1st Zometa next week - Really That Bad?

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Suze35
Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I'm supposed to get my first Zometa infusion next week, and my MO told me I'd likely have minor flu symptoms. I'd love some first-hand feedback on what to expect...thanks!

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited July 2011

    Your MO is correct. You will have flu like symptoms. The first one is the worse after that it does not happen again. Your body just gets immune to it from the first infusion. Nausea, Adominal pain, Chills, Weak those are the symptoms that I had. I wish you the best. It is suppose to be really good on your bones. I have been doing it now for 6 months every month.

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  • sugarplum
    sugarplum Member Posts: 318
    edited July 2011

    I'm on Reclast, which is the same stuff - had my first annual infusion in 2009 & had low fever, slight headache & tiredness which only lasted a couple of days. The 2 infusions since then: NOTHING. Here are some tips I used to help reduce the side effects: drink three or four 17-ounce bottles of water for the 2 days before infusion, the day of, and the day after. I take a Tylenol right after the infusion (and Ativan beforehand - to help me sit still!). I have them hydrate me with an IV bag of saline solution before the Reclast drip, and I ask them to give me the Reclast SLOWLY (45 minutes or so).

    My bone density started rebuilding after the first year! Definitely worth it!

    Good luck - Julie

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited July 2011

    Major not minor for me. Really intense, but short lived. The worst of it was about 18 hours. Keep water nearby, at times I felt to ill to get up.

    Also maybe banana snapple and some cookies. (optional)

    The good news is it really worked...my BD was up 6% 

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  • Mazy1959
    Mazy1959 Member Posts: 1,431
    edited July 2011

    Hi Suze,

    I've taken Zometa for nearly 5 yrs. I get tired the day I take it. Other than that I've had NO side effects at all. Zometa should be infused over a 30 min time to help avoid side effects according to my onc. HUgs, Mazy

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited July 2011

    After my first one I was hit by fluey symptoms, and felt a bit miserable for a few hours. But it is not like Chemo, where the SE's linger, this was over with pretty fast. And my subsequent infusions have been a breeze.

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2011

    I've had 4 infusions so far. The first 3 were a breeze. After the 4th I had very minor flu symptoms which lasted for about 12 hours

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited July 2011
    Thanks for the info!  It sounds like it is just a day of feeling flu-y, I think I can handle that.  Although I DO hate the flu.  But I guess I hate cancer more Tongue out.
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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited July 2011

    First time very mild flu like symptoms for a day and took some Tylenol.  2nd time even less symptoms and have not had any issues with continued use.  Do not even notice symptoms as very minimal now and do not take anything except may a good night sleep that day.

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  • lamuso
    lamuso Member Posts: 123
    edited July 2011

    Suze I just finished my last zometa on Friday.  And no, it is not that bad.  In the three years of infusions I've had I could usually expect to feel a slight achiness about 4 to 5 days after the infusion.  It wasn't extreme and would only last for a week.  I think it was well worth any benefit I may have obtained from the drug.  Best of luck to you and I hope your experience is similar to mine.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    I was on zometa for over eight years and really did not have any SE from it.  Now I get Xgeva which is pretty much the same thing, but instead of IV, it is just a simple little injection.   I hope you do well with it.    Marybe

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited July 2011
    Thanks again everyone!  Because this is a preventative measure, I won't be getting it monthly.  She said either every 3 or 6 months, we haven't decided yet.  It is good to know the SEs on both extremes, so I can be prepared on Monday Smile.
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