should use an effective birth control method during treatment.
If you have a partner who could become pregnant, you should use an effective birth control method during treatment.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

The table below will list some of the common side effects as well as the rare but serious side effects.

Side Effect	Management
Symptoms of drug allergy including one or more of the following: Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue Difficulty in breathing Itchy skin rashes over your whole body	If you experience any of these symptoms, you should proceed to the A&E department immediately.
Nausea or vomiting	Take small and frequent meals. Avoid foods or smells that may make you feel nauseous, such as oily, fried, or strong-smelling food. Avoid tight-fitting clothes around the waist. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve or prevent nausea or vomiting. Take these as instructed.
Flu-like symptoms e.g. mild fever, chills, headaches, muscle and joint aches. These usually go away in a few days after treatment.	This usually resolves within a few days. You may take Paracetamol to help with the symptoms. Inform your doctor if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Kidney problems	Regular blood tests will be needed to monitor your kidney function Ensure that you drink plenty of fluids as advised by your doctor Check with your doctor on how much you should drink if you have heart problems. Proceed to the A&E department immediately if: You are not able to pass urine or passing a lot lesser urine than usual You have sudden swelling of the feet or lower legs
Osteonecrosis of the jaw A condition where bone cells in your jaw dies, causing a breakdown of the bone Symptoms include jaw pain, loose teeth or mouth sores that do not go away	Before receiving treatment, inform your doctor if you have problems with your teeth or gums. You may need to see a dentist before starting treatment. Maintain good oral hygiene while on treatment. Inform your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience the symptoms described.
New or unusual pain in groin, hip or thigh	Inform your doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.
Decreased level of calcium in the blood Calcium is a type of electrolyte (mineral) needed by the body. If your calcium level is too low, you may experience symptoms such as: Muscle cramps Numbness or tingling in hands and feet, Numbness around the mouth Abnormal heart rhythms Seizures (in rare cases)	You may need to do blood tests to check the calcium levels in your blood and take supplements if required. Seek medical attention if any of the symptoms become severe.
Muscle aches and/or joint pain	Mild pain can be relieved by taking Paracetamol. Inform your doctor if the pain does not get better. Do not take Paracetamol if you are having a fever at the same time. Taking regular warm baths may help.
Headaches	Mild pain can be relieved by taking Paracetamol. Do not take Paracetamol if you are having a fever at the same time. Inform your doctor if your headaches do not get better, or if you are also vomiting, experiencing confusion or visual changes
Feeling tired or lack of energy	Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Eat well and get enough sleep. Prioritize tasks to ensure you make the best use of your energy. Simple exercise such as walking can help to boost your energy. Avoid alcohol as this may cause you to feel more tired and drowsy.

What else should I know about this medication?

Tips to help manage your condition while you are on Zoledronic acid

Exercise	Light exercise is recommended as it helps to improve mobility, balance, and even emotional well-being. Avoid strenuous exercise, and rest when you are feeling tired.
Adequate hydration	Maintain adequate hydration with 2 to 3 litres of fluids per day unless you have been informed by your doctor to limit how much fluids you can drink. This will decrease your chances of getting constipation and prevent dehydration.
Medical and dental treatment	If you need to go to the hospital for any reason other than cancer, always inform the doctors and nurses that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. Talk to your cancer doctor if you think you need dental treatment. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment.
Seek support if you feel overwhelmed	It is normal to feel fearful or worried about your condition. Do not be afraid to talk about your concerns with your healthcare team or loved ones. There may be resources and support available to help you.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.