Question about Zometa side effects

AnnaLeigh
AnnaLeigh Member Posts: 187 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
My husband receives a Zometa infusion once a month. The infusion lasts for about 20 minutes and is given after hyrdration, Aloxi and Decadron.

He seems to be having some pretty bad side effects from the Zometa including chills, severe fatigue, headaches and weakness. I would like to know if any one else has experienced this and if any one thinks it would help to increase the infusion time, or slow down the drip.

Needless to say, we do not look forward to the once monthly treatment and want to minimize the side effects, if possible, so he can tolerate this drug. We have been told Zometa is very important for protecting his bones since the colon cancer has metastasised to the tissues surrounding his spine.

Any advice and feedback would be greatly appreciated.

AnnaLeigh

Comments

  • HollyID
    HollyID Member Posts: 946 Member
    #2
    Not familiar with Zometa...
    But I found this:

    You should not receive Zometa if you are allergic to zoledronic acid or similar medicine such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).

    Zometa and Reclast are two different brands of zoledronic acid. You should not be treated with Reclast if you are already receiving Zometa. Before receiving a Reclast injection, tell your doctor if you are already being treated with Zometa.

    Before receiving Zometa, tell your doctor if you have:

    *

    aspirin-sensitive asthma;
    *

    a thyroid or parathyroid disorder;
    *

    malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly);
    *

    a history of surgical removal of part of your intestine;
    *

    bone cancer; or
    * kidney disease.

    How is Zometa given?

    Zometa is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 15 minutes to complete.

    Zometa is sometimes given only once per year. Follow your doctor's instructions.
    Drink at least 2 glasses of water within a few hours before your injection to keep from getting dehydrated.

    Your doctor may want you to take a calcium and/or vitamin D supplement while you are being treated with Zometa. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about the type and strength of calcium to take.

    To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful side effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
    What happens if I miss a dose?

    Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Zometa.
    What happens if I overdose?

    Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, muscle stiffness, spasms in the muscles of your face, uneven heartbeats, and wheezing or trouble breathing.
    What should I avoid while receiving Zometa?

    Avoid having any type of dental surgery while you are being treated with Zometa. It may take longer than normal for you to recover.

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