Zometa Infusions — your experience?

I had my lumpectomy in February 2022 followed by 15 radiation sessions. At the time, I was considered osteopenia. Had first Zometa infusion August 2022 with no apparent side effects. Second infusion in Feb 2023 and not a good experience. Within a week, had severe leg pain on the infusion side and it was pretty debilitating for about 6 months. Would never do it again. However, last bone density scan from 9/2024 shows me in the normal range and no longer osteopenia so that is the silver lining in my experience. Goood luck.

If you mean Zometa, I do. Here's my opinion.................I went for the infusions as it is supposed to help keep your bones strong. However, in doing that it has affected my jaw and all my teeth have moved. And it causes your teeth to ache in the process. I am now looking into Invisalign and not really looking forward to it. My teeth were straight until all this. If I had to do it again, I would not!!!

I have stage 1 breast cancer triple positive and am on Zoladex, and Anastrizole. Recent DEXA showed osteoporosis. Doctor is recommending Zometa. Please advise of side effects or what I need to ask my oncologist.

Thank you

Please ask your oncologist if it will affect your jawbone. I did not and all my teeth are now going crooked.

I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer a year ago, 12 yrs after my initial BC. In addition to my oral meds treatment I started Zometa 1x per 3 months, due for my 3rd on Dec. 27.
The 1st treatment hit me after 48 hrs., excruciating pain in my legs and could not walk for almost 3 days. Did my own research and found out if I drink extra water (8 to 10 glasses a day) starting 7 days prior to and 7 days following the IV treatment as well as doubling the water in the IV, the difference was night and day and I had little to no side effect!!!
So I'm drinking LOTS of water this week and the next😉

I was stage IIIc. I have to be honest, I took it on the slight chance it promoted protection against bone tumors. I had all 3 years, but I am now extremely limited in the dental treatments open to me. This is significant because my lower teeth cracked, broke and eventually I had needed extractions and in the 2nd phase of restorative care. Truthfully, however, they're not sure it was the Zometa or all the chemo I had over 5 years ago now, causing the breakage, etc. Dentists don't like to treat Zometa patients: too much risk for them, so I ended up having the extractions in hospital (outpatient) which went extremely well. Zometa can put 3-4% at risk for jaw necrosis.

I have read that 40% experience an "acute phase reaction" with fgver and malaise with the first infusion but it tends not to happen with the next infusion.

Hydrate well (IV hydration can help), ask for an hour long infusion (vs 15 minutes). If kidney disease is present it is good to do a lower dose (more frequently).

Most people I know do fine. I am on Reclast and doing fine. Fractures from AI's effect on bones are painful and disabling in my case. I wanted to do Reclast but my doctor did not want to do it due to my other health issues.

Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts on this subject. The information is very helpful and we are much more comfortable making a decision knowing what you have experienced and the knowledge you have gained in the process. We had no idea that there would be this many caring people willing to take the time and effort to post here.

That may be my answer.
I have drunk 80-100 ounces of water every day since early May of 2024. Might that be what has helped me limit side effects.