Pamidronate (Aredia) infusion experiences?

Posted by monimoa @monimoa, 4 days ago

I'm a year and a half into taking an aromatase inhibitor (after chemo, radiation and surgery). My first dexa scan shows osteopenia, and Zometa was recommended. After my first and only Zometa infusion, I had three days of the expected flu-like symptoms. But then I had about 10 days of debilitating pain in every joint in my body. So, my oncologist has recommended that I go on a different bisphosphonate called pamidronate. I've read up on the risks and symptoms. Has anyone had experience with this drug? What were your experiences? Any tips?

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | 3 days ago

My experience with this drug isn’t with AI, or even my breast cancer. There are quite a few conversations about this if you put bisphosphonates into the search line but I can’t find any that have any kind of agreement or even plain English so I will tell you what I know.
When my husband was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Mayo Clinic started his treatments. He was prescribed 50,000 units of vitamin D monthly and 600mg calcium with vitamin D added daily. Aredia every 3rd month for 2 years. This was due to him having visible holes in every bone in his skeleton.
When the two years was up, the Mayo doctor who is now at our local cancer center discontinued this drug, showing us the progress of bone being strengthened around the holes in the bones.
Fast forward 8 years, a resurgence of the MM left him with some new holes, and a different bisphosphonate this time but another two years were ordered. How this all worked out is that my husband has had no more fractures since this started (knock on wood). No side effects from the drug. He is now at almost 15 years with MM, stay tuned.
I know it is not exactly what you were looking for, but I hope this helpful in some way. Did you discuss this pain with your doctor? Did he/she have any ideas why or solutions?