You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with Zometa. Examples include ibandronate and zoledronic acid. Fever may be part of a short-term reaction that can develop in the first few days after having Zometa. A pain assessment can help you get the right treatment. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. For high calcium levels caused by cancer, Zometa is typically given as a single dose. The drug slows the breakdown of bone, so it can help prevent bone weakening that can lead to fractures. (An IV infusion is an injection into a vein thats given slowly over a period of time.). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Infusions for Osteoporosis: Reclast, Prolia, and Side Effects - Healthline Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. But this wasnt reported in clinical trials of Zometa. Association of osteonecrosis of the jaw with zoledronic acid treatment for bone metastases in patients with cancer. In these studies, Xgeva was found more effective than zoledronic acid for preventing bone problems. You may have a higher risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw if you: During your Zometa treatment, see your doctor right away if you have dental problems or symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Zometa can cause mild or serious side effects. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. While promising, stem cells are not available as a treatment for osteoporosis. These proteins activate the osteoclasts, causing calcium to be released into your blood. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 2016;32(1):133-145. doi:10.1185/03007995.2015.1105795. Avoid having any type of dental surgery while you are being treated with Zometa. Does Zometa 4 Mg Intravenous Powder For Solution interact with other drugs you are taking? Zometa comes as a liquid thats available in two different forms: Zometa is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider. Zometa is also absorbed into the osteoclasts, stopping them from working. By day 7 of treatment, a complete response occurred in: In 50% of people who had a complete response, the complete response lasted for: 18 days in people treated with pamidronate, spinal cord compression (problems caused by cancer in your spine growing and pressing on your spinal cord), 33% of males with bone metastases from prostate cancer who were treated with Zometa, 44% of males with bone metastases from prostate cancer who were treated with a, 38% of people with bone metastases from other solid tumors such as, 44% of people with bone metastases from other solid tumors such as lung, kidney, colorectal, or bladder cancer who were treated with placebo, 44% of people with multiple myeloma or bone metastases from breast cancer who were treated with Zometa, 46% of people with multiple myeloma or bone metastases from breast cancer who were treated with pamidronate*, pamidronate (previously available as the brand-name drug Aredia). If youre sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while youre using Zometa. Other treatments (such as radiation therapy) are usually needed, as are medications to control pain. A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. Zometa pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings. Last updated on Mar 27, 2023. You may also be instructed to take calcium and vitamin D supplements each day. Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that can be used to help protect bones against the effects of some cancers and to treat some bone conditions. Liang S, et al. Prescribers' Digital Reference. Zometa is also absorbed by the osteoclasts. For multiple myeloma, youll be given Zometa along with your cancer treatment. Animal studies dont always predict what will happen in humans. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Long-term use of denosumab is more likely than bisphosphonates to cause a low calcium level. Leng S, Lentzsch S. Bone-modifying agents: Complicated to use. Zoledronic acid may harm an unborn baby. How Bone Metastases From Cancer Are Treated - Verywell Health you have had a complete dental work up with your dentist and let him or her know that you will be receiving this infusion. It is given as an injection every month at your doctor's office and is limited to one year of treatment. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Your doctor can better help you understand how your specific circumstances relate to these treatments. * (Fertility is the ability to become pregnant.) Zometa and Prolia are prescribed for similar uses. Zometa belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. A high fever is a body temperature higher than 103.0F (39.4C). We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome. 2016;30(8):695-702. Zoledronic acid may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. Lets discuss: Stem cells for osteoporosis are still experimental and being researched. No, you shouldnt have Zometa treatment if youre using Reclast. The medication is dripped slowly into your vein through a tube. Research also indicates that pamidronate infusions can help treat osteoporosis. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Zometa injection. Ibandronate sodium is FDA approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Drug class: Bisphosphonates. When you first visit one of our facilities, you will meet with one of our healthcare professionals to discuss your medication, the duration of each infusion treatment, and the side effects. A doctor will inject the medication into the body either through a needle or a catheter, which is a tube. Zoledronic acid may harm an unborn baby. Osteoporosis and Cancer: What Is the Relationship? Examples of other drugs that can cause kidney problems include: If Zometa is used with another drug that can affect your kidneys, youll likely have frequent blood tests. Bisphosphonates most commonly used for bone metastases are given intravenously (into a vein). McLaughlin MB, et al. Comments: If serum calcium does not return to normal, retreatment should be considered after a minimum of 7 elapsed days. Its usually one short shot. There are several injections available to treat osteoporosis. It also appears to delay the development of bone metastases, reduce skeletal tumor growth, and improve survival time by a little over a month. They include: Hormone treatments like Forteo and Tymlos are often very expensive. They may recommend that you take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce the fever. Before being treated with Zometa, you should have a dental checkup. The epidemiology of osteoporosis. Role of side effects, physician involvement, and patient perception in non-adherence with oral bisphosphonates. The bisphosphonates Aredia and Zometa and the monoclonal antibody denosumab can reduce the risk of fractures. You may have pain in your bones, joints, or muscles while receiving Zometa. Zometa lowers the level of calcium in your blood. However, if you have bone pain from your cancer, you should start seeing improvement within a few weeks. Depending on the drug, you might have this treatment: Doctors can treat bones affected by cancer by using special cement to strengthen them. Your body is constantly breaking down and building bone tissue. Usual Adult Dose for Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma: Zometa: 4 mg IV over no less than 15 minutes, every 3 to 4 weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. All rights reserved. Zometa is meant to be used as a long-term treatment for multiple myeloma and bone metastases from solid tumors. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. Doctors use the cement to fill parts of bone destroyed by cancer that are causing pain. An infusion is a longer, continuous administration of medication into a vein. Zometa helps reduce bone damage and bone pain that can occur when cancer forms in your bones. Schedule an appointment with Dr. VanSweden for primary care and internal medicine. Here is a list of conditions* that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zometa and Prolia to treat: Prolia is also FDA-approved for use in the following people who have a high risk for bone fractures: * To learn more about the specific uses of Zometa, see the Zometa uses section above. Zometa is used to treat high blood levels of calcium caused by cancer (also called hypercalcemia of malignancy). A person needs sufficient vitamin D to form the hormone calcitriol. Evenity works to strengthen your bones. Youre unlikely to notice the drug working. If Zometa has been diluted for use but cant be administered immediately, the solution should be stored in the refrigerator from 36F to 46F (2C to 8C). For more information, see the Zometa uses section above. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with either Zometa or Xgeva, as well as serious side effects that both drugs may share. They were first used to treat osteoporosis and later noted to help with bone metastases. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages of choice. Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". The drug lowers the risk for spinal cord compression and the need for radiation therapy or surgery to the bones. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from Zometa. Cancers that can develop in your bones include multiple myeloma. Below is information about other possible uses for Zometa. Hair loss can also occur with cancer treatments that you may have with Zometa. Do not use Zometa if you are pregnant. Youll need to have frequent blood tests to check how theyre working. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. (2022). If you have any questions about how Zometa will treat your condition, talk with your doctor. Thumbigere-Math V, Michalowicz BS, Hodges JS, et al. The costs of Zometa and Prolia will vary depending on your treatment plan. If you have severe pain, your doctor may suggest that you stop receiving Zometa. Depending on which medication you take, infusions for osteoporosis can take 15 seconds to several hours. Denosumab - drug summary. Experts estimate that osteoporosis affects more than 10 million people in the United States over the age of 50. No, Zometa isnt chemotherapy. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Zometa, talk with your doctor. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Zometa is available in a generic form called zoledronic acid. Also, use mouthwash if your doctor or dentist recommends it. If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, talk with your doctor about what treatments may be best for you. You can receive Prolia through IV injections every six months. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. 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Advanced breast cancer and prostate cancer commonly spread to the bones. Zometa has certain limitations of use. These supplements should contain 500 milligrams (mg) of calcium and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D. If you have high calcium levels due to cancer, you may receive Zometa with other treatments that help lower the levels. Zometa contains zoledronic acid. An IV infusion is a type of injection. Youll likely receive Prolia once every 6 months. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. These factors can cause osteoporosis. But your gender identity may not align with how your body responds to this disease. Zometa is also recommended as an add-on treatment for early-stage breast cancer to reduce the chance of bone metastases. * The side effect can also be caused by your cancer or other treatments you may be having for your cancer. Ibandronate is only for postmenopausal women. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is more likely if you: Scheduling dental exams every threemonths and using preventive antibiotics for dental procedures may reduce the risk. 2021;7(2):246-254. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.6353. There have also been advances in the options for therapy provided to patients to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. An atypical fracture is a break that happens after a very minor event, such as a bump. Heres some information about the drug forms for Zometa and Xgeva and how theyre given. You should also have regular dental exams to check for any problems. Prolia is a prescribed osteoporosis infusion for treating symptoms. Zometa belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.). Bisphosphonates such as Zometa have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading to the bones in some people. Other treatment options for osteoporosis include denosumab, HRT, salmon calcitonin, and synthetic PTH. Despite the side effects, the majority of medications are well tolerated. Zometa is also used to treat hypercalcemia. For example, if you have multiple myeloma or cancer that has spread to the bones, Zometa isnt recommended if you also have severe kidney problems. Bisphosphonate therapy. The condition can also happen if cancer spreads to your bones from other parts of your body. This condition can cause symptoms such as: If cancer develops in your bones, this can stimulate the osteoclasts and cause hypercalcemia. If either is present, do not use the liquid. This type of fracture can occur with no obvious cause.