Skip to content
Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

ZOLEDRONIC ACID: 33,624 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Prostate Health & Male Vitality — Naturally

ProstaVive: better flow, better sleep, better energy. 180-day guarantee.

Learn More
33,624
Total FAERS Reports
5,240 (15.6%)
Deaths Reported
8,346
Hospitalizations
33,624
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
1,150
Life-Threatening
1,939
Disabilities
Apr 16, 2007
FDA Approved
Mylan Institutional LLC
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Bisphosphonate [EPC] · Route: INTRAVENOUS · Manufacturer: Mylan Institutional LLC · FDA Application: 021223 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: Feb 5, 2028 · First Report: 1993 · Latest Report: 20250923

What Are the Most Common ZOLEDRONIC ACID Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Osteonecrosis of jaw
5,500 reports (16.4%)
#2 Most Reported
Death
3,053 reports (9.1%)
#3 Most Reported
Pain
2,925 reports (8.7%)

All ZOLEDRONIC ACID Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Osteonecrosis of jaw 5,500 16.4% 216 1,278
Death 3,053 9.1% 3,046 212
Pain 2,925 8.7% 143 781
Arthralgia 2,541 7.6% 262 543
Pyrexia 2,455 7.3% 305 952
Fatigue 2,219 6.6% 322 487
Nausea 1,962 5.8% 286 596
Malaise 1,834 5.5% 310 586
Headache 1,739 5.2% 235 376
Asthenia 1,582 4.7% 332 461
Vomiting 1,538 4.6% 279 612
Diarrhoea 1,530 4.6% 306 458
Fall 1,492 4.4% 310 487
Pain in extremity 1,490 4.4% 54 363
Bone pain 1,364 4.1% 67 299
Myalgia 1,363 4.1% 205 329
Dyspnoea 1,340 4.0% 387 508
Malignant neoplasm progression 1,327 4.0% 315 273
Back pain 1,244 3.7% 74 354
Dizziness 1,235 3.7% 261 326

Who Reports ZOLEDRONIC ACID Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 76.1% female, 23.9% male. Average age: 65.9 years. Most reports from: COUNTRY NOT SPECIFIED. View detailed demographics →

Is ZOLEDRONIC ACID Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 15 1 11
2001 8 2 5
2002 24 8 9
2003 34 6 15
2004 33 4 13
2005 66 5 24
2006 72 7 33
2007 101 17 34
2008 119 13 57
2009 120 21 48
2010 209 33 81
2011 325 35 125
2012 435 41 165
2013 695 75 214
2014 1,607 229 522
2015 1,639 300 469
2016 1,338 231 385
2017 1,510 236 546
2018 1,663 255 601
2019 1,535 218 505
2020 1,195 164 378
2021 1,074 166 306
2022 1,048 152 318
2023 1,008 112 316
2024 878 73 296
2025 484 15 118

View full timeline →

What Is ZOLEDRONIC ACID Used For?

IndicationReports
Osteoporosis 9,860
Product used for unknown indication 9,388
Metastases to bone 3,177
Breast cancer 1,554
Plasma cell myeloma 1,406
Breast cancer metastatic 1,225
Prostate cancer 555
Hypercalcaemia 413
Prostate cancer metastatic 410
Osteopenia 378

ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOLMITRIPTAN ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOLOFT ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOLPIDEM ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOLPIDEM\ZOLPIDEM ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOMETA ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZONISAMIDE ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOPICLONE ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZOTEPINE ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZUCLOPENTHIXOL ZOLEDRONIC ACID vs ZUCLOPENTHIXOL DECANOATE

Other Drugs in Same Class: Bisphosphonate [EPC]

Official FDA Label for ZOLEDRONIC ACID

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Zoledronic acid injection contains zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonic acid which is an inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption. Zoledronic acid is designated chemically as (1-Hydroxy-2-imidazol-1-yl-phosphonoethyl) phosphonic acid monohydrate and its structural formula is: Zoledronic acid monohydrate is a white to off white crystalline powder. Its molecular formula is C 5 H 10 N 2 O 7 P 2

  • H 2 O and its molar mass is 290.1 g/mol. Zoledronic acid is highly soluble in 0.1N sodium hydroxide solution, sparingly soluble in water and 0.1N hydrochloric acid, and practically insoluble in organic solvents. The pH of a 0.7% solution of zoledronic acid in water is approximately 2.0. Zoledronic acid injection is available in 5 mL vials as a sterile clear, colorless liquid solution for dilution prior to intravenous infusion.

Each

5 mL solution for dilution prior to intravenous infusion vial contains 4.264 mg zoledronic acid monohydrate, corresponding to 4 mg zoledronic acid on an anhydrous basis, 220 mg of mannitol, USP, water for injection, and 24 mg of sodium citrate, USP.

Inactive

Ingredients: Mannitol USP, water for injection, and sodium citrate USP, as buffering agent.

Zoledronic Acid Monohydrate Chemical

Structure

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Zoledronic acid injection is a bisphosphonate indicated for:

  • Treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis ( 1.1 , 1.2 )
  • Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis ( 1.3 )
  • Treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis ( 1.4 )
  • Treatment of Paget’s disease of bone in men and women ( 1.5 ) Limitations of Use Optimal duration of use has not been determined. For patients at low-risk for fracture, consider drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use ( 1.6 )

1.1 Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women Zoledronic acid injection is indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, diagnosed by bone mineral density (BMD) or prevalent vertebral fracture, zoledronic acid injection reduces the incidence of fractures (hip, vertebral and non-vertebral osteoporosis-related fractures). In patients at high risk of fracture, defined as a recent low-trauma hip fracture, zoledronic acid injection reduces the incidence of new clinical fractures [ see Clinical Studies (14.1) ].

1.2 Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women Zoledronic acid injection is indicated for prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women [ see Clinical Studies (14.2) ].

