Zometa

suzan w · 01-07-2008, 08:47 AM

I am trying to decide what to do next about my severe osteoporosis. I have been taking Fosomax for more than 10 years and my doc (not oncologist) says that I should stop. Also experiencing some stomach issues with the Fosomax. I also see a rheumotologist for my bones and am going to go see her soon and I am thinking that perhaps Zometa is a good choice for me. My Question to you all...how many of you are doing Zometa for bone health only, not because of mets. Side effects? Thanks!!!

PinkGirl · 01-07-2008, 09:27 AM

Hi Suzan W

I don't know a thing about it but I think Becky and BrendaH
are on it solely for osteo reasons. There's a thread ( about
20 down from this one) about zometa.

Becky · 01-07-2008, 10:59 AM

I am using Zometa only for my bone health and not for mets. I got an infusion every 6 months during the first 2.5 years, now its about every 8 months. I had an ooph at 46 so I could take Arimidex (because I am only moderately ER+ but I am PR neg - and with Her2+, not a good combo for Tamoxifen working for me).

Since the ooph and Zometa - last 2 DEXAs - no change in neck and spine and improvement in hip (last one - but I started running again since then vs walking??)

It's easy and no stomach issues. I did feel flu-like symptoms the first few but not the one I had this summer. It used to be a 15 minute infusion but now they do it over 30 minutes as it causes less issues.

The biggest issue for me is having to go back into the infusion room (and have to explain to all the nurses that I am ok - just bad bones).

StephN · 01-07-2008, 03:57 PM

Hi Suzan - Good you are keeping track of your bone density.

I took Zometa for about 3 years as a precaution against bone mets (since I was then stage IV, but NED), as well as to strengthen my bones.

As I understand things, not all of the drugs to take for bones actually help to REGROW the bones. My understanding of Zometa was that it would do that. When I had another Dexa last year it was clear that my bone density had increased markedly from when I had finished my chemos.

My dosing was every three weeks when I got the Herceptin. Then we slowed it to every 6 weeks, then every 12 weeks, and now I no longer take it after the last results.

There are other newer biphosphanates which will also regrow the bone, so ask about those as well.

Bill · 01-07-2008, 06:03 PM

Hi Suzan! Nicola had 4 mgs. of Zometa every 4 weeks for 2 years. She did have mild flu-like symtoms for a few days afterward. In bone scans, she always had "something" at T-8 and T-9, they were concerned about, but these areas never changed, so we thought maybe it was an old injury area. Sorry, we never tracked bone density or how effective the Zometa may have been, but with all the chemo she had, we never had any bone issues. Hope this helps a little. Peace to you. Love, Bill

madubois63 · 01-07-2008, 10:16 PM

I too am taking Zometa because of osteoporosis and not because of bone mets (thank God ). I have Medicare , and they only cover it for one time per year. Check with your insurance - it's expensive!! My onc is working on a way to get it covered for me for several treatments per year. So far, I have had no side effects at all (yeah).

sassy · 01-08-2008, 07:17 PM

I am taking Zometa annually for bone health only, no mets. The first infusion caused flu like symptoms that kept me in bed for a day. My second infusion will be at the beginning of next month.