Zoledronate Infusion
Zoledronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle. It’s usually given as an intravenous infusion once a year, and can help slow down bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures.
At a glance
- Paediatric Patients Aged 12-18 Seen
What is a zoledronate infusion?
Zoledronate (also called zoledronic acid) belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. It’s used to treat osteoporosis, a condition where bones have low density and become weak and brittle.
Zoledronate works by inhibiting the cells that break down bone tissue, thereby helping to maintain bone strength. The treatment is given by a drip (intravenous infusion) into a vein, on a day-case basis, usually once a year.
Your consultant might recommend a zoledronate infusion if:
you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis and are at high risk of fractures, especially after a previous fracture
you’re unable to take oral bisphosphonate tablets
you have severe bone thinning or other bone-health issues where a long-acting treatment is preferred
At Welbeck, our consultant rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related bone conditions. They offer zoledronate infusions within our state-of-the-art Orthopaedics centre, supported by a dedicated bone health team.
You’ll have access to advanced diagnostic scanning, including DEXA, and a comprehensive pre-treatment assessment. Our multidisciplinary approach means every aspect of your bone health is carefully managed, from diagnosis through to treatment, follow-up, and long-term rehabilitation, ensuring truly world-class, personalised care.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
Zoledronate is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion once a year. On the day of your infusion, you’ll visit our dedicated Orthopaedics centre and your infusion will be carried out by a specialist nurse.
You’ll sit in one of our comfortable infusion chairs, and your nurse will place a cannula (a thin tube) in a vein in your arm. A zoledronate infusion is a straightforward and comfortable procedure, and most people are able to sit back and relax. You can read, listen to music, or use your phone or tablet while the medication is being given.
The infusion itself takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and after the infusion, you’ll be observed for a short time before being allowed to return home. The entire process typically takes around 1 hour, and your nurse will be nearby throughout to make sure you’re comfortable and that there are no side effects.
Following your infusion, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with a rheumatologist to discuss your treatment progress. You may also need to have some blood taken to check your kidney function.
While zoledronate is generally safe, there are some potential risks and side effects associated with the treatment.
These include:
a flu-like reaction (fever, chills, muscle or joint aches) in the first day or two after the first infusion that usually settles quickly
nausea
allergic responses
low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia)
low phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia)
Blood calcium and phosphate levels will be carefully monitored by your consultant using regular blood tests.
Before your infusion, you’ll attend a pre-treatment assessment, and your calcium and vitamin D levels will be checked, alongside your kidney function. You may be asked to take calcium or vitamin D supplements before your infusion.
It’s important to let your consultant know of any dental work you need in the near future, as this is best done before treatment if possible.
On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your arm and drink plenty of fluids before and after the infusion to reduce your risk of dehydration.
After your zoledronate infusion, you can return home as soon as the observation period is finished, and you don’t need to arrange to have someone collect you.
In the first few days after the infusion, you may experience some temporary side effects such as a flu-like reaction (fever, chills, muscle or joint aches). If this is the case, you should rest and stay well hydrated. Symptoms usually settle within a few days.
You’ll have a scheduled follow-up appointment with your rheumatologist, and you may also need to have some blood tests.
A zoledronate infusion is priced at £1250. Please contact the Orthopaedics centre for more information.
At Welbeck, our rheumatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a zoledronate infusion, you must be referred by either your GP or a rheumatologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a rheumatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Not straight away. Zoledronate begins working soon after the infusion, but the benefits — stronger bones and a lower risk of fractures — develop gradually over the following months. It’s important to remember that zoledronate doesn’t relieve pain from existing fractures; instead, it helps to protect your bones and prevent new fractures from occurring in the future.
Zoledronate is processed through the kidneys, so your consultant will check your kidney function before starting treatment to make sure it’s safe for you. If your kidney function is reduced, the infusion may need to be delayed, adjusted, or replaced with an alternative therapy that’s more suitable. Checking kidney health is an essential part of your pre-treatment assessment, and your specialist will always ensure the safest and most effective option for you.
Yes. After around 3 to 5 years of annual zoledronate infusions, your consultant will review your progress to decide if you still need ongoing treatment. This decision is based on your bone density scan results, any history of fractures, and your overall bone health. Some people benefit from taking a break if their bones have strengthened and their fracture risk is lower, while others may continue for longer under close supervision.
No, having a zoledronate infusion doesn’t prevent you from having surgery in the future. However, it’s important to let your surgical or dental team know that you’ve received this treatment, as it can affect how your bones heal. For major procedures — particularly those involving bone or dental work — your consultant may recommend careful timing or additional checks to support safe and effective healing.