Lay summary
Zolendronic acid is a medication commonly used in New Zealand to treat low bone density/osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid is effective at reducing the risk of fractures. However, about 40% of people receiving zoledronic acid have a reaction known as an 'acute phase response' after receiving the medication, which involves fevers, muscle and joint pain, which can last for several days. It is possible that a three-day course of a commonly used steroid, dexamethasone, could reduce the number of patients experiencing this reaction.