Precautions
My oncologist had me start on Zometa every 6 months even though my bone density is excellent as a recent study has shown it can help prevent bone mets. I have had one infusion so far and had extreme fever chills shakes about 18 hours after.
What are your experiences with Zometa?
If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Zometa, you can do so through MedWatch. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do the side effects of Zometa last?
Also call your doctor if you have muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (in hands and feet or around the mouth), new or unusual hip pain, or severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles. Your doctor may recommend you have a dental exam for preventive tooth and gum care before you start your treatment with Zometa.
When should I Call my doctor if I'm taking Zometa?
Brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using zoledronic acid. Zometa is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.
How do I take care of my teeth while taking Zometa?
Does Zometa affect your immune system?
In addition to its effects on bone cells, ZOL has profound effects on the immune system, including a plethora of immune cell subsets expressing the mevalonate pathway enzymes, leading to a general increase in anti-tumour immunity [65].
When should you not give Zometa?
In the clinical studies, patients with serum creatinine greater than 400 µmol/L or greater than 4.5 mg/dL were excluded. Zometa treatment is not recommended in patients with bone metastases with severe renal impairment.
How long after first Zometa do you get flu like symptoms?
Within three days after Zometa administration, an acute phase reaction has been reported in patients, with symptoms including pyrexia, fatigue, bone pain and/or arthralgias, myalgias, chills, and influenza-like illness. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Do bisphosphonates affect immune system?
This work suggests that bisphosphonates have the potential to depress the innate immune system for a prolonged time, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of BRONJ.
What should I do before Zometa infusion?
Immediately prior to having your Zometa injection, you should drink two full glasses of water. You may need to take supplementary calcium or vitamin D if your dietary intake is inadequate. Your doctor will advise you about this. Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems in the past before taking Zometa.
Does Zometa cause fever?
A fever may occur after receiving Zometa. In clinical studies, fever occurred in: 32% to 44% of people who had treatment with Zometa. 31% to 33% of people who had treatment with a similar drug called pamidronate.
How long do side effects from Zometa infusion last?
The majority of patients will experience symptoms within the first three days after an infusion1. These reactions are usually self-limiting and resolve completely within 24 to 48 hours2. However, in some patients symptoms may persist for longer periods.
How long does Zometa stay in system?
The excretion of zoledronic acid by the kidney does not depend on the dose or the infusion time (Chen et al 2002). The drug can be detected in urine in trace amounts up to 28 days after the infusion, although adequate amounts are present in urine only in the first 24 hours (Chen et al 2002).
Can I take ibuprofen with Zometa?
Talk to your doctor before using zoledronic acid together with ibuprofen. If you take a medication like zoledronic acid by mouth, combining it with ibuprofen may increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.
Is Zometa chemo?
Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is not cancer chemotherapy, and it will not slow or stop the spread of cancer. However, it can be used to treat bone disease in patients who have cancer. Zoledronic acid is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates.
What is the most common side effect of zoledronic acid?
Fever is the most common adverse effect associated with zoledronic acid infusion. Flu-like syndromes including fever, chills, bone pain, and/or arthralgias and myalgias have also occasionally been reported. These symptoms generally did not require treatment and resolved within 24 to 48 hours.
How does osteoporosis affect the respiratory system?
This abnormal curve can be caused by vertebrae that have weakened and have collapsed upon one another. The curvature can sometimes lead to breathing problems due to inability of the ribs to expand fully when inhaling. Height loss is a common effect of osteoporosis.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not be treated with Zometa if you are allergic to zoledronic acid.You should not be treated with Zometa if are currently using any other...
Zometa Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma:Zometa:4 mg IV over no less than 15 minutes, every 3 to 4 weeksComments: Oral calc...
What Should I Avoid While Receiving Zometa?
Avoid smoking, or try to quit. Smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol....
What Other Drugs Will Affect Zometa?
Zoledronic acid can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, inj...
Will Zometa cure my condition?
Zometa can’t cure cancer. But the drug can help protect your bones from damage caused by having cancer in your bones. Keep in mind that cancer does...
Is Zometa chemotherapy?
No, Zometa isn’t chemotherapy. Zometa belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in...
If I have asthma, can I use Zometa?
You may be able to have Zometa treatment if you have asthma, but you should check with your doctor. Zometa is a type of drug called a bisphosphonat...
Can I use Zometa with Reclast?
