Zifonate Injection

Zifonate Powder For Injection is used for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and to prevent bone complications. It also helps to reduce the amount of calcium in the blood which is too high due to the presence of cancer. It contains zoledronic acid as its active ingredient that belongs to the bisphosphonates class of medicines.

The dose, duration, and frequency of the treatment will be decided by your doctor after accessing your condition. Zifonate Powder For Injection will be given to you at a hospital under the medical supervision of the doctor and nurse. Do not self-inject and follow any aftercare instructions given by your doctor.

Dosage

Overdose

Zifonate Powder For Injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Therefore, it is less likely that you may get an overdose on the medicine. If you experience symptoms right after taking the injection, seek medical help.

Missed a Dose

You will be monitored by the doctor or nurse as to when Zifonate Powder For Injection should be given to you. Thus, it is unlikely that a dose of this medicine will be missed. If the doctor or nurse might have missed a dose, inform them.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Zoledronic acid works by attaching itself to the bone and slowing down the rate of bone change. It strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of bones breaking by inhibiting bone removal (resorption) by osteoclasts (a type of bone cell that destroy bone tissue).

Directions for Use

• Zifonate Powder For Injection will be given in the hospital or clinic by the doctor or nurse as an injection.
• Do not self-inject the medicine and follow the aftercare instructions given by the doctor or nurse.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Zifonate Injection during pregnancy?

Zifonate Powder For Injection is not recommended to be used during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Zifonate Injection while breastfeeding?

Zifonate Powder For Injection is recommended not to breastfeed during the treatment as it may harm the breastfed baby.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Zifonate Injection?

You may rarely experience drowsy or sleepy. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Zifonate Injection?

Although there is no known interaction with alcohol along with Zifonate Powder For Injection. So it is important to consult your physician if you drink too often.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have less amount of calcium in the blood. As it may lead to dry skin, burning sensation, muscle twitch, seizures, spasms, irregular heartbeat, etc. In such conditions, the doctor might give you adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements before starting the treatment with this injection.
• You have or had kidney problems.
• You have a history or currently have pain, swelling or numbness, or heaviness of the jaw. The doctor might recommend a dental examination before starting the treatment.
• You are having any kind of dental treatment or are due to undergo dental surgery.
• You experience unusual signs in the mouth or teeth such as pain swelling, loose teeth etc. Because it can be a sign of osteonecrosis of the jaw (a condition of bone disease that occurs when there is a loss of blood to the bone).
• You are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or taking any steroids, have gum disease, or smoke, then there are more chances of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw.
• It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene during the treatment with Zifonate Powder For Injection.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to zoledronic acid, any other biphosphates or any of the ingredients of Zifonate Powder For Injection.
• If you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

• kidney problem
• Low level of calcium in the blood

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines affect the way Zifonate Powder For Injection or Zifonate Powder For Injection itself reduces the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. Inform the physician about the medicines, supplements or herbals you are taking or might take to avoid possible interactions.
• Concomitant use of Zifonate Powder For Injection and medicines used to treat severe infections, calcitonin (to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis and hypercalcaemia), diuretics, or any other calcium lowering medicines. As it can lead to a drastic drop in blood calcium levels.
• Avoid simultaneous use of Zifonate Powder For Injection and thalidomide (used to treat a certain type of blood and bone cancer), or any other medicine to treat cancer, as it may lead to osteonecrosis (a condition of bone death caused by poor blood supply).
• Avoid taking any other medicine that is already containing zoledronic acid, to avoid toxicity or any unwanted effects.

Storage and disposal

• Zifonate Powder For Injection should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C – 8°C but no longer than 24 hours.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Zifonate Powder For Injection used for?

Zifonate Powder For Injection is used to treat or prevent the weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) caused by menopause. It helps prevent bone complications. It also helps to reduce the amount of calcium in the blood due to the presence of cancer.

What is Osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition of severe bone disease that occurs when due to less supply of blood to the bone.

Does Zifonate Powder For Injection cause Osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Yes, Zifonate Powder For Injection may cause Osteonecrosis (bone damage ) of the jaw, as a side effect. Therefore, to prevent this condition maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups during the treatment with Zifonate Powder For Injection. If you experience any unusual signs of mouth and teeth, speak to your doctor.

Is Zifonate Powder For Injection a habit forming medicine?

No, it has no habit-forming tendencies.