1.3 Osteoporosis in Men Zoledronic acid injection is indicated for treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis [ see Clinical Studies (14.3) ].

1.4 Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Zoledronic acid injection is indicated for the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women who are either initiating or continuing systemic glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and who are expected to remain on glucocorticoids for at least 12 months [ see Clinical Studies (14.4) ].

1.5 Paget's Disease of Bone Zoledronic acid injection is indicated for treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women. Treatment is indicated in patients with Paget’s disease of bone with elevations in serum alkaline phosphatase of two times or higher than the upper limit of the age-specific normal reference range, or those who are symptomatic, or those at risk for complications from their disease [ see Clinical Studies (14.5) ].

1.6 Important Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of zoledronic acid injection for the treatment of osteoporosis is based on clinical data of three years duration. The optimal duration of use has not been determined. All patients on bisphosphonate therapy should have the need for continued therapy re-evaluated on a periodic basis. Patients at low-risk for fracture should be considered for drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. Patients who discontinue therapy should have their risk for fracture re-evaluated periodically.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit . Hypercalcemia of malignancy ( 2.1 ) 4 mg as a single-use intravenous infusion over no less than 15 minutes. 4 mg as retreatment after a minimum of 7 days Multiple myeloma and bone metastasis from solid tumors. ( 2.2 ) 4 mg as a single-use intravenous infusion over no less than 15 minutes every 3 to 4 weeks for patients with creatinine clearance of greater than 60 mL/min. Reduce the dose for patients with renal impairment. Coadminister oral calcium supplements of 500 mg and a multiple vitamin containing 400 international units of vitamin D daily. Administer through a separate vented infusion line and do not allow to come in contact with any calcium or divalent cation-containing solutions. ( 2.3 )

2.1 Hypercalcemia of Malignancy The maximum recommended dose of zoledronic acid injection in hypercalcemia of malignancy (albumin-corrected serum calcium greater than or equal to 12 mg/dL [3 mmol/L]) is 4 mg.

The

4 mg dose must be given as a single-dose intravenous infusion over no less than 15 minutes . Patients who receive zoledronic acid injection should have serum creatinine assessed prior to each treatment. Dose adjustments of zoledronic acid injection are not necessary in treating patients for hypercalcemia of malignancy presenting with mild-to-moderate renal impairment prior to initiation of therapy (serum creatinine less than 400 µmol/L or less than 4.5 mg/dL). Patients should be adequately rehydrated prior to administration of zoledronic acid injection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Consideration should be given to the severity of, as well as the symptoms of, tumor-induced hypercalcemia when considering use of zoledronic acid injection. Vigorous saline hydration, an integral part of hypercalcemia therapy, should be initiated promptly and an attempt should be made to restore the urine output to about 2 L/day throughout treatment. Mild or asymptomatic hypercalcemia may be treated with conservative measures (i.e., saline hydration, with or without loop diuretics). Patients should be hydrated adequately throughout the treatment, but overhydration, especially in those patients who have cardiac failure, must be avoided. Diuretic therapy should not be employed prior to correction of hypovolemia. Retreatment with zoledronic acid injection 4 mg may be considered if serum calcium does not return to normal or remain normal after initial treatment. It is recommended that a minimum of 7 days elapse before retreatment, to allow for full response to the initial dose. Renal function must be carefully monitored in all patients receiving zoledronic acid injection and serum creatinine must be assessed prior to retreatment with zoledronic acid injection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. 2.2.

Multiple

Myeloma and Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors The recommended dose of zoledronic acid injection in patients with multiple myeloma and metastatic bone lesions from solid tumors for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) greater than 60 mL/min is 4 mg infused over no less than 15 minutes every 3 to 4 weeks. The optimal duration of therapy is not known. Upon treatment initiation, the recommended zoledronic acid injection doses for patients with reduced renal function (mild and moderate renal impairment) are listed in Table 1. These doses are calculated to achieve the same area under the curve (AUC) as that achieved in patients with creatinine clearance of 75 mL/min. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) is calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].

Table

1: Reduced Doses for Patients with Baseline CrCl less than or Equal to 60 mL/min Baseline Creatinine Clearance (mL/min)

Zoledronic Acid Injection Recommended

Dose* greater than 60 4 mg 50 to 60 3.5 mg 40 to 49 3.3 mg 30 to 39 3 mg *Doses calculated assuming target AUC of 0.66(mg•hr/L) (CrCl = 75 mL/min) During treatment, serum creatinine should be measured before each zoledronic acid injection dose and treatment should be withheld for renal deterioration. In the clinical studies, renal deterioration was defined as follows: For patients with normal baseline creatinine, increase of 0.5 mg/dL For patients with abnormal baseline creatinine, increase of 1 mg/dL In the clinical studies, zoledronic acid injection treatment was resumed only when the creatinine returned to within 10% of the baseline value. Zoledronic acid injection should be reinitiated at the same dose as that prior to treatment interruption. Patients should also be administered an oral calcium supplement of 500 mg and a multiple vitamin containing 400 international units of vitamin D daily. 2.3. Preparation of Solution Zoledronic acid injection must not be mixed with calcium or other divalent cation-containing infusion solutions, such as Lactated Ringer’s solution, and should be administered as a single intravenous solution in a line separate from all other drugs. 4 mg per 100 mL Single-Use Ready-to-Use Bottle Bottles of zoledronic acid injection ready-to-use solution for infusion contain overfill allowing for the administration of 100 mL of solution (equivalent to 4 mg zoledronic acid). This solution is ready-to-use and may be administered directly to the patient without further preparation. For single-use only. To prepare reduced doses for patients with baseline CrCl less than or equal to 60 mL/min, withdraw the specified volume of the zoledronic acid injection solution from the bottle (see Table 2) and replace with an equal volume of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Administer the newly-prepared dose-adjusted solution to the patient by infusion. Follow proper aseptic technique. Properly discard previously withdrawn volume of ready-to-use solution - do not store or reuse.

