Zometa

sgreenarch
sgreenarch Member Posts: 528
edited June 2014 in ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

Hi. My oncologist has suggested Zometa (in addition to Tamoxifen,) given twice a year by IV. It's a bisphosphinate, usually used to treat osteoperosis or bone mestateses. It's now been shown to reduce recurrence significantly even in early stage disease. Not yet approved by everyone. Has some side effects but they are not terrible. Anyone heard of this? Thanks.

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  • cathmg
    cathmg Member Posts: 278
    edited September 2010

    Hi,

    Yes, I first heard of Zometa for early stage ladies on this site. I asked my onc about it at my 6 month appointment a couple months ago, and he said the protocol is looking promising and he wants me to have 4 infusions 6 months apart. Right now they are wrangling with my insurance, Aetna, to get it covered, as the FDA hasn't approved Zometa yet for this use.

    Good luck, and let me know if you get started on it!

    Catherine 

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  • chrishat
    chrishat Member Posts: 89
    edited September 2010

    yes! i'm on it, twice a year, and my insurance has paid for it fully. i haven't had any problems with it at all and feel good knowing i'm giving myself that extra layer of protection, hopefully.

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited September 2010

    I'm on it as well. I've had four doses so far (every six months) and the insurance has covered them. The se's are minimal, especially if you predose with an Advil and hydrate well.

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  • Marion
    Marion Member Posts: 207
    edited September 2010

    I'm part of the clinical trial for Zometa and will be on it for 3 years. The clinical trial lasts 3 years. The trial regimen is as follows:

    one infusion every month for the first 6 months, and one every 3 months for 2 1/2 years.

    I had an extremely bad reaction to the 1st infusion but now I seem to be doing fine on it.

    Ask your oncologist about the clinical trial, it is free, my insurance does not pay for anything. The clinical trial might be closed now but you can always ask.

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  • sgreenarch
    sgreenarch Member Posts: 528
    edited September 2010

    Thanks. I live in Israel and my insurance has paid for everything so far, but Zometa (name changed to Zomera here. Why? Ready for some black humor, ladies? Zo meta, in Hebrew means, 'she died,' so some sensitive drug rep had the wisdom to switch a letter!) is not approved by the health ministry yet for this use so I've got to pay for it. Not the biggest deal in the world, not so expensive here and ins will pay for giving the infusions, just not the drug itself. I was told by the onc that I have to have clearance from a dentist first as it can cause jaw bone problems. All dental work up to date. Not a bad thing in any case.

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited September 2010

    I'm also going to have it even though my bone density is ok. My onc said that Arimidex etc usually only causes osteoporosis if your bone density is low to start with. However, he is going to lie to the Australian government so I can have it - ssshhh don't tell. First dose this week when I have my herceptin treatment if he's remembered to update my file. I also had a full dental checkup. The jaw problem is a rare side effect apparently.

    Sue

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