We are not always concerned with bone health. Often, it is only when age is reached or a serious accident occurs that the integrity of this tissue is assessed. However, a number of conditions can affect you, even in young people.
The osteoporosis is one of those conditions that affect mainly women after menopause or that may occur in order antecedent when there is the use of drugs.
To reduce bone damage and recover the condition of patients, some medications may be indicated. In some specific conditions, according to medical evaluation and guidance, Aclasta may be indicated.
Contents
What is Aclasta medicine?
Aclasta is a medication administered intravenously, that is, applied to the vein. The active ingredient is zoledronic acid, which is indicated for the treatment of conditions related to bone health. Among them, osteoporosis, low bone density and also Paget’s disease of the bone.
Management depends on the condition being treated. In general, the medication is administered in a single dose or once a year, always with constant medical monitoring.
In addition, it is generally necessary to combine administration with the use of calcium and / or vitamin D supplements.
This substance, after administration, acts on osteoclasts (which are cells that act in the reduction of bone tissue). Thus, it reduces bone resorption, which is part of the process of remodeling and adapting bone tissue to the changes and needs of the body.
Bone resorption and osteoporosis
There are those who think that the bones, once formed, do not change anymore. But like other tissues in the body, they are also constantly adapting. This process is called bone remodeling and consists, more or less, in a constant destruction and recomposition of the bone mass.
This is necessary so that injuries or damage that occur to them can be repaired. When this process is balanced, the bone remains healthy.
But it is natural to have a weakening of the tissue with advancing age, the arrival of menopause and the use of medications. So, if there is an imbalance – more tissue being reabsorbed (destroyed) than reconstructed – there is osteoporosis.
Indication: what is the medicine Aclasta for?
Aclasta has zoledronic acid as an active substance, indicated for the treatment of conditions related to bone health and integrity. As it helps in increasing the density of bone tissue, it is indicated especially for women after menopause or patients with Paget’s disease of the bone, in order to avoid fractures.
See more about the indications in the package leaflet:
Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Menopause (which is the last menstrual period) affects the production of the hormone estrogen. As a result, the bones are affected, accelerating the degradation process (resorption), which leaves them porous and fragile.
In general, according to the package insert, the dosage indicated for women after menopause is 5mg of Aclasta, once a year.
The expected action is to increase bone density, reducing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip.
Prevention of clinical fractures after hip fracture
It is quite common that, after a first fracture, others occur in up to 3 years, with many cases already in the first year.
These conditions are even more common in people over 50 and in women after menopause, due to the acceleration of bone resorption. In general, the indication is a single application of Aclasta.
Treatment to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis
As the drug acts by increasing bone density, it is also indicated for men who suffer from bone porosity and fragility. The application of 1 dosage of Aclasta can be indicated.
Treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Glucocorticoids are substances that act as anti-inflammatories. Despite the potent action, this group of medications can have quite intense adverse effects, including osteoporosis.
It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of people who make chronic use of glucocorticoids develop osteoporosis.
It is recommended to pay attention to the intake of vitamin D and calcium, as well as the diet as a whole. Thus, Aclasta can be used in doses of 5mg, once a year.
Prevention of osteoporosis in women with postmenopausal osteopenia
Osteopenia is a loss of bone mass, however, to a lesser extent than osteoporosis. It is worth remembering that it is natural that, throughout life, there is a reduction in bone density, but that it should not cause fractures or extreme fragility of the tissue.
After menopause, this process tends to be more accelerated, increasing the risks of osteoporosis. In such cases, the application of 1 dose of Aclasta is recommended, once a year. The patient must be followed up to assess the progress of the condition.
Treatment of Paget’s disease of bone
Paget’s disease of the bone is a condition in which there is a more intense bone composition and formation process, causing the tissue to be thicker, but elongated, fragile and distorted.
Treatment with Aclasta is indicated in association with the intake of vitamin D and calcium supplementation. In general, only one application is used and the results are monitored by the medical team.
How is the application?
The drug is administered intravenously. This means that the active substance zoledronic acid, at a concentration of 5mg, is diluted in 100mL of solution and should only be administered by healthcare professionals . The minimum application time is 15 minutes, and the administration must be constant.
It is very important that the person is properly hydrated, especially when he is old.
According to the package leaflet, it is common for adverse side effects to occur up to 3 days after application, but they tend to reduce without major complications.
What are the side effects of zoledronic acid?
The most common side effects may vary depending on the condition being treated and will not necessarily occur. Overall, people in treatment may have: fever , myalgia (muscle pain), symptoms similar to the flu , arthralgia (joint pain) and headache .
These conditions are more common in the first 3 days after the administration of zoledronic acid, and when intense, they usually respond well to the use of painkillers with medical advice.
Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur . Less common, but still possible, are drowsiness and abdominal pain.
Is it released by Anvisa?
Yes. Since 2005, Aclasta has been approved and approved by Anvisa, in the category of drugs that suppress bone resorption.
Is aclasta a high-cost drug? Does SUS provide?
Yes, Aclasta is part of the group of high-cost drugs. In 2018, SUS incorporated Zoledronic Acid in the treatment of Paget’s Disease, publishing the CONITEC recommendation report.
In addition, patients with a medical recommendation can file lawsuits for obtaining therapy.
In all cases, through the courts, obtained through SUS or purchased through private networks, the medication can only be accessed after medical advice.
Prices and where to buy
Aclasta can be obtained through the Unified Health System, and there may be specific criteria for withdrawing the medication free of charge.
For patients who wish to consult the values of Aclasta, quotes can be made in pharmacy chains or physical establishments or online, such as Consulta Remédios.
On average, Aclasta 5mg / 100mL, box with bottle with 100mL of solution for intravenous use can be found from R $ 860 *.
There are also other options for zoledronic acid, such as Densis 5mg, box with 1 bottle of closed system with 100mL , from R $ 680 *.
* Prices consulted in November 2019. Prices may change.
Medications like Aclasta can be instrumental in maintaining the quality of life for many people. So having information about it makes a big difference.
To facilitate access to the correct treatment, Consulta Remédios offers a personalized service of judicial budgets. Do you want to get a quote from Aclasta quickly and simply? Just access the link and fill out the form!
