Zoledronic Acid Infusion Consent 💉
Consent guide for zoledronic acid (Aclasta) infusion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
📌 Procedure
- Aclasta (Zoledronic acid) intravenous infusion
🧾 Indications
- Osteoporosis (especially postmenopausal or steroid-induced)
- Paget’s disease of bone
- Prevention of skeletal-related events in cancer-related bone disease
- Treatment of hypercalcaemia of malignancy
🔍 Procedure Walkthrough
- Aclasta is given via IV infusion, usually once yearly.
- The infusion takes about 15 minutes.
- Pre-infusion bloods (U&Es, calcium, vitamin D) are typically required.
- Patient should be well-hydrated prior to the infusion.
- Paracetamol may be given before or after to reduce flu-like symptoms.
- Observation during and shortly after infusion is advised.
⚠️ Risks and Complications
- Common: Flu-like symptoms (fever, myalgia, headache), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, ocular inflammation (e.g. uveitis)
- Less Common: Hypocalcaemia (esp. in vitamin D deficiency), injection site reactions, transient renal dysfunction
- Rare: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (esp. with dental procedures), atypical femoral fractures, severe allergic reactions
❓ Common Patient Questions
- How often do I need it? – Usually once a year.
- Will it hurt? – It’s a standard IV drip, some people feel flu-like for a day or two.
- What if I have dental work coming up? – Ideally avoid major dental work soon after the infusion. Inform your dentist.
- Do I need blood tests? – Yes, to check kidney function, calcium, and vitamin D before treatment.
📋 Additional Notes
- Ensure normal renal function and adequate calcium/vitamin D before treatment.
- Advise on good oral hygiene and report any jaw pain or dental issues.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or severe renal impairment (eGFR <35).