Zometa (zoledronic acid) is a prescription drug used to treat certain cancers and related problems. Zometa can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include nausea and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Specifically, Zometa is used in adults to treat:

The active ingredient in Zometa is zoledronic acid. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes as a liquid solution for intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time).

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Zometa can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Zometa treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

Mild side effects have been reported with Zometa. These include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Zometa treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Zometa may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction from Zometa is possible. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies but has been reported since the drug became available.

Serious side effects have been reported with Zometa. These include:

If you develop serious side effects during Zometa treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after receiving Zometa. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies but has been reported since the drug became available.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Zometa, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Zometa’s side effects.

Does Zometa cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time during treatment with a drug, even if you’ve been receiving it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away even after you stop treatment with the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported in Zometa’s studies include:

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible long-term side effects of Zometa.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

How long do side effects of Zometa usually last?

Studies of Zometa haven’t reported the length of time that every side effect may last. For many drugs, side effects are usually temporary. Most will go away soon after you start or stop treatment with the drug.

With Zometa, you may have certain symptoms that begin shortly after receiving an infusion.* These symptoms usually ease within a few days. Examples include:

  • fever or chills
  • fatigue (low energy)
  • joint, bone, or muscle pain
  • discoloration or swelling around the area where Zometa is injected

If you’re having bothersome or long lasting side effects during Zometa treatment, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on ways to ease your symptoms.

* Zometa comes as a liquid solution for intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time).

Learn more about some of the side effects Zometa may cause.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw wasn’t reported as a side effect in studies of Zometa. But this side effect has been reported since Zometa became available for use. Specifically, it’s been reported by people receiving Zometa to treat certain cancers.

With osteonecrosis of the jaw, reduced blood flow to your jaw causes damage to your jaw bone. This may cause symptoms such as:

  • discomfort or pain in your jaw
  • loose teeth
  • mouth sores

Several factors can increase the risk of this side effect. Examples include:

What might help

If you have symptoms of this side effect during Zometa treatment, tell your doctor right away. They may advise you to visit a dentist.

Your doctor may advise you to visit a dentist before starting Zometa treatment. While you’re receiving the drug, it’s important to practice thorough mouth hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Be sure to also tell your doctor about any planned dental procedures. They can tell you whether it’s safe to continue Zometa treatment around the time of these procedures.

Low blood levels of certain electrolytes

Low blood levels of certain electrolytes were reported in studies of Zometa. Low blood levels of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium were more common, while low blood potassium was less common.

You may not have any symptoms of low electrolyte levels unless they’re severely low. Symptoms of severely low electrolytes can include:

What might help

Your doctor may order frequent blood tests to check your electrolyte levels during Zometa treatment. If you have symptoms of low electrolyte levels, tell your doctor right away. If your levels are low, your doctor may prescribe treatments to increase them. They can also tell you whether it’s safe to continue Zometa treatment.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Zometa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies but has been reported since Zometa came on the market. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin (usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Zometa, they’ll decide whether you should continue treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Zometa, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Zometa treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were receiving when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Zometa affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below is important information you should consider before starting Zometa treatment.

Warnings

Zometa can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Zometa. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

  • dehydration (low fluid level)
  • kidney problems, such as kidney failure
  • asthma that’s triggered by aspirin
  • low blood calcium level
  • upcoming dental surgery or other serious dental procedures
  • past allergic reaction to Zometa
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Alcohol and Zometa

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Zometa. But drinking alcohol during Zometa treatment could worsen some of the drug’s side effects. Examples include nausea, dizziness, and headache.

If you have questions about consuming alcohol during Zometa treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Zometa

Zometa is usually prescribed for someone who’s pregnant or breastfeeding only if the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks for the person, fetus, or child.

Pregnancy

Zometa treatment is not safe during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend using a form of birth control during your Zometa treatment. You may also need to continue taking birth control after your treatment ends. Your doctor will advise you on the length of time to use birth control.

Breastfeeding

Zometa is not safe to receive while breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid breastfeeding during and after your Zometa treatment. They’ll advise you on the length of time to avoid breastfeeding.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.

Like most drugs, Zometa can cause a number of side effects that range from mild to serious. But most are temporary and go away after a few days to weeks. If you have questions about side effects Zometa can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help get you started include:

  • Could other medications I take increase my risk of side effects from Zometa?
  • Do I have any health conditions that increase my risk of side effects from Zometa?
  • How do Zometa’s side effects compare with other drugs that could be prescribed for my condition?

To learn more about Zometa, see this article.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.