The mystery behind Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) atrial fibrillation
Posted by Dr.Osteo on November 5, 2007
Side effects with Reclast overall were mild, however there was an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation versus placebo. In particular, serious atrial fibrillation occurred more frequently in the zoledronic acid group - 50 vs. 20 patients with placebo, (P<0.001).
THE MYSTERY is that atrial fibrillation occurred after 30 days (in 47 of the 50 patients), while any electrolyte imbalances from zoledronic acid occurred within 9-11 days of infusion. Source NEJM
So Novartis currently doesn’t know why that happened… do you know?
Articles of interest
- Why my doctors will not prescribe Reclast!!!
- FDA warning on Reclast
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December 5, 2007 at 1:06 am
Patient population was aged 65-89 y/o female already in the height of their age bracket. They had natural occuring afib which was not due to the acute infusion. It is it this companies’ package insert.
March 26, 2008 at 4:27 pm
The atrial fib. issue is just now scratching the surface as is the hypocalcemia as well as the severe and incapacatating bone pain associated with this drug. When you reduce biochemical markers of bone turnover for an entire year patients must maintain high levels of calcium and vit. d in their system. The patients are not compliant typically experience these episodes long after the treatment is give. Basically patients are given a yearly medication with a TID dosing schedule for supplements ( 3 seperate 500g calcium per day.) Patients have been hospitalized from this drug for these reasons (not limited to this reason). There are better alternatives out there I.E. Tablets. Endo’s and reum’s are clear, IV should never be a first line therapy for PMO.
June 2, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Is that the AF the reason why novartis didn’t file for adjuvant OP treatment with Reclast? Does anybody know, what’s happening?