Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition in which the joints become inflamed, stiff and achy. Clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis can include a wearing-down of the joints due to the disease. Reclast, the brand name of a drug called zoledronic acid, is a medication used to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women but is also approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequency of Treatment
According to the makers of Reclast, the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the drug is FDA-approved as a yearly treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. More recent findings in 2009 indicate that a dose of the drug every two years may be sufficient.
Dosage
Reclast is given through an intravenous infusion, meaning that the drug is delivered to the body through a vein. Standard dosage to treat bone density loss that is sometimes associated with rheumatoid arthritis is 5 mg. The infusion takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Benefits
The benefits of using Reclast to treat rheumatoid arthritis is a slowing of bone erosion, according to the Musculoskeletal Report. People with rheumatoid arthritis often develop what is called "secondary osteoporosis" due to the inflammation in the joints, according to Novartis.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Reclast include fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, irritation at the injection site and a fever, according to Drugs.com.
Contraindications
Women who have rheumatoid arthritis and are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Reclast as a treatment method. People with kidney problems are also advised to choose another treatment, according to Arthritis Today.
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