Bisphosphonate, heart arrythmia,

hope2learn

Before the breast cancer I apparently have had paroxymal atrial fibrillations, a heart arrythmia, which I knew about but did not notice muc,h or rarely.

I have also had osteoporosis. I was advised that the aromatase inhibitor letrozole would cause such a thinning of my bone I need the infusion of Bisphosphonate ( Reclast, Zometa) or Prolia pretty much right away. I decided to start out with the oral form of the bisphosphonate to see the effect on me.

I have taken Fosamax 70 mg with Letrozole for 4 month now . I so far have had no problem from letrozole but I have definitely more arrythmia which I clearly relate to the Fosamax, as it get worse right after I take it. I now get  frequently dizzy and nauseaus. I have to have this checked out with another heart monitor. Arrythmia induced by Fosamax has been discussed in the literature. So clearly I will not have an infusion of bisphosphonate.

Has anyone else had arrythmias from the bisphosphonate?

I do not know what to do.

I am afraid of Prolia? I cannot find literature on how this drug will affect the immune system in people with autoimmune disease

AnnieLane

I had my first bone scan a little over a year ago, which was before my breast cancer. I have osteopenia, almost in the osteoporosis range. My gyn and primary care docs both recommended medication, so I'm on oral weekly Fosamax. I have been concerned about A-fib although I haven't experienced it. I did have something about ten months ago that was either a TIA or an occular migraine, impossible to know for sure, but that did intensify my concern since of course, A-fib can cause blood clots and strokes.

My mom had osteoporosis and developed A-fib after about five years on Fosamax. After that she had to go on Coumadin. I've never known if her A-fib was related to the Fosamax. If so her doctor never made the connection to my knowledge.

What is bugging me is that I can no longer find any info online about a connection between Fosamax and A-Fib. I swear the first time I researched this online months ago I found some credible information about a risk of irregular heart rhythm with Fosamax, but I can't find any of this info anymore. It's almost like I imagined it. My primary care says it isn't a risk.

Hope2learn, I'm interested that you say this has been discussed in the literature. Can you point me to some of that literature? I'm starting chemo this week, so this isn't on my front burner, but still it's something I want to have a handle on for the long term.

Member_of_the_Club

Maybe you should consult with a cardiologist?  Also, tamoxifen is an option even if you are post-menopausal, and has the opposite effect of strengthening bones (sometimes).