[blueridge]

Zometa or Xgeva in multiple myeloma patients

by blueridge on Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:32 am

My husband was diagnosed six weeks ago. He is in stage three and has stage three kidney disease. He has had two weeks of chemo, sub Q Velcade, two times each week. He then had a week off chemo. Tomorrow he goes in again. His doctor wants to add Zometa (zoledronic acid) or Xgeva (denosumab). I have read about these drugs and am concerned about side effects. Anyone have any information to help me?

[Gailinri]

Re: Zometa or Xgeva in multiple myeloma patients

by Gailinri on Mon Mar 19, 2012 11:17 am

The first time I was given Zometa, I was sick with flu like symptoms for 2 days. They say that the reaction happens a lot the first time and then doesn't happen after that.

After the first time they gave it to me in a slower dose and I can honestly say I take it monthly and I have had absolutely no side effects since the slowing down of the dose.

I wish your husband good luck.

[blueridge]

Re: Zometa or Xgeva in multiple myeloma patients

by blueridge on Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:16 pm

Thanks for the reply. I just spoke with the PA at the doctors office. They have decided to give him Xgeva. I am more afraid of it than I am the Zometa.

[Canuck Bob]

Re: Zometa or Xgeva in multiple myeloma patients

by Canuck Bob on Tue Mar 20, 2012 4:53 pm

I also take Zometa once monthly starting 3 months after my autologous stem cell transplant transplant. I also had it in earlier chemo days. It has been three months and I am experiencing a very minor tingling in my fingertips. It is either Zometa or Revlimid. It does not concern me or my doctor.

My thoughts are with you, the early days are quite trying. Be very wary of general internet information as I found much of it dated. This site is excellent.

God Bless!

[lys2012]

Re: Zometa or Xgeva in multiple myeloma patients

by lys2012 on Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:38 pm

Xgeva has not been approved for use in multiple myeloma patients in Canada or the US:

"Xgeva Receives FDA Approval For Bone Disease In Solid Tumors, But Not Multiple Myeloma," The Myeloma Beacon, Nov 19, 2010

[blueridge]

Re: Zometa or Xgeva in multiple myeloma patients

by blueridge on Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:17 pm

We saw another doctor in the practice yesterday and he questioned why my husband was given Xgeva. He is going to discuss it with the doctor who prescribed it. Maybe we will get Zometa next time.

In the meantime, my husband is having radiation because his hip and leg had been hurting. CT was done, and it showed a gathering of cancer cells in L3. We spend all our time going to chemo, radiation, and doctors (kidney, cancer, heart, and radiologists). I have started taking Lexapro (escitalopram) to be able to handle all the stress. This myeloma came up so suddenly. One week my husband was working, and the next he got this diagnosis.

Thanks for the good thoughts.