Zoledronic acid

Hello Mihrab. I'm post-menopausal and have had one infusion of zoledronic acid (Zometa) so far and in terms of side effects I just felt a bit achy/fluey for a day or two. Prior to taking it it I made sure that I had a dental check up and that any work required was done prior to the infusion. I did some research beforehand and information on the Cancer Research UK site stated that there is a very low chance of jaw osteonecrosis for those who have early breast cancer (less than 1%) and a slightly higher risk for those who have secondary bone cancer and are taking bisphosphonates monthly (2%). I have just one infusion every 6 months for 3 years. If major dental work is required it's possible for this to be scheduled at a suitable time during the 6 month 'cycle', or for the zoledronic acid to be stopped for a few weeks prior to treatment and recommenced after everything has healed if you are having it monthly, to minimise the risks. There seem to be a lot of horror stories out there on the internet, and a lot of out of date information, so make sure that any research you do is conducted via reputable sites.

I also used the NHS predict tool which shows the benefits of various treatments on potential survival rates (see link below). By putting my details in I could see that taking a bisphosphonate improved my potential survival rate by almost as much as having chemo did so weighing up all of the pros & cons I decided to take it. It's obviously a personal choice though and perhaps talking through your concerns with your nurse or oncologist would help you to come to a decision? Hope this helps. 

https://breast.predict.nhs.uk/

In addition to what LalaLou said, perhaps it would be a good idea to also run this past your dentist, they may be able to offer an opinion about the drug in general as it relates to jaw, and more importantly, for you specifically.

1. That’s brilliant thanks very much

thanks

I've just had my 2nd zoledronic acid out of 6 (once every 6 months for 3 years). I wasn't sure either as I thought it was just for bone strengthening and I didn't think I needed it, but once I knew it was to stop BC coming back in your bones, I was all for it. I want to take everything they offer me to keep increasing my chances of this never coming back.

You have to have your teeth checked before you start to make sure nothing major brewing. You also need to take high strength calcium tablets for 30 days after the infusion, as the ZA can lower calcium levels.

I ended up with a tooth infection that killed the nerve (nothing to do with the ZA) and had to have a root canal. I was really worried about it but my oncologist said as long as it was 2 months either side of the infusion, it was fine. It happened to be perfect timing and I went ahead - with no issues at all. You have to be cautious of extractions as they disturb the jaw itself and so they recommend you try and avoid them whilst on biphosphonates, which is why they want you to have your teeth checked prior to treatment.

I had broke a filling and had to have it redone about a week after my 2nd infusion with no issues at all.

I didn't notice any side effects first time and 2nd time, I noticed a bit of low mood for a few days and a bit achey, but nothing major. I went through chemo so nothing compared to that! I am in a medical menopause and I notice that anything major going in to my body now affects mood or makes hot flushes worse. I found the antibiotics I had to take for the tooth infection way worse than the ZA.

I would talk to your oncologist about tooth implants as you may need to wait for a period after you stop being treated before having them.

Hi I was prescribed a daily tablet of ZA to start with (ibrandonic acid)… I found it v hard due to the need to take 1st thing in the morning, need to sit / stand for an hr after taking tablet.. no eating/ drinking beforehand.. my oncologist did allow me to swap to the 6monthly IV. I’ve had one of these. Was a bit wiped out for a few days after but not too bad. Of all the possible side effects the risk to my jaw worries me the most for some reason.  

I wasn’t advised about seeing my dentist beforehand… fortunately I’d seen him a couple of months before so all ok.

I also thought it was just to prevent osteoporosis and wasn’t really sure why I was recommended it… I’m on Zoladex & Anastrozole… but knowing it can help prevent spread to your bones does help. I also take Adcal.. a vitamin D & calcium supplement. 

Hi

i have my first bone infusion on 20 Jan.  Can I ask how long it takes and whether I should take a book to read, as not sure what to expect?

thanks 

Hi yes take a book. I think it took an hr and half .. not all of that treatment… They do a saline drip, then the treatment & then a 2nd saline drip. They also made sure I drank lots too. It was fine on the day I was just tired the next couple of days. 

1. Hi... i had 4 doses over two years.   The first dose left me with achey hips...much improved if I moved around.  No ill effects at all from the other 3 and went straight back to work.  Maybe I was just fortunate.. .. I've had 4 teeth extracted since then and I was a tad  concerned re my jaw but its been fine.  Dentistcwas very reassuring if cautious. But that's just my experience. 

Hi I had my 5th dose on Dec 20th the only SE I get is a bit achy and flu like also teeth and gums feel a bit weird a bit  similar to sinus pain but all gone in about ten days .

I usually take a magazine in with me doesn’t take too long approx 30mins .. cannula in , veins flushed with saline then infusion . 
Hope all goes well .