ZOMETA is a prescription drug developed by Novartis Oncology. ZOMETA is given intravenously every 3 to 4 weeks in a doctor’s office‚ a clinic or in a hospital on an "outpatient" basis. Once the infusion is prepared‚ the infusion process takes at least 15 minutes. Before ZOMETA was available‚ IV bisphosphonate therapy required at least 2 hours for administration.

	How ZOMETA Works Staying on Therapy

On the day you are scheduled for your ZOMETA infusion‚ you may eat as you normally would. Take your vitamin and mineral supplements and drink plenty of fluids as directed by your healthcare provider. Make sure you are wearing clothing that will feel comfortable for you whether you receive your infusion while sitting upright or in a reclined position. You may wish to ask a family member or friend to accompany you.

Prior to the start of your ZOMETA infusion‚ you will be given a routine blood test to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly. Your vital signs‚ such as heart rate and blood pressure‚ will also be checked. Finally‚ your arm will be prepared for the intravenous infusion.

Important Things To Remember While on ZOMETA Therapy

Take Your Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

While receiving ZOMETA‚ it is important you take certain vitamin and mineral supplements. You should take the following supplements once a day as directed by your healthcare provider:

• A multiple vitamin that contains 400 mg IU of Vitamin D
• An oral calcium supplement that contains 500 mg of calcium

Drink Plenty of Fluids

It addition to taking both a multiple vitamin supplement and oral calcium supplement, it is also important for you to keep up with your fluid intake while on ZOMETA therapy. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids. Signs and symptoms of low fluid intake include thirst, sagging skin, low urine output, and dry mouth.