Table

2: Preparation of Reduced Doses – Zoledronic Acid Injection ready-to-use-bottle Remove and discard the following Zoledronic acid injection ready-to-use solution (mL) Replace with the following volume of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (mL) Dose (mg) 12 12 3.5 18 18 3.3 25 25 3 If not used immediately after dilution with infusion media, for microbiological integrity, the solution should be refrigerated at 2°C - 8°C (36°F - 46°F). The refrigerated solution should then be equilibrated to room temperature prior to administration. The total time between dilution, storage in the refrigerator, and end of administration must not exceed 24 hours. 2.4. Method of Administration Due to the risk of clinically significant deterioration in renal function, which may progress to renal failure, single doses of zoledronic acid injection should not exceed 4 mg and the duration of infusion should be no less than 15 minutes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] . In the trials and in postmarketing experience, renal deterioration, progression to renal failure and dialysis, have occurred in patients, including those treated with the approved dose of 4 mg infused over 15 minutes. There have been instances of this occurring after the initial zoledronic acid injection dose.

Contraindications

Zoledronic acid injection is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

  • Hypocalcemia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]
  • Creatinine clearance less than 35 mL/min and in those with evidence of acute renal impairment due to an increased risk of renal failure [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ].
  • Known hypersensitivity to zoledronic acid or any components of zoledronic acid injection. Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylactic reaction/shock have been reported [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ].
  • Hypocalcemia ( 4 )
  • Patients with creatinine clearance less than 35 mL/min and in those with evidence of acute renal impairment ( 4 , 5.3 )
  • Hypersensitivity to any component of zoledronic acid injection ( 4 , 6.2 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (greater than 10%) were pyrexia, myalgia, headache, arthralgia, pain in extremity ( 6.1 ). Other important adverse reactions were flu-like illness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea ( 6.2 ), and eye inflammation ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fosun Pharma USA Inc. at 1-866-611-3762 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women The safety of zoledronic acid injection in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in Study 1, a large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study of 7736 postmenopausal women aged 65 to 89 years with osteoporosis, diagnosed by bone mineral density or the presence of a prevalent vertebral fracture. The duration of the trial was three years with 3862 patients exposed to zoledronic acid injection and 3852 patients exposed to placebo administered once annually as a single 5 mg dose in 100 mL solution infused over at least 15 minutes, for a total of three doses. All women received 1000 to 1500 mg of elemental calcium plus 400 to 1200 international units of vitamin D supplementation per day. The incidence of all-cause mortality was similar between groups: 3.4% in the zoledronic acid injection group and 2.9% in the placebo group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 29.2% in the zoledronic acid injection group and 30.1% in the placebo group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 5.4% and 4.8% for the zoledronic acid injection and placebo groups, respectively. The safety of zoledronic acid injection in the treatment of osteoporosis patients with a recent (within 90 days) low-trauma hip fracture was assessed in Study 2, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational endpoint-driven study of 2127 men and women aged 50 to 95 years; 1065 patients were randomized to zoledronic acid injection and 1062 patients were randomized to placebo. Zoledronic acid injection was administered once annually as a single 5 mg dose in 100 mL solution infused over at least 15 minutes. The study continued until at least 211 patients had a confirmed clinical fracture in the study population who were followed for an average of approximately 2 years on study drug. Vitamin D levels were not routinely measured but a loading dose of vitamin D (50,000 to 125,000 international units orally or IM) was given to patients and they were started on 1000 to 1500 mg of elemental calcium plus 800 to 1200 international units of vitamin D supplementation per day for at least 14 days prior to the study drug infusions. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 9.6% in the zoledronic acid injection group and 13.3% in the placebo group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 38.3% in the zoledronic acid injection group and 41.3% in the placebo group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 5.3% and 4.7% for the zoledronic acid injection and placebo groups, respectively. Adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients with osteoporosis and more frequently in the zoledronic acid injection-treated patients than placebo-treated patients in either osteoporosis trial are shown below in Table 1.

Table

1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in greater than or equal to 2.0% of Patients with Osteoporosis and More Frequently than in Placebo-Treated Patients System Organ Class Study 1 Study 2 5 mg IV zoledronic acid injection once per year % (N = 3862) Placebo once per year % (N = 3852) 5 mg IV zoledronic acid injection once per year % (N = 1054) Placebo once per year % (N = 1057) Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders Anemia 4.4 3.6 5.3

5.2 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Dehydration 0.6 0.6 2.5

2.3 Anorexia 2.0 1.1 1.0

1.0 Nervous System Disorders Headache 12.4 8.1 3.9

2.5 Dizziness 7.6 6.7 2.0

4.0 Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Vertigo 4.3 4.0 1.3

1.7 Cardiac Disorders Atrial Fibrillation 2.4 1.9 2.8

2.6 Vascular Disorders Hypertension 12.7 12.4 6.8

5.4 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 8.5 5.2 4.5

4.5 Diarrhea 6.0 5.6 5.2

4.7 Vomiting 4.6 3.2 3.4

3.4 Abdominal Pain Upper 4.6 3.1 0.9

1.5 Dyspepsia 4.3 4.0 1.7

1.6 Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders Arthralgia 23.8 20.4 17.9

