Uses of Reclast: An Overview
Reclast™ (
zoledronic acid) is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. It is approved for the treatment of Paget's disease of the bone. It is also approved as a once-yearly treatment for
osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women or for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis due to glucocorticoid steroid medications (such as
prednisone). Most recently, Reclast was also approved for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with a single dose once every two years.
Reclast for Paget's Disease
Normally, bone is continuously being broken down and rebuilt. Paget's disease of the bone is a condition involving rapid breakdown of bone combined with abnormal re-formation. The abnormally reformed bone is weaker than normal. Symptoms of Paget's disease can include pain and bent or broken bones. Bisphosphonates such as Reclast can help slow down the rate at which bones break down and also help the body to build bone more normally.
Not all people with Paget's disease need to be treated with a bisphosphonate. Reclast is recommended for people who:
- Have very high alkaline phosphatase levels (a measure of how severe the disease is)
- Have symptoms of Paget's disease
- Are at risk for future complications of Paget's disease.
