Pharma Focus: Zometa (zoledronic acid)

Breast and other solid tumors often metastasize to the bones, creating osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions, which make bones fragile and prone to breaking. Zometa is a third-generation biphosphonate developed by Novartis that has been found to help delay, prevent, or reduce skeletal damage caused by metastases to the bones. Zometa reduces the risk of bone complications such as fractures, hypercalcemia of malignancy, spinal cord compression, and more. Even patients who have already suffered complications may benefit from taking Zometa. Full prescribing information for Zometa can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/ylnww25.