Ladies I have some news just saw a new onco

We are going to try zometa every six monthes for my bones since I cant take fosamax for 3 years. I got told I am doing good . I thank god.

Comments

  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    Zometa...
    Just some advice about Zometa.....go to the dentist BEFORE you start this ....just had to see an oral surgeon two weeks ago....this can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw bone...as can ANY bone strengthening drug..Zometa is particulary hard on the jaw bone...I was amazed at how up to date my dentist and oral surgeon were on this drug.....I was never told about this side effect of Zometa until after the fact..... I would suggest you see your dentist prior to starting this....

    So glad to hear you are doing well....
    Wishing you continued good health!
    Hugs, Nancy
  • jerseygirl231
    jerseygirl231 Member Posts: 178
    MAJW said:

    Zometa...
    Just some advice about Zometa.....go to the dentist BEFORE you start this ....just had to see an oral surgeon two weeks ago....this can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw bone...as can ANY bone strengthening drug..Zometa is particulary hard on the jaw bone...I was amazed at how up to date my dentist and oral surgeon were on this drug.....I was never told about this side effect of Zometa until after the fact..... I would suggest you see your dentist prior to starting this....

    So glad to hear you are doing well....
    Wishing you continued good health!
    Hugs, Nancy

    Thanks
    I will be maling a denist appt
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your
    Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your research before taking these drugs! We firmly believe that my mom's esophageal cancer may have been because she took Fosamax. The jaw suffers as do the stomach and esophagus. There are lawsuits filed against mfgs of Fosamax. Reasearch, research, research!
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    Ginny_B said:

    Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your
    Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your research before taking these drugs! We firmly believe that my mom's esophageal cancer may have been because she took Fosamax. The jaw suffers as do the stomach and esophagus. There are lawsuits filed against mfgs of Fosamax. Reasearch, research, research!

    I can't take these drugs.
    I have TMJ which predisposes me to jaw issues from these drugs. I agree with checking with the dentist but if you had a bone scan any jaw issues would show up.

    Roseann
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    I had been on zometa and
    I had been on zometa and switched last year to xgeva. The drugs are very similar, but xgeva is a subcutaneous (right under the skin) injection and I like to get in and out!

    Anyway, I have thus far not had any scary side effects.

    Here is my advice:

    1. Drink lots of water or fluids because zometa can be hard on your kidneys
    2. See a dental hygienist at least every 6 months while on the drug. I gave my dentist a copy of:
    Osteonecrosis of the Jaw for Cancer Patients

    http://www.boneandcancerfoundation.org/pdfs/osteonecrosis.pdf

    3. Avoid dental implants and major dental work, but do maintain excellent dental hygiene (lots of brushing, flossing and rinsing). Many studies show a link between poor dental hygiene and jaw osteonecrosis.
    4. Drink lots of water ;-)
    5. Report any difficulty swallowing, heartburn or other esophageal issues because the drug can damage the esophagus in some people.
    6. I personally avoid taking NSAIDS (aspirin, aleve, motin, advil, etc) because that group of drugs can also hit your kidneys hard and cause GI issues.
    7. Don't forget the water! Zometa can be hard on your kidneys ;-)

    P.S If your computer is mean like mine and won't let you click on the link, press the shift key when you click on the link and it should magically appear.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Ginny_B said:

    Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your
    Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your research before taking these drugs! We firmly believe that my mom's esophageal cancer may have been because she took Fosamax. The jaw suffers as do the stomach and esophagus. There are lawsuits filed against mfgs of Fosamax. Reasearch, research, research!

    To my knowledge, it is only
    To my knowledge, it is only oral bisphosphonates that are associated with the esophageal cancer risk. Zometa and xgeva are given by infusion or injection.

    See:
    http://www.supportiveoncology.net/jso/journal/articles/0510475.pdf
  • jody0517
    jody0517 Member Posts: 2
    ONJ of the Jaw..Just diagnosed

    HI there

    I was just diagnosed with ONJ of the jaw ..I had breast cancer and then given zomeda

    I was just told that they have to remove a portion of my lower jaw..I am 48 years old, live in New York

    Anyone been through this???  This is all new to me...

  • jody0517
    jody0517 Member Posts: 2
    jody0517 said:

    ONJ of the Jaw..Just diagnosed

    HI there

    I was just diagnosed with ONJ of the jaw ..I had breast cancer and then given zomeda

    I was just told that they have to remove a portion of my lower jaw..I am 48 years old, live in New York

    Anyone been through this???  This is all new to me...

    ONJ of the Jaw..Just diagnosed

    also, you can email me at jody0517@aol.com

     

    Thanks!

    Jody