What is Zometa used for?

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

What should I tell my health care provider?

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 are some possible side effects of Zometa?
(This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Zometa. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Some common side effects with Zometa include:

decreased kidney function

fever

flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, chills, and bone, joint or muscle pain

nausea and vomiting

redness and swelling at the injection site

itching

chest pain

eye inflammation

low blood levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium

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