18.3 Myalgia 11.7 3.7 4.9

2.7 Pain in Extremity 11.3 9.9 5.9

4.8 Shoulder Pain 6.9 5.6 0.0

0.0 Bone Pain 5.8 2.3 3.2

1.0 Neck Pain 4.4 3.8 1.4

1.1 Muscle Spasms 3.7 3.4 1.5

1.7 Osteoarthritis 9.1 9.7 5.7

4.5 Musculoskeletal Pain 0.4 0.3 3.1

1.2 General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions Pyrexia 17.9 4.6 8.7

3.1 Influenza-like Illness 8.8 2.7 0.8

0.4 Fatigue 5.4 3.5 2.1

1.2 Chills 5.4 1.0 1.5

0.5 Asthenia 5.3 2.9 3.2

3.0 Peripheral Edema 4.6 4.2 5.5

5.3 Pain 3.3 1.3 1.5

0.5 Malaise 2.0 1.0 1.1

0.5 Hyperthermia 0.3 <0.1 2.3

0.3 Chest Pain 1.3 1.1 2.4

1.8 Investigations Creatinine Renal Clearance Decreased 2.0 2.4 2.1

1.7 Renal Impairment Treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid, has been associated with renal impairment manifested as deterioration in renal function (i.e., increased serum creatinine) and in rare cases, acute renal failure. In the clinical trial for postmenopausal osteoporosis, patients with baseline creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min (based on actual body weight), urine dipstick greater than or equal to 2+ protein or increase in serum creatinine of greater than 0.5 mg/dL during the screening visits were excluded. The change in creatinine clearance (measured annually prior to dosing) and the incidence of renal failure and impairment was comparable for both the zoledronic acid injection and placebo treatment groups over 3 years, including patients with creatinine clearance between 30 to 60 mL/min at baseline. Overall, there was a transient increase in serum creatinine observed within 10 days of dosing in 1.8% of zoledronic acid injection-treated patients versus 0.8% of placebo-treated patients which resolved without specific therapy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].

Acute Phase Reaction

The signs and symptoms of acute phase reaction occurred in Study 1 following zoledronic acid injection infusion including fever (18%), myalgia (9%), flu-like symptoms (8%), headache (7%), and arthralgia (7%). The majority of these symptoms occurred within the first 3 days following the dose of zoledronic acid injection and usually resolved within 3 days of onset but resolution could take up to 7 to 14 days.

In Study

2, patients without a contraindication to acetaminophen were provided with a standard oral dose at the time of the IV infusion and instructed to use additional acetaminophen at home for the next 72 hours as needed. Zoledronic acid injection was associated with fewer signs and symptoms of a transient acute phase reaction in this trial: fever (7%) and arthralgia (3%). The incidence of these symptoms decreased with subsequent doses of zoledronic acid injection.

Laboratory Findings In Study

1, in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, approximately 0.2% of patients had notable declines of serum calcium levels (less than 7.5 mg/dL) following zoledronic acid injection administration. No symptomatic cases of hypocalcemia were observed.

In Study

2, following pre-treatment with vitamin D, no patients had treatment emergent serum calcium levels below 7.5 mg/dL.

Injection Site

Reactions In the osteoporosis trials, local reactions at the infusion site such as itching, redness and/or pain have been reported in 0% to 0.7% of patients following the administration of zoledronic acid injection and 0% to 0.5% of patients following administration of placebo. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw In the postmenopausal osteoporosis trial, Study 1, in 7736 patients, after initiation of therapy, symptoms consistent with ONJ occurred in one patient treated with placebo and one patient treated with zoledronic acid injection. Both cases resolved after appropriate treatment [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. No reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw were reported in either treatment group in Study 2.

Atrial

Fibrillation In the postmenopausal osteoporosis trial, Study 1, adjudicated serious adverse events of atrial fibrillation in the zoledronic acid treatment group occurred in 1.3% of patients (50 out of 3862) compared to 0.4% (17 out of 3852) in the placebo group. The overall incidence of all atrial fibrillation adverse events in the zoledronic acid treatment group was reported in 2.5% of patients (96 out of 3862) in the zoledronic acid injection group vs. 1.9% of patients (75 out of 3852) in the placebo group.

Over

90% of these events in both treatment groups occurred more than a month after the infusion. In an ECG sub-study, ECG measurements were performed on a subset of 559 patients before and 9 to 11 days after treatment. There was no difference in the incidence of atrial fibrillation between treatment groups suggesting these events were not related to the acute infusions.

In Study

2, adjudicated serious adverse events of atrial fibrillation in the zoledronic acid treatment group occurred in 1.0% of patients (11 out of 1054) compared to 1.2% (13 out of 1057) in the placebo group demonstrating no difference between treatment groups.

Ocular Adverse Events

Cases of iritis/uveitis/episcleritis/conjunctivitis have been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid. In the osteoporosis trials, 1 (less than 0.1%) to 9 (0.2%) patients treated with zoledronic acid injection and 0 (0%) to 1 (less than 0.1%) patient treated with placebo developed iritis/uveitis/episcleritis. Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women The safety of zoledronic acid injection in postmenopausal women with osteopenia (low bone mass) was assessed in a 2-year randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 581 postmenopausal women aged greater than or equal to 45 years. Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups: (1) zoledronic acid injection given at randomization and Month 12 (n = 198); (2) zoledronic acid injection given at randomization and placebo at Month 12 (n = 181); and (3) placebo given at randomization and Month 12 (n = 202). Zoledronic acid injection was administered as a single 5 mg dose in 100 mL solution infused over at least 15 minutes. All women received 500 to 1200 mg elemental calcium plus 400 to 800 international units vitamin D supplementation per day. The incidence of serious adverse events was similar for subjects given (1) zoledronic acid injection at randomization and at Month 12 (10.6%), (2) zoledronic acid injection at randomization and placebo given at Month 12 (9.4%), and (3) placebo at randomization and at Month 12 (11.4%). The percentages of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events were 7.1%, 7.2%, and 3.0% in the two zoledronic acid injection groups and placebo group, respectively. Adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients with osteopenia and more frequently in the zoledronic acid injection-treated patients than placebo-treated patients are shown in Table 2.

