There's a report being covered in the news today (example) that drugs in the same class as Zometa may increase the risk of thigh fractures.
I know that Zometa is commonly given to multiple myeloma patients. Has anyone here spoken with their physicians about this recent news and whether it has any implications for multiple myeloma patients taking Zometa?
The news report says, by the way, that people who are taking the class of drugs Zometa is in ("bisphosphonates") should continue taking them, but should "ask their doctor about the risk of an atypical thigh fracture." Also, the authors of the new report say that "bisphosphonates should only be given to people with certain cancers, Paget's disease (a rare bone ailment) and patients with osteoporosis who are at high risk of having a fracture."
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Drugs like Zometa and thigh fractures
Hi Richardo,
In case you didn't see it yet, The Beacon wrote a great article about this a couple of weeks ago. Several myeloma specialists that the writer Jessica Langholtz spoke too suggested that myeloma patients don't need to worry about this too much. The warning is about long-term use of bisphosphonates (5+ years), but most myeloma patients are treated for only 2 years. Dr. Hofmeister seemed more concerned about potential kidney damage and ONJ.
New FDA Warning About Bisphosphonates Does Not Apply To Multiple Myeloma
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2010/10/15/new-fda-warning-about-bisphosphonates-does-not-apply-to-multiple-myeloma/
In case you didn't see it yet, The Beacon wrote a great article about this a couple of weeks ago. Several myeloma specialists that the writer Jessica Langholtz spoke too suggested that myeloