Zometa
 

Hello,
Can I get current thoughts on Zometa, please?
I am almost five years from my diagnosis date. I had chemo-induced menopause, and have been on Femara generic for 4 years.
My previous oncologist retired. The new oncologist has recommended I do Zometa infusions every six months. Yet I'm reading that people who do Zometa often have femur breaks to look forward to. So I am confused as to why something that is supposed to build bone strength would lead to large bone fractures. Anyone have knowledge there?
And I'm told Zometa will help guard against recurrence.
I've had two bone denisities done since my diagnosis. The second showed a slight decrease in density from the first - they were about a year apart. I am not yet in osteopenia, but edging closer.
Has anyone out there chosen to do Zometa as a precaution against relapse and as a bone strengthener? any significant side effects? Crazy expensive? And please, if someone can help me understand the likelihood that taking Zometa could lead to large bone fractures.

thanks so much!!
Lizz

Re: Zometa
 

Hi,

The pills made me queasy so I had a generic of zometa by iv once a year for four years. It reversed my Osteopenia completey that was caused by Arimidex which I took for ten years. Only the first infusion gave me flu like symptoms but after that the rest were fine. I think the issue with a risk of fractures only happens after more than five years on this which is why I asked my Onc if we could stop at four years and she agreed.

Re: Zometa
 

Oh, thank you! This is very helpful; knowing that it is after several years! Thank you, Tricia!

Re: Zometa
 

I have been on Prolia for 6 doses so far. My last bone d test showed substantial improvement. I have had no side effects from it - other than the freak out I experienced after the last bill! I had to switch insurance in 2018 (and again in 2019) and the last insurance didn't pay much of the Prolia. But because it is working so well I will pay whatever is necessary. I was DX with osteoporosis at age 51.

Re: Zometa
 

You're welcome Lizz, I can't comment on cost as I live in Ireland so my treatments were free of charge. However I did partake in a ten year (Azure) trial to see of Zometa could help prevent bone mets and it was found that it couldn't. Good luck and hope you do well on it.