Table

2: Adverse Reactions Occurring in greater than or equal to 2% of Patients with Osteopenia and More Frequently than in Placebo-Treated Patients System Organ Class 5 mg IV zoledronic acid injection once per year % (n = 198) 5 mg IV zoledronic acid injection once % (n = 181) Placebo once per year % (n = 202) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 2.0 0.6

0.0 Nervous System Disorders Headache 14.6 20.4

11.4 Dizziness 7.6 6.1

3.5 Hypoesthesia 5.6 2.2

2.0 Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Vertigo 2.0 1.7

1.0 Vascular Disorders Hypertension 5.1 8.3

6.9 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 17.7 11.6

7.9 Diarrhea 8.1 6.6

7.9 Vomiting 7.6 5.0

4.5 Dyspepsia 7.1 6.6

5.0 Abdominal Pain* 8.6 6.6

7.9 Constipation 6.6 7.2

6.9 Abdominal Discomfort 2.0 1.1

0.5 Abdominal Distension 2.0 0.6

0.0 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash 3.0 2.2

2.5 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Arthralgia 27.3 18.8

19.3 Myalgia 19.2 22.7

6.9 Back Pain 18.2 16.6

11.9 Pain in Extremity 11.1 16.0

9.9 Muscle Spasms 5.6 2.8

5.0 Musculoskeletal Pain** 8.1 7.2

7.9 Bone Pain 5.1 3.3

1.0 Neck Pain 5.1 6.6

5.0 Arthritis 4.0 2.2

1.5 Joint Stiffness 3.5 1.1

2.0 Joint Swelling 3.0 0.6

0.0 Flank Pain 2.0 0.6

0.0 Pain in Jaw 2.0 3.9

2.5 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Pain 24.2 14.9

3.5 Pyrexia 21.7 21.0

4.5 Chills 18.2 18.2

3.0 Fatigue 14.6 9.9

4.0 Asthenia 6.1 2.8

1.0 Peripheral Edema 5.6 3.9

3.5 Non-cardiac Chest Pain 3.5 7.7

3.0 Influenza-like Illness 1.5 3.3

2.0 Malaise 1.0 2.2 0.5 * Combined abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal pain lower as one ADR ** Combined musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal chest pain as one ADR Ocular Adverse Events Cases of iritis/uveitis/episcleritis/conjunctivitis have been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid. In the osteoporosis prevention trial, 4 (1.1%) patients treated with zoledronic acid injection and 0 (0%) patients treated with placebo developed iritis/uveitis.

Acute Phase

Reaction In patients given zoledronic acid injection at randomization and placebo at Month 12, zoledronic acid injection was associated with signs and symptoms of an acute phase reaction: myalgia (20.4%), fever (19.3%), chills (18.2%), pain (13.8%), headache (13.3%), fatigue (8.3%), arthralgia (6.1%), pain in extremity (3.9%), influenza-like illness (3.3%), and back pain (1.7%), which occurred within the first 3 days following the dose of zoledronic acid injection. The majority of these symptoms were mild to moderate and resolved within 3 days of the event onset but resolution could take up to 7 to 14 days. Osteoporosis in Men The safety of zoledronic acid injection in men with osteoporosis or osteoporosis secondary to hypogonadism was assessed in a two year randomized, multicenter, double-blind, active controlled group study of 302 men aged 25 to 86 years. One hundred fifty three (153) patients were exposed to zoledronic acid injection administered once annually with a 5 mg dose in 100 mL infused over 15 minutes for up to a total of two doses, and 148 patients were exposed to a commercially-available oral weekly bisphosphonate (active control) for up to two years. All participants received 1000 mg of elemental calcium plus 800 to 1000 international units of vitamin D supplementation per day. The incidence of all-cause mortality (one in each group) and serious adverse events were similar between the zoledronic acid injection and active control treatment groups. The percentage of patients experiencing at least one adverse event was comparable between the zoledronic acid injection and active control groups, with the exception of a higher incidence of post-dose symptoms in the zoledronic acid injection group that occurred within 3 days after infusion. The overall safety and tolerability of zoledronic acid injection was similar to the active control. Adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of men with osteoporosis and more frequently in the zoledronic acid injection-treated patients than the active control-treated patients and either (1) not reported in the postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment trial or (2) reported more frequently in the trial of osteoporosis in men are presented in Table 3. Therefore, Table 3 should be viewed in conjunction with Table 1.

Table

3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in greater than or equal to 2% of Men with Osteoporosis and More Frequently in the Zoledronic Acid Injection-Treated Patients than the Active Control-Treated Patients and either (1)

Not

Reported in the Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Treatment Trial or (2)

Reported More

Frequently in this Trial System Organ Class 5 mg IV zoledronic acid injection once per year % (N = 153)

Active

Control once weekly % (N = 148)

Nervous System Disorders Headache

15.0

6.1 Lethargy 3.3

1.4 Eye Disorders Eye Pain 2.0

0.0 Cardiac Disorders Atrial Fibrillation 3.3

2.0 Palpitations 2.6

0.0 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Dyspnea 6.5

4.7 Abdominal Pain* 7.9

4.1 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Hyperhidrosis 2.6

2.0 Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders Myalgia 19.6

6.8 Musculoskeletal Pain** 12.4

10.8 Musculoskeletal Stiffness 4.6

0.0 Renal and Urinary Disorders Blood Creatinine Increased 2.0

0.7 General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions Fatigue 17.6

6.1 Pain 11.8

4.1 Chills 9.8

2.7 Influenza-like Illness 9.2

2.0 Malaise 7.2

0.7 Acute Phase Reaction 3.9

0.0 Investigations C-reactive Protein Increased 4.6 1.4 * Combined abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal pain lower as one ADR ** Combined musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal chest pain as one ADR Renal Impairment Creatinine clearance was measured annually prior to dosing and changes in long-term renal function over 24 months were comparable in the zoledronic acid injection and active control groups [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].

