About Zoledronate
A once yearly infusion used to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk.
Zoledronate (zoledronic acid) is a highly effective and well-researched treatment for osteoporosis. It can be used as an alternative treatment for those who experience negative side effects with traditional osteoporosis treatments. Administered as a once-yearly intravenous infusion, zoledronate provides long-lasting benefits with minimal side effects.
Zoledronate Treatment Explained
Watch a brief overview of the treatment and how it helps strengthen bones.
The Zoledronate Treatment Pathway At Pure Rheumatology London
A clear step by step process from assessment to treatment and follow up.
At Pure Rheumatology London, we provide a streamlined and patient-focused pathway for zoledronate infusions to ensure effective management of osteoporosis and other bone health concerns. Here’s what you can expect at each step:
1. Referral
Patients can be referred by their GP for a bone health assessment or self-refer directly to Pure Rheumatology London.
2. Initial consultation
At the initial consultation, our consultant rheumatologist will conduct a comprehensive bone health assessment to evaluate your risk of osteoporosis or fractures.
3. Investigations and testing
Your rheumatologist will arrange essential investigations, including:
- A DEXA scan to measure your bone density.
- Blood tests to check your bone profile and rule out secondary causes of osteoporosis. These include tests for vitamin D, calcium, kidney and thyroid function, and a full blood count.
4. Follow-up consultation
A follow-up appointment with your rheumatologist will be scheduled to review your test results and discuss your treatment options.
If zoledronate is deemed the most appropriate treatment, your rheumatologist will explain its benefits, potential side effects, and the next steps.
5. Treatment confirmation
Your zoledronate infusion will be arranged at One Welbeck Hospital, typically within two weeks of the decision to proceed.
6. Preparation for zoledronate infusion
If you have not had a recent dental check-up, you will need to visit your dentist and complete any required dental work. This precaution helps minimise the very rare risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonate treatments like zoledronate.
7. Zoledronate infusion
The infusion is administered by a trained nurse and usually takes about 15 minutes.
8. Post-treatment follow-up
Two weeks after your infusion, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your rheumatologist to ensure everything is progressing as expected and to discuss any questions or concerns.
What Is Zoledronate
An intravenous treatment used to manage osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk.
Zoledronate is a bisphosphonate medication designed to slow bone loss by reducing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By balancing bone remodelling, zoledronate helps to strengthen bones, making them less prone to fractures.
This treatment is only available via intravenous infusion, which takes just 15 minutes to administer. This means it is a convenient treatment for most patients, and is carried out in the comfort of our centrally located private clinic in London.
When Is Zoledronate Used
When zoledronate may be recommended following osteoporosis assessment.
Zoledronate is commonly prescribed for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. Diagnosis is carried out through a combination of medical history, physical examination and specific tests that assess bone health (such as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan) and identify risk factors for bone loss. You do not necessarily need to have experienced a broken bone or fracture to be diagnosed with osteoporosis, though this is when the condition is most commonly diagnosed, as osteoporosis is asymptomatic until a break or fracture occurs.
Before beginning zoledronate treatment, a comprehensive assessment, including a dental check-up, is conducted to ensure suitability and to minimise risk.
What Conditions Or Problems Can Zoledronate Help With
How zoledronate helps strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk.
Zoledronate is primarily used to treat osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures and breaks. It is especially beneficial for:
- Postmenopausal women and older adults with osteoporosis
- Patients unable to tolerate oral bisphosphonates due to side effects
- Individuals requiring long-term, low-maintenance treatment for bone health
With a once-yearly infusion with minimal side effects, zoledronate is an effective and manageable treatment for patients with osteoporosis.
Speak to us about zoledronate for osteoporosis. Call us on 020 7126 7264 or contact us below.
Discuss Your Treatment Options
Personalised advice based on your diagnosis and symptoms.
If you would like to explore whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition, arrange a consultation with Dr Naveen Bhadauria for specialist assessment and personalised advice.
