What is Zometa used for?

Zometa is used to treat patients with high blood levels of calcium (hypercalcemia) caused by cancerous tumors.  This medication has not been studied in patients who have high blood levels of calcium taht are caused by an overactive parathyroid gland or other conditions that are not related to cancerous tumors.

Who should not be treated with Zometa?

Do not use Zometa if you are allergic to bisphosphonates or to any of the ingredients in Zometa.

There are some things that you should tell your Doctor including:

Tell your health care provider if you:

• have or had kidney problems
• have asthma and are allergic to aspirin
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how Zometa works or Zometa may affect how your other medicines work.

What side effects can you expect when taking Zometa? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Zometa. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

Some common side effects with Zometa include:

• decreased kidney function
• fever
• redness and swelling at the injection site
• itching
• chest pain
• flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, chills, and bone, joint or muscle pain
• nausea and vomiting
• eye inflammation
• low blood levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium

For more detailed information about Zometa, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.