Acute Phase Reaction

Zoledronic acid injection was associated with signs and symptoms of an acute phase reaction: myalgia (17.1%), fever (15.7%), fatigue (12.4%), arthralgia (11.1%), pain (10.5%), chills (9.8%), headache (9.8%), influenza-like illness (8.5%), malaise (5.2%), and back pain (3.3%), which occurred within the first 3 days following the dose of zoledronic acid injection. The majority of these symptoms were mild to moderate and resolved within 3 days of the event onset but resolution could take up to 7 to 14 days. The incidence of these symptoms decreased with subsequent doses of zoledronic acid injection.

Atrial Fibrillation

The incidence of all atrial fibrillation adverse events in the zoledronic acid injection treatment group was 3.3% (5 out of 153) compared to 2.0% (3 out of 148) in the active control group. However, there were no patients with adjudicated serious adverse events of atrial fibrillation in the zoledronic acid injection treatment group.

Laboratory Findings

There were no patients who had treatment emergent serum calcium levels below 7.5 mg/dL.

Injection Site Reactions

There were 4 patients (2.6%) on zoledronic acid injection vs. 2 patients (1.4%) on active control with local site reactions. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw In this trial there were no cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis The safety of zoledronic acid injection in men and women in the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was assessed in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, active controlled, stratified study of 833 men and women aged 18 to 85 years treated with greater than or equal to 7.5 mg/day oral prednisone (or equivalent). Patients were stratified according to the duration of their pre-study corticosteroid therapy: less than or equal to 3 months prior to randomization (prevention subpopulation), and greater than 3 months prior to randomization (treatment subpopulation). The duration of the trial was one year with 416 patients exposed to zoledronic acid injection administered once as a single 5 mg dose in 100 mL infused over 15 minutes, and 417 patients exposed to a commercially-available oral daily bisphosphonate (active control) for one year. All participants received 1000 mg of elemental calcium plus 400 to 1000 international units of vitamin D supplementation per day. The incidence of all–cause mortality was similar between treatment groups: 0.9% in the zoledronic acid injection group and 0.7% in the active control group. The incidence of serious adverse events was similar between the zoledronic acid injection treatment and prevention groups, 18.4% and 18.1%, respectively, and the active control treatment and prevention groups, 19.8% and 16.0%, respectively. The percentage of subjects who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 2.2% in the zoledronic acid injection group vs. 1.4% in the active control group. The overall safety and tolerability were similar between zoledronic acid injection and active control groups with the exception of a higher incidence of post-dose symptoms in the zoledronic acid injection group that occurred within 3 days after infusion. The overall safety and tolerability profile of zoledronic acid injection in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was similar to the adverse events reported in the zoledronic acid injection postmenopausal osteoporosis clinical trial. Adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients that were either not reported in the postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment trial or reported more frequently in the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis trial included the following: abdominal pain (zoledronic acid injection 7.5%; active control 5.0%), and musculoskeletal pain (zoledronic acid injection 3.1%; active control 1.7%). Other musculoskeletal events included back pain (zoledronic acid injection 4.3%, active control 6.2%), bone pain (zoledronic acid injection 3.1%, active control 2.2%), and pain in the extremity (zoledronic acid injection 3.1%, active control 1.2%). In addition, the following adverse events occurred more frequently than in the postmenopausal osteoporosis trial: nausea (zoledronic acid injection 9.6%; active control 8.4%), and dyspepsia (zoledronic acid injection 5.5%; active control 4.3%).

Renal Impairment

Renal function measured prior to dosing and at the end of the 12 month study was comparable in the zoledronic acid injection and active control groups [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].

Acute Phase Reaction

Zoledronic acid injection was associated with signs and symptoms of a transient acute phase reaction that was similar to that seen in the zoledronic acid injection postmenopausal osteoporosis clinical trial.

Atrial Fibrillation

The incidence of atrial fibrillation adverse events was 0.7% (3 of 416) in the zoledronic acid injection group compared to no adverse events in the active control group. All subjects had a prior history of atrial fibrillation and no cases were adjudicated as serious adverse events. One patient had atrial flutter in the active control group.

Laboratory Findings

There were no patients who had treatment emergent serum calcium levels below 7.5 mg/dL.

Injection Site Reactions

There were no local reactions at the infusion site. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw In this trial there were no cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Paget's Disease of Bone In the Paget’s disease trials, two 6-month, double-blind, comparative, multinational studies of 349 men and women aged greater than 30 years with moderate to severe disease and with confirmed Paget’s disease of bone, 177 patients were exposed to zoledronic acid injection and 172 patients exposed to risedronate. Zoledronic acid injection was administered once as a single 5 mg dose in 100 mL solution infused over at least 15 minutes. Risedronate was given as an oral daily dose of 30 mg for 2 months. The incidence of serious adverse events was 5.1% in the zoledronic acid injection group and 6.4% in the risedronate group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 1.7% and 1.2% for the zoledronic acid injection and risedronate groups, respectively. Adverse reactions occurring in at least 2% of the Paget’s patients receiving zoledronic acid injection (single 5 mg intravenous infusion) or risedronate (30 mg oral daily dose for 2 months) over a 6-month study period are listed by system organ class in Table 4.

