Osteoporisis drug linked with kidney damage... and 16 deaths (so far)

Reclast (zoledronic acid): Drug Safety Communication - New Contraindication and Updated Warning on Kidney Impairment
[Posted 09/01/2011]

AUDIENCE: Endocrinology, Pharmacy, Patient

ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients of an update to the drug label for Reclast (zoledronic acid) regarding the risk of kidney failure. Cases of acute renal failure requiring dialysis or having a fatal outcome following Reclast use have been reported to FDA. The revised label states that Reclast is contraindicated in patients with creatinine clearance less than 35 mL/min or in patients with evidence of acute renal impairment. The label also recommends that healthcare professionals screen patients prior to administering Reclast in order to identify at-risk patients.

The Reclast Medication Guide for patients is being updated to contain information about the risk of severe kidney problems. In addition, the manufacturer of Reclast will issue a Dear Healthcare Provider letter to inform healthcare professionals about this risk.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for developing renal failure include underlying moderate to severe renal impairment, use of kidney-damaging (nephrotoxic) or diuretic medications at the same time as Reclast, or severe dehydration occurring before or after Reclast is given. The risk of developing renal failure in patients with underlying renal impairment also increases with age.

These labeling changes are being made to the Reclast label only, although zoledronic acid, also sold as Zometa, is approved for treatment of cancer-related indications. Renal toxicity is already addressed in the Warnings and Precautions section of the Zometa as well as in the Reclast label. Dose reductions for Zometa are provided for patients with renal impairment.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Reclast is contraindicated in patients with creatinine clearance less than 35 mL/min, or in patients with evidence of acute renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should screen patients prior to administering Reclast in order to identify at-risk patients. Healthcare professionals should also monitor renal function in patients who are receiving Reclast.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm1
Download form2 or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[09/01/2011 – Drug Safety Communication3 - FDA]

[08/31/2011 - Prescribing Information 4- Novartis]
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How many more people have to die before the FDA pulls the plug on this deadly drug?

Another dire warning has been added to the label of one very popular intravenous osteoporosis drug, this one about the risk of potentially fatal kidney failure.

Back in January 2009, the FDA acknowledged 5 deaths due to kidney failure, connected with this drug (generically called zoledronic acid, but sold under a brand name). They did nothing but "monitor" the situation.

By April 2011, 11 more deaths were reported. And that doesn't include the cases of kidney failure -- requiring dialysis -- where the patients didn't die. But still the FDA takes no real action.

Worse, these deaths come on the heels of other serious problems linked to the drug (and this comes directly from the prescribing information):

Severe incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain
Atypical femur fractures (unusually broken thigh bones)
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (death of the jaw bone)
And this drug is supposed to help protect your bones!!

Don't wait for the FDA or the drug company to do something more than add another warning to the drug label. Keep your bones strong and healthy without risking your kidneys, your bones... or your life.

--Michele