Xgeva vs Zometa?

I just started Xgeva last week.  The shot can be taken in the arm or stomach.  I did the stomach and didn't even feel the needle.  As of today, I've had no SE's.  From what I understand Xgeva and Zometa do the same thing, except that Xgeva is easier on the kidneys.

Give it a shot - get it, shot.............

My Onc. has prescribed Xgeva but his business office keeps trying to get me to use Zometa.  Something about the money.....geez!  Talk about us not needing to deal with stress while we go through this crap, huh?  I'm not giving them an answer until I talk directly to my onc. this week.  I've heard Xgeva is so much better for your kidneys.  If you've been through chemo before, then your kidneys have already had a difficult time.  I'm still pushing for Xgeva.  Good Luck!

I've had xgeva twice as well and no side effects. I also got the shot in the stomach and did not feel a thing. It is alot faster and easier that the Zometa IV.

Love it love it love it......Zometa?  hate it hate it hate it!!!!!!

Enough said

Cat

Hi Meima,

I don't know how you put up with so many needle sticks! I am a wuss and can't stand the needles, so I had a chest port put in.  Have you thought about this? It was a minimally invasive procedure which had virtually no recovery time and has saved me so much stress and pain.  I am on Zometa so I can't really answer your question but I have a question for you - how often do you get Zometa?  If you have had 45 treatments of Zometa you may want to ask about spacing the treatments out a bit.  My onco. has mentioned to me that after 3 or so years of Zometa that I can maybe go to every two months instead of monthly treatment.  I hope that if you switch treatments that the process goes smoothly!

 Best, Joani 

Wow ladies, I've never heard of this. I will so talk to my onc on Monday when I go for my Zometa infusion. I was never able to use my port as they had to remove it even before I started chemo, so all 9 of my chemo treatments were through my veins that are now too scarred for use. We have to creative everytime I get the Zometa.

Thanks all for this thread and I'll let you know what he says on Monday.

Peace and Love,

Edie

meima...you are reading my mind girl...I haven't gotten my Aredia back since the tooth fun and I go the 15th of April and supposed to restart the infusions and I have been saying to myself ' what about this Xgeva?'. 

It has the same SE's which I am already doing stuff for but - my treatment days could turn into 2 Faslodex shots in the butt and 1 shot of Xgeva in the arm or tummy - wow, save my viens for chemo - something that maybe could happen in the far off distant, distant, way far down the road...

Thanks to everyone for your comments - it has sure helped another 'sitting on the fence' infusion bone strenghtener to ask for the Xgeva.

Hugs all and Meima...your timing is excellent - I was actually going to post this same question today and then I saw yours...LowRider

Hi all....just a quick update.....got my 1st Xgeva shot on Friday, April 1st.  I didn't even have to ask about where -- she came out and asked me to roll up my sleeve....so in the arm it went.  My arm was a little sore that night and the next day, but not too bad...sorta like a flu shot.  Otherwise, NO se's at all!  This stuff is so much better than Zometa to me!  Now, just hope it helps the Femara do it's job!!

Meima:  did you get your 1st shot yet?

Hi all,

I'm happy my onc decided to switch me to Xgeva.  I'll have my first shot next Wed.  I feel better knowing it shouldn't be so hard on the kidneys, plus I'll be in and out in a jiff.  Glad to hear the SE's have been minimal.  I hadn't heard about the calcium issue.  I'll ask.

Marybetz, it's not only for HER-.  It helps strengthen the bones and hopefully help stop the cancer from spreading.

Lane 

Interesting.  I'm half way thru my 6 chemo treatments.  Last week I was discussing what was  going to happen after chemo with my onco.  She mentioned xgeva. Sounded like she, too, thinks its the better option that Zometa.  She did comment, tho, that it was often an insurance issue whether or not you get approved for it.  Yet it does sound like it may quickly become the standard of care for those with bone mets.  I am hoping when I get that far in treatment my insurance company will approve.  Anyone else have any insurance issues about getting it?

That was weird...all 3 posts went up at the same time...I was editing mine and you two were writing yours...let's hear it for ex Gee va!

I had my first Xgeva shot last week, in the back of the arm.  I was given the choice of my stomach or arm.  It wasn't bad, but a little more sting, and longer than I expected.  I guess I was thinking something like a flu shot.  NOT!  But, much easier than the Zometa infusion.  I, too, will be interested in finding out how much they are charging. 

The nurses and onc said no one so far had complained of SE's after their first shot.  I may have been imagining it, but I did feel a little achey that first night.  Similar to Zometa.  But, maybe it was all in my cloudy mind.  And maybe no one wants to complain because they're so happy to switch.   

Lane