Table

4: Adverse Reactions Reported in at Least 2% of Paget’s Patients Receiving Zoledronic Acid Injection (Single 5 mg intravenous Infusion) or Risedronate (Oral 30 mg Daily for 2 Months) Over a 6-Month Follow-Up Period System Organ Class 5 mg IV zoledronic acid injection % (N = 177) 30 mg/day × 2 Months risedronate % (N = 172) Infections and Infestations Influenza 7 5 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hypocalcemia 3 1 Anorexia 2 2 Nervous System Disorders Headache 11 10 Dizziness 9 4 Lethargy 5 1 Paresthesia 2 0 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Dyspnea 5 1 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 9 6 Diarrhea 6 6 Constipation 6 5 Dyspepsia 5 4 Abdominal Distension 2 1 Abdominal Pain 2 2 Vomiting 2 2 Abdominal Pain Upper 1 2 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash 3 2 Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders Arthralgia 9 11 Bone Pain 9 5 Myalgia 7 4 Back Pain 4 7 Musculoskeletal Stiffness 2 1 General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions Influenza-like Illness 11 6 Pyrexia 9 2 Fatigue 8 4 Rigors 8 1 Pain 5 4 Peripheral Edema 3 1 Asthenia 2 1 Laboratory Findings In the Paget’s disease trials, early, transient decreases in serum calcium and phosphate levels were observed.

Approximately

21% of patients had serum calcium levels less than 8.4 mg/dL 9 to 11 days following zoledronic acid injection administration.

Renal

Impairment In clinical trials in Paget’s disease there were no cases of renal deterioration following a single 5 mg 15-minute infusion [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].

Acute Phase Reaction

The signs and symptoms of acute phase reaction (influenza-like illness, pyrexia, myalgia, arthralgia, and bone pain) were reported in 25% of patients in the zoledronic acid injection-treated group compared to 8% in the risedronate-treated group. Symptoms usually occur within the first 3 days following zoledronic acid injection administration. The majority of these symptoms resolved within 4 days of onset. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported with zoledronic acid [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )].

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of zoledronic acid injection: Acute Phase Reactions Fever, headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, arthralgia, and myalgia. Symptoms may be significant and lead to dehydration.

Acute Renal Failure

Acute renal failure requiring hospitalization and/or dialysis or with a fatal outcome have been rarely reported. Increased serum creatinine was reported in patients with 1) underlying renal disease, 2) dehydration secondary to fever, sepsis, gastrointestinal losses, or diuretic therapy, or 3) other risk factors such as advanced age, or concomitant nephrotoxic drugs in the post-infusion period. Transient rise in serum creatinine can be correctable with intravenous fluids.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions with intravenous zoledronic acid including anaphylactic reaction/shock, urticaria, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and bronchoconstriction have been reported.

Asthma Exacerbations

Asthma exacerbations have been reported.

Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia has been reported.

Hypophosphatemia

Hypophosphatemia has been reported. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported. Osteonecrosis of other bones Cases of osteonecrosis of other bones (including femur, hip, knee, ankle, wrist and humerus) have been reported; causality has not been determined in the population treated with zoledronic acid injection.

Ocular Adverse Events

Cases of the following events have been reported: conjunctivitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, uveitis, episcleritis, scleritis and orbital inflammation/edema.

Other

Hypotension in patients with underlying risk factors has been reported.

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Patients being treated with zoledronic acid injection should not be treated with Reclast ® .( 5.1 ) Adequately rehydrate patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy prior to administration of zoledronic acid injection and monitor electrolytes during treatment. ( 5. 2) Renal toxicity may be greater in patients with renal impairment. Do not use doses greater than 4 mg. Treatment in patients with severe renal impairment is not recommended. Monitor serum creatinine before each dose. ( 5.3 ) Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported. Preventive dental exams should be performed before starting zoledronic acid injection. Avoid invasive dental procedures. ( 5.4 ) Severe incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain may occur. Discontinue zoledronic acid injection if severe symptoms occur. ( 5.5 ) Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures have been reported in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy. These fractures may occur after minimal or no trauma. Evaluate patients with thigh or groin pain to rule out a femoral fracture. Consider drug discontinuation in patients suspected to have an atypical femur fracture. ( 5.6 ) Hypocalcemia: Correct before initiating zoledronic acid injection. Adequately supplement patients with calcium and vitamin D. Monitor serum calcium closely with concomitant administration of other drugs known to cause hypocalcemia to avoid severe or life-threatening hypocalcemia. ( 5.9 ). Zoledronic acid injection can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.10 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

5.1 Drugs With Same Active Ingredient or in the Same Drug Class Zoledronic acid injection contains the same active ingredient as found in Reclast ® (zoledronic acid). Patients being treated with zoledronic acid injection should not be treated with Reclast or other bisphosphonates.

5.2 Hydration and Electrolyte Monitoring Patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy must be adequately rehydrated prior to administration of zoledronic acid injection. Loop diuretics should not be used until the patient is adequately rehydrated and should be used with caution in combination with zoledronic acid injection in order to avoid hypocalcemia. Zoledronic acid injection should be used with caution with other nephrotoxic drugs. Standard hypercalcemia-related metabolic parameters, such as serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium, as well as serum creatinine, should be carefully monitored following initiation of therapy with zoledronic acid injection. If hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, or hypomagnesemia occur, short-term supplemental therapy may be necessary.

5.3 Renal Impairment Zoledronic acid injection is excreted intact primarily via the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions, in particular renal adverse reactions, may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Safety and pharmacokinetic data are limited in patients with severe renal impairment and the risk of renal deterioration is increased <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]</span>. Preexisting renal insufficiency and multiple cycles of zoledronic acid injection and other bisphosphonates are risk factors for subsequent renal deterioration with zoledronic acid injection. Factors predisposing to renal deterioration, such as dehydration or the use of other nephrotoxic drugs, should be identified and managed, if possible. Zoledronic acid injection treatment in patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy with severe renal impairment should be considered only after evaluating the risks and benefits of treatment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]</span> . In the clinical studies, patients with serum creatinine greater than 400 µmol/L or greater than 4.5 mg/dL were excluded. Zoledronic acid injection treatment is not recommended in patients with bone metastases withsevere renal impairment. In the clinical studies, patients with serum creatinine greater than265 μmol/L or greater than 3.0 mg/dL were excluded and there were only 8 of 564 patientstreated with zoledronic acid injection 4 mg by 15-minute infusion with a baseline creatinine greater than 2 mg/dL. Limited pharmacokinetic data exists in patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span>.