No, you shouldn’t have Zometa treatment if you’re using Reclast. These medications contain the same active drug, zoledronic acid. Taking these medi...
If I have kidney problems, can I use Zometa?
You may be able to have Zometa treatment if you have kidney problems. It depends how severe your kidney problems are and what Zometa is treating. F...
Can I have dental work done while taking Zometa?
No, it’s best not to have dental work during Zometa treatment. Doing so can raise your risk for a serious side effect called osteonecrosis of the j...
How often should I give Zometa?
The typical Zometa dosage for adults with multiple myeloma or bone metastases from solid tumors is 4 mg, given every 3 to 4 weeks. Each infusion should be given over at least 15 minutes.
How long does it take for Zometa to go away?
The symptoms typically ease in a few days. However, for some people, it may take up to 2 weeks or longer for these symptoms to go away. Most other side effects of Zometa tend to go away either on their own or with treatment. This usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks.
What is the active ingredient in Zometa?
Zometa contains the active drug zoledronic acid. It belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. Bisphosphonates help to prevent the breakdown of bone.
How many milligrams of Zometa are in a bottle?
Zometa comes as a liquid that’s available in two different forms: a single-dose, ready-to-use bottle containing 4 milligrams (mg) of drug in 100 milliliters (mL) of solution. a single-dose vial containing 4 mg of drug in 5 mL of solution. Zometa is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.
What is the FDA's approval for Zometa?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Zometa to treat certain conditions. Zometa may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.
How many people have a reaction to Zometa?
32% to 44% of people who had treatment with Zometa. 31% to 33% of people who had treatment with a similar drug called pamidronate. 20% of people who had a placebo (a treatment containing no active drug) Fever may be part of a short-term reaction that can develop in the first few days after having Zometa.
Does Zometa cause hair loss?
Hair loss can also occur with cancer treatments that you may have with Zometa. These treatments include chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In clinical studies of people with multiple myeloma or cancer that had spread to the bones, hair loss occurred in: 12% of people who used Zometa.
What is the trade name for Zometa?
Trade names: Zometa®. Zoledronic acid is the generic name for the trade name drug Zometa®. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Zometa® when referring to the generic drug name zoledronic acid. Drug type: Zoledronic acid is a supportive care drug in the category of bisphosphonates. (For more detail, see "How this drug ...
What are the side effects of Zolendronic Acid?
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking zoledronic acid: Ostealgia. Nausea. Fever usually mild and short lived.
What is the effect of zoledronic acid on bone?
Some of the complications resulting from this bone breakdown are bone pain, fractures and less commonly, hypercalcemia (increased levels of calcium in the blood). Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonate medications are used to slow down the osteoclast's effects on the bone.
Does Zolendronic acid cause constipation?
Constipation. Flu-like symptoms; mild fever sometimes accompanied by malaise, chills, fatigue and flushing. Usually occurs with first treatment with zoledronic acid only. These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving zoledronic acid: Shortness of breath.
Is zoledronic acid a side effect of hypercalcemia?
Presence of these symptoms while a person is receiving treatment with zo ledronic acid may not be drug- related side effects, but related to hypercalcemia. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely in patients with cancer receiving treatment regimens including bisphosphonates.
Is Zolendronic acid a pill?
There is no pill form of this medication. The amount of zoledronic acid that you will receive depends on many factors, including, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.
Can osteonecrosis of the jaw be treated with bisphosphonates?
Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely in patients with cancer receiving treatment regimens including bis phosphonates. Many of the reported cases were associated with dental procedures such as removal of a tooth. Many had signs of local infection including infection in the bone.
What is Zometa used for?
Zometa (zolcdronic acid) Injection is a bisphosphonate used to treat Paget's disease, high blood levels of calcium caused by cancer ( hypercalcemia of malignancy ), multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer), or metastatic bone cancer. Zometa is also used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, ...
How long does it take to get Zometa?
The maximum recommended dose of Zometa in hypercalcemia of malignancy or in patients with multiple myeloma and metastatic bone lesions from solid tumors is 4 mg as a single-dose intravenous infusion over no less than 15 minutes. Duration of treatment varies depending on the condition being treated.
How long does it take for a reaction to Zometa to resolve?
Within three days after Zometa administration, an acute phase reaction has been reported, with symptoms including pyrexia, fatigue, bone pain and/or arthralgias, myalgias, chills, influenza-like illness and arthritis with subsequent joint swelling; these symptoms usually resolve within three days of onset, but resolution could take up to 7 to 14 days . However, some of these symptoms have been reported to persist for a longer duration.
