Zometa and Reclast

I had my first infusion of Zometa in the fall of 2024. My oncologist treating me for breast cancer recommended it. Although my Dexa scan indicated osteopenia my FRAX score was sufficiently high for her concern of a possible hip fracture and, most significantly, I am taking an aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) which is linked to bone loss.

I had managed my osteopenia for years without osteoporosis meds, but the breast cancer treatment (aromatase inhibitors) and my age (75 during the first infusion) convinced me that I needed to try an osteoporosis medication now. I did this reluctantly and it was not an easy decision. I met with 2 endocrinologists who both recommended either Prolia or Reclast. I did not want to take Prolia after reading more about its possible side effects, though the side effects are pretty similar to those of Reclast. It's the stopping of Prolia that really needs attention.

Since Zometa had a slightly lower dosage than Reclast, that is the infusion drug I chose. Zometa is often also prescribed to prevent breast cancer moving to the bones, though that involves a more frequent infusion schedule. I am trying to go one full year before my next Zometa infusion. I found an endocrinologist who agrees to use at least one of the bone turnover markers (CTx) to chart the effectiveness of the Zometa.

I followed the recommendations on this website to use the protocol for what to do to prepare for a Reclast (or Zometa) infusion. I did not have awful side effects afterwards, but recall some bone pain discomfort which improved.

Frankly, the treatment options for osteoporosis are far more complicated than those for my cancer so far.

@prarysky Thanks for that I had a similar journey to you. In 2020 diagnosed with BC caught really early thanks to Breast screen I had. I had 2 zometa infusions 6 months apart and Anastrozle. Went from osteopenia to osteoporosis after stopping Anastrozle after five years. Have had good positive results for BC and have been discharged from the oncology clinic I went to. I feel very lucky. Will see if I can have the lower dose zometa instead of reclast for osteoporosis. I don't like the other options for osteoporosis either. Tui

I am panicking about my herceptin Infusion tomorrow. Chemo gave me osteoporosis, and now I am given two choices of shots to take every 6 months Zometa and Prolia. Which is better as far as side effects go, and would it be better to take more frequently in case it fighting with the Exemestane that I taking, help!!!