5.4 Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported predominantly in cancer patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid injection. Many of these patients were also receiving chemotherapy and corticosteroids which may be risk factors for ONJ. The risk of ONJ may increase with duration of exposure to bisphosphonates. Postmarketing experience and the literature suggest a greater frequency of reports of ONJ based on tumor type (advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma), and dental status (dental extraction, periodontal disease, local trauma including poorly fitting dentures). Many reports of ONJ involved patients with signs of local infection including osteomyelitis. Cancer patients should maintain good oral hygiene and should have a dental examination with preventive dentistry prior to treatment with bisphosphonates. While on treatment, these patients should avoid invasive dental procedures if possible. For patients who develop ONJ while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk of ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]</span>.

5.5 Musculoskeletal Pain In postmarketing experience, severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid injection. The time to onset of symptoms varied from one day to several months after starting the drug. Discontinue use if severe symptoms develop. Most patients had relief of symptoms after stopping. A subset had recurrence of symptoms when rechallenged with the same drug or another bisphosphonate <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ]</span>.

5.6 Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures have been reported in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy, including zoledronic acid injection. These fractures can occur anywhere in the femoral shaft from just below the lesser trochanter to just above the supracondylar flare and are transverse or short oblique in orientation without evidence of comminution. These fractures occur after minimal or no trauma. Patients may experience thigh or groin pain weeks to months before presenting with a completed femoral fracture. Fractures are often bilateral; therefore the contralateral femur should be examined in bisphosphonate-treated patients who have sustained a femoral shaft fracture. Poor healing of these fractures has also been reported. A number of case reports noted that patients were also receiving treatment with glucocorticoids (such as prednisone or dexamethasone) at the time of fracture. Causality with bisphosphonate therapy has not been established. Any patient with a history of bisphosphonate exposure who presents with thigh or groin pain in the absence of trauma should be suspected of having an atypical fracture and should be evaluated. Discontinuation of zoledronic acid injection therapy in patients suspected to have an atypical femur fracture should be considered pending evaluation of the patient, based on an individual benefit risk assessment. It is unknown whether the risk of atypical femur fracture continues after stopping therapy.

5.7 Patients With Asthma While not observed in clinical trials with zoledronic acid injection, there have been reports of bronchoconstriction in aspirin-sensitive patients receiving bisphosphonates.

5.8 Hepatic Impairment Only limited clinical data are available for use of zoledronic acid injection to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy in patients with hepatic insufficiency, and these data are not adequate to provide guidance on dosage selection or how to safely use zoledronic acid injection in these patients.

5.9 Hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia has been reported in patients treated with zoledronic acid injection. Cardiac arrhythmias and neurologic adverse events (seizures, tetany, and numbness) have been reported secondary to cases of severe hypocalcemia. In some instances, hypocalcemia may be life-threatening. Caution is advised when zoledronic acid injection is administered with drugs known to cause hypocalcemia, as severe hypocalcemia may develop, <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ]</span>. Serum calcium should be measured and hypocalcemia must be corrected before initiating zoledronic acid injection. Adequately supplement patients with calcium and vitamin D.

5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, zoledronic acid injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of zoledronic acid to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in fetal malformations and embryo-fetal lethality at maternal exposures that were greater than or equal to 2.4 times the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC). Bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid injection, are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of weeks to years. There may be a risk of fetal harm (e.g., skeletal and other abnormalities) if a woman becomes pregnant after completing a course of bisphosphonate therapy. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after zoledronic acid injection treatment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )]</span>.

5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, zoledronic acid injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of zoledronic acid to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in fetal malformations and embryo-fetal lethality at maternal exposures that were greater than or equal to 2.4 times the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC). Bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid injection, are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of weeks to years. There may be a risk of fetal harm (e.g., skeletal and other abnormalities) if a woman becomes pregnant after completing a course of bisphosphonate therapy. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after zoledronic acid injection treatment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )]</span>.

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS No in vivo drug interaction studies have been performed for zoledronic acid injection. In vitro and ex vivo studies showed low affinity of zoledronic acid for the cellular components of human blood. In vitro mean zoledronic acid protein binding in human plasma ranged from 28% at 200 ng/mL to 53% at 50 ng/mL. In vivo studies showed that zoledronic acid is not metabolized, and is excreted into the urine as the intact drug.

  • Aminoglycosides: May lower serum calcium for prolonged periods ( 7.1 )
  • Loop diuretics: May increase risk of hypocalcemia ( 7.2 )
  • Nephrotoxic drugs: Use with caution ( 7.3 )
  • Drugs primarily excreted by the kidney: Exposure may be increased with renal impairment. Monitor serum creatinine in patients at risk ( 7.4 )

7.1 Aminoglycosides Caution is advised when bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid, are administered with aminoglycosides, since these agents may have an additive effect to lower serum calcium level for prolonged periods. This effect has not been reported in zoledronic acid clinical trials.

7.2 Loop Diuretics Caution should also be exercised when zoledronic acid injection is used in combination with loop diuretics due to an increased risk of hypocalcemia.

7.3 Nephrotoxic Drugs Caution is indicated when zoledronic acid injection is used with other potentially nephrotoxic drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

7.4 Drugs Primarily Excreted by the Kidney Renal impairment has been observed following the administration of zoledronic acid in patients with pre-existing renal compromise or other risk factors [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. In patients with renal impairment, the exposure to concomitant medications that are primarily renally excreted (e.g., digoxin) may increase. Consider monitoring serum creatinine in patients at risk for renal impairment who are taking concomitant medications that are primarily excreted by the kidney.