All medications
Bone health
Zoledronic Acid
Brand names: Reclast
A yearly bisphosphonate infusion for osteoporosis.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Osteoporosis, especially when pills cause stomach problems or are hard to take correctly.
How it works
A potent bisphosphonate that binds bone and slows osteoclasts for a full year.
How it’s taken
A 15-minute IV infusion once a year.
Side effects
Flu-like aches and fever for 1 to 3 days after the first dose, low calcium, and rare jaw or thigh bone problems.
Monitoring
Kidney function and calcium before each infusion. Vitamin D should be normal.
Good to know
Drinking plenty of water and taking acetaminophen around the infusion reduces aches.
At a glance
Class
Bone health
Brand names
Reclast
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.