Has your health facility been consistent in requiring PCP's with your patient's latest laboratory results prior to giving them their Reclast Infusion? Here's the latest FDA warning to Physicians to ensure your patients' safety:
FDA Warns Physicians To Test Kidney Function Before Prescribing Reclast.
The Wall Street Journal
/Dow Jones Newswires (9/2, Dooren, Subscription Publication) reports that the
Food and Drug Administration has updated a warning regarding kidney failure and
use of Novartis' Reclast (zoledronic acid). The FDA said that kidney failure
"was a rare but serious condition associated with the use of Reclast in
patients with a history of or risk factors for [kidney] impairment."
Physicians are being warned, therefore, to check patient kidney function before
prescribing Reclast and to check those who are already taking the drug.
MedPage Today
(9/2, Gever) says, "The new warning indicates that patients with
creatinine clearance of less than 35 mL/min or evidence of acute renal
impairment should not be given zoledronic acid for osteoporosis." The
warning also lists risk factors including "advanced age, concurrent
treatment with other nephrotoxic drugs, and dehydration secondary to fever,
sepsis, gastrointestinal losses, or diuretic therapy."
