Zolendronic acid for osteoporosis

sam52

Could anyone give me any input regarding the use of a once-yearly infusion of zolendronic acid (zometa) for treatment of osteoporosis?

My bone density is ever-worsening after chemo (which put me into sudden menopause), 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor (aromasin), and hyperparathyroidism (now surgically corrected).The t-score in my spine is now -3.1.

I did take fosamax for about 3 years, but it did not help in any way, since at that time I had (undiagnosed) parathyroid disease. I am really not keen to start fosamax again - actually not keen to take any bisphosphonate, but I am aware of research which has shown that zolendronic acid could have the added benefit of preventing bone mets.I am considering whether to go this route, but am concerned about potential side effects.

I think the research involved women being treated with both an AI and zometa; I finished endocrine therapy about 3 years ago.

I would be very grateful for any advice.

maltomlin

I'm sorry I can't help you in your situation but my elderly mother has recently broken her hip and she is having zolendronic acid every week!

Once a year doesn't seem to be enough.

doxie

sam52,  My mother received infusions for her osteoporosis once/yr for several years.  It wasn't zometa, but the yearly schedule for those not on AIs and w/o an additional condition like broken bones, is common.  

I'm on zometa, supposed to be 2x a year, but we delayed the last infusion to make sure I can stay on AIs due to eye SEs.  For me it is preventative due to really bad family history for osteoporosis.

What else are you doing for bone health?  How high is your Vit D?  It should be at least high 60s or above.  Are you doing weight bearing excercise and eating and taking enough calcium?  All this makes a difference.