A Guide to your ACLASTA® Infusion for Osteoporosis
What is ALCASTA® (Zoledronic acid)?
Aclasta® is a medicine for the treatment of osteoporosis and people who are at increased risk of fracture (broken bones). It belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. The active substance is called zoledronic acid. Aclasta® also contains the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, sodium citrate and water.
How does ACLASTA® work?
Aclasta® works by attaching to bone, preventing it from breaking down too much and protecting it from further breakdown. Your doctor can check that Aclasta® is working by carrying out tests such as bone mineral density assessment’ (a type of low dose X-ray or blood tests) and bone turnover markers (blood test). The usual dose of Aclasta® is 5 mg given as an intravenous infusion (drip into a vein). It is administered by our nurse. Although the infusion takes 15 minutes or so plan to spend up to 1 hour with us to have the drip put in and your blood pressure checked.
What should I do before I get my ACLASTA®?
It is important to drink plenty of fluids (at least one or two glasses) before your infusion of Aclasta®. Taking paracetamol 500mg x 2 tablets before you come in for the infusion and twice daily after the infusion will help reduce the risk of side effects. You may eat normally on the day you are treated.
Will ACLASTA® affect my ability to drive?
Adverse reactions, such as dizziness, may affect the ability to drive or use machines, though no studies on this effect with Aclasta® have been performed.
What can I expect after my infusion of ACLASTA®?
As with all medicines, some people may have side effects when they receive Aclasta®.
People taking Aclasta® can experience:
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills
Pain in the muscles, bones or joints
Headache
Most of these side effects occur within the first three days following the infusion of Aclasta®. They are usually mild or moderate and tend to go away within three days of onset.
Your doctor can recommend you take paracetamol to manage these side effects. The chance of experiencing these side effects decreases with subsequent doses of Aclasta®. If the symptoms do not go away or get worse, you should speak to your doctor.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Read your patient information leaflet with your prescription, and if you have questions you should talk to your doctor. If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in the leaflet, please tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
The Importance of a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle plays an important part in maintaining strong bones. There are things that you can do to help in keeping your bones as strong as possible:
A healthy diet is very important in maintaining strong bones.
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended in conjunction with Aclasta®.
Physical activity, especially weight bearing exercise such as walking, are important in keeping the bone and surrounding muscles strong and healthy.
Smoking and alcohol intake can impact bones. Stopping smoking and moderating alcohol intake can have a beneficial effect on bone health.