What are the symptoms of Zometa?
Zometa Consumer Information. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip;
Is Zometa safe for HCM?
The safety of Zometa was studied in 185 patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy ( HCM) who received either Zometa 4 mg given as a 5-minute intravenous infusion (n=86) or pamidronate 90 mg given as a 2-hour intravenous infusion (n=103). The population was aged 33-84 years, 60% male and 81% Caucasian, with breast, lung, head and neck, and renal cancer as the most common forms of malignancy. NOTE: pamidronate 90 mg was given as a 2-hour intravenous infusion. The relative safety of pamidronate 90 mg given as a 2-hour intravenous infusion compared to the same dose given as a 24-hour intravenous infusion has not been adequately studied in controlled clinical trials.
Can you take Zometa while pregnant?
Zometa is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm a fetus. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Does Zometa interact with other medications?
Zometa may interact with diuretics (water pills), lithium, methotrexate, pain or arthritis medicines, medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, IV antibiotics, antiviral medicines, or cancer medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you are taking.
What are the side effects of Zometa?
Common side effects of Zometa include: hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia. Other side effects include : hypocalcemia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects .
Can Zoledronic acid cause swelling?
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking zoledronic acid: large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs.
Does Zoledronic acid need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of zoledronic acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Does Zometa cause fever?
Fever is the most common adverse effect associated with zoledro nic acid (the active ingredient contained in Zometa) infusion. Flu-like syndromes including fever, chills, bone pain, and/or arthralgias and myalgias have also occasionally been reported.
How to Take Zoledronic Acid
Zoledronic acid is administered intravenously (IV, into a vein). Your dose, and how often you receive it, will be determined by your provider. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you calcium and vitamin D supplements to promote bone health.
Possible Side Effects of Zoledronic Acid
There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of zoledronic acid. Talk to your care team about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common or important side effects:
How does Zometa work?
Zometa works by interfering with cells that break down bone. These cells are abnormally active in patients with multiple myeloma, and interfering with them helps to reduce bone complications, like fractures and spinal cord compression. + Dosing and Administration.
What are the side effects of Zometa?
Constipation. Fever. Vomiting. Shortness of breath. Serious side effects that have been reported with Zometa include: Severely low blood calcium. Bone tissue death in the jaw (due to lack of blood supply) Severe incapacitating pain in the bones, joints, and/or muscles.
Can you take calcium while taking Zometa?
Women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant (due to risk of fetal harm) How are side effects of Zometa managed? Your doctor will monitor your calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and creatinine levels while you are taking Zometa. You will also take calcium and vitamin D supplements while taking Zometa.
How long does cold sensitivity last after chemo?
A few months into chemotherapy, your sensitivity to cold may last several days or even weeks.
What does it mean when you are cold?
Other times, patients may experience an extreme sensitivity to cold known as cold dysesthesia. This can mean an unpleasant sensation when drinking ice-cold beverages or feeling uncomfortable when you’re exposed to cold temperatures, whether it’s air conditioning or colder weather.
Can chemotherapy cause diarrhea?
But whereas chemotherapy side effects like nausea or diarrhea may be improve d with medication, coping with cold sensitivity is about making lifestyle changes. Choosing foods and drinks that are warm or room temperature is one way to avoid this side effect.
Can chemotherapy infusions cause coldness?
The sensitivity to cold can come on very soon after a chemotherapy infusion, but some patients may not feel it until several days later. It can sometimes be surprising, especially when it comes to cold food and drinks. So, I warn my patients before they start a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen.
Can you eat ice cream while on chemo?
If you’re an ice cream lover, you may not want to eat ice cream while receiving chemotherapy. But it’s not just eating and drinking that can be problematic. Exposure to cold temperatures can also be more uncomfortable, so patients often struggle more in the winter than the summer.
Is it important to avoid colds?
In most cases, it’s more important to avoid the cold that’s causing you discomfort than to look for ways to combat it. If you’re experiencing cold sensitivity, you may want to try a few different things to see what works for you. Your care team can also help you come up with ways to cope if you’re struggling.
Does cold sensitivity go away after chemo?
The good news is unlike other side effects affecting the nerves, which can be permanent, cold sensitivity usually goes away once you’re finished with chemotherapy . Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.