Biphosphonates

Fearless1956

I'm on anastrozole since February of this year and doing fairly well with it and only minimal side effects. My MO wants me to now start on a bisphosphonate due to my osteopenia. She wanted me to get the Prolia but my insurance denied it and says I have to go on the bisphosphonates first. I know there are several available. Any suggestions for ones with few side effects or ones I should stay away from?

GG27

I don't have any recommendations for you as I've only ever been on pamidronate. But make sure you are up to date on dental issues before you go on them to avoid ONJ. I found with the first infusion that I had quite a bit of bone pain & wish I had known to take a tylenol/ibuprofen combo. Sometimes I will feel a bit flu-ish for 48 hours, sometimes not. I have some bone pain & find that I know exactly when I need another infusion to relief the pain.

good luck, gg

biscuits

I take Fosamax. It is a once weekly oral medication. You must not lay down for 30 minutes after you take it, so I take it first thing in the morning. Not recommended for those who suffer with GERD. My insurance covers this 100% and I have been on it since January and I don't notice any side effects at all.

biscuits

I take Fosamax. It is a once weekly oral medication. You must not lay down for 30 minutes after you take it, so I take it first thing in the morning. Not recommended for those who suffer with GERD. My insurance covers this 100% and I have been on it since January and I don't notice any side effects at all.

AnimalCrackers

Fearless1956 - I get Zometa infusions every 3 months. When I was first diagnosed (I'm stage IV from out of the gate) I got the infusions every month for 6 months and it's been every 3 months since then (I'm 2 years out from diagnosis). The first infusion is usually the worst. It can make you feel like you have the flu (chills, fever, nausea). I was pretty sick after the first infusion. It kicked in about 24 hours after I had it. The nurse told me to try a slower drip (30 minutes instead of 15) and I haven't gotten sick since. So my experience with Zometa has been pretty uneventful and no SEs to speak of other than that first time.

RMlulu

Fearless - I have Zometa infusions every 6 months due to significant bone loss the 1st year on AL. Before I started Zometa I had dental check up to ensure no outstanding issues,

I concur the 1st infusion is rough...hydrate, tynenol and then expect to feel like you've just been hit with the worst flu bug. Lasts about 24 hours and then gone. Did not have the flu like reaction at any of my subsequent infusions. My bones are holding...yeah. Oh, the drip rate is one hour for me...

Best wishes to you.

Cindy

LM070917

I've been on Zometa for 5 months as I'm on Arimidex, pre-menopausal (35 years old) and my oncologist advised that it should protect my bone density as well as protect against bone metastatics. I've only had one infusion so far, first day was the worse- flu/achy muscles but felt fine by day 3. I will have next infusion every 6 months and I do hear the follow ups won't be so bad. The influsion took 30 mins for me

cp418

I just wanted to mention that I've had Zometa infusions in the past for osteopenia from Femara. I recently switched to Prolia injection and it is far easier for me. It is a different drug mechanism (not a bisphosphonate). I do not have the body aches after an injection compared to the Zometa infusion. It is a simple injection and not a 30 minute infustion.

OH_dear

Hello! Have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis and the doc wants me to start Fosamax. I'm currently on anastrozole - hence the bone loss (been taking for 2 years) Seems I've read nothing but horror stories from many that are taking Foxamax and wondering how you're doing since you've been on it for a while. Look forward to hear from you!

Veeder14

I took 3 Fosamax pills and my stomach was on fire. The 4th day I stopped it completely. This was 14 years ago so maybe it comes in another form than pills by now.

Hopeful82014

I had extremely mild chills and tiredness that set in about 30 hours after the 1st Zometa infusion. I went to bed early with a heating pad (and a good book) and felt fine the next a.m. I've had NO problems with subsequent infusions. My MO advised excellent hydration and NSAID or Tylenol prior to treatments and I've followed that religiously.

Some women do have a worse time, obviously, but it's not a given for everyone. Prolia is MUCH more expensive and frequently denied by insurers.