Zometa Side Effects

[Becky]

Since I had my ovaries removed and I am on Arimidex, I had a bone density test. The results showed mild osteopenia. Since I am on Herceptin, my onco recommended a dose of Zometa at my next infusion and my gyno agreed. Apparently, when used for this reason, you only have to get it once per year so they figured "why not" since after this, I will have to take something (like Fosamax) by mouth for many, many years.

Are there any side effects that any of you had with this drug? I don't get another Herceptin until November 18 so I have alittle extra time to find out everything.

Thank you in advance

Becky

[jojo]

I thought that Zometa was for bone mets only?? <confused> Pardon my ignorance, as I have never taken Z before.

[Becky]

Jojo


You are right but biphonsphates are the wave of the future as far as bone hardeners are concerned. Berlex Labs and others are waiting for FDA approval on several pill types for osteopenia and osteoporesis. Most women would not go somewhere to get an infusion of Zometa and would just take Fosamax or similar drug by mouth. However, Zometa can be taken (infused) once per year for osteopenia (and it does have some metatasis prevention properties) so... the onco and gyno recommended one dose for me for this purpose.

I wanted to know what others experienced vs what the "label" on the drug says.

Thanks in advance

Becky

[Patty H]

My Dr. put me on zometa for bone mets but he also said it would help prevent bone mets and help build my bones. But I have to have it every month, not just a one time thing. I was on actonel but now I just do zometa. Patty H

[Lolly]

This is interesting information. I'm going to ask about Zometa at my next visit with my onc, as I have osteopenia and couldn't tolerate the side effects of Fosamax.
Thanks for the info.

<3,
Lolly

[Peggins]

I am enroled in a Phase III Clincal Trial of zometa to see how effective it can be in the prevention of bone loss in localized breast cancer patients with chemotherapy induced ovarian failure. I receive it IV every three months for two years. I have had two infusions. The first one gave me a really bad headache but that could have been due to the loading dose of herceptin, the benadryl or the zometa. No more headaches with the zometa or herceptin.

I have felt no side effects that I can attribute to ther zometa, I do have blood work done every three months to look at calcium levels and a few other things. The only thing that worries me is the osteostenosis. Probably not spelled right. It is an infection and possible death of the bone in the lower jaw that may occure after routine dental work. It's very rare, but if you google zometa you will find many links. The trial # is CALGB 79809

Peggy