Zometa & Lasix?

Gerri · 07-26-2008, 07:54 PM

I had my first bone density test yesterday and it came back that I have osteopenia of the lumbar spine, the report goes on to say "degenerative changes are present which will artificially increase the measured bone mineral density." My onc wanted me to wait and get a follow up test in six months but I talked her into starting me on Zometa now (well, Aug 11, to be exact). I looked over the drug interactions and saw precautions regarding Lasix and Zometa. This concerns me since my onc didn't mention the possibility of contraindications. Is anyone else taking Lasix and receiving Zometa?

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

sassy · 07-27-2008, 08:40 PM

Gerri,

I have been taking Zometa for almost two years, and have been on Lasix for nine months. I think the concern is with kidney function and potassium. I make certain to drink plenty of fluids, eat/drink potassium rich foods and have my potassium levels checked every three months.

I will be very interested to see if others are taking both Zometa and Lasix. I was experiencing a great deal of joint stiffness which I attributed to Lupron and Arimidex. My PA tried me on Lasix and it reduced my stiffness to practically nothing.

Are you currently taking Lasix, Arimidex or Lupron?

Gerri · 07-28-2008, 09:03 AM

Hi Sassy,

Thanks for your response. It's good to know that you have been able to stay on Lasix while receiving Zometa. My onc put me on Lasix last January to help with my swollen ankles. It is so nice not to have feet twice their size at the end of the day. I also had some pretty significant aches and pains, which have subsided somewhat. In addition to Lasix I take a number of supplements including Joint Relief by Iceland Health. Whether feeling better is attributed to one or the other, or a combo of both, I don't know for sure.

You mentioned having your potassium levels checked every three months, I'll ask my onc about having that done. Do you also get your serum creatinine measured before your infusion?

After two years on Tamoxifen, I am now on Femara. I am doing great, with no major complaints. I have read good things about Femara and Zometa being used together so I feel good about this combo. My first dose is in two weeks. I am wondering if I should just take the day off of work in case I don't feel well. Did you experience the flu-like symptoms your first time? If so, was it that same day?

Thanks again Sassy for responding. I really appreciate it.

Take care,

Becky · 07-28-2008, 09:45 AM

I am not on Lasix but am responding to the flu-like symptoms of Zometa (which I do take every 6 months). I did get flu-like symptoms with the first infusion. It hit me the next day (not the day of) and last about 2 days. Really achy and had a low grade fever of almost 101 F.

Gerri · 07-28-2008, 01:57 PM

Thanks Becky for chiming in. Funny, I worked all through chemo but a simple 15 - 30 minute infusion might actually cause me to call in sick. I guess time will tell how my body reacts.

sassy · 07-28-2008, 08:41 PM

Gerri,

I had the same response as Becky. I was like you, worked all thru chemo, but the first Zometa knocked me for a loop. I only have one infusion annually, and have no had any problems since the first infusion.

I hope we hear from others.

sassy · 07-29-2008, 07:12 PM

Just wanted to keep this at the top to see if anyone else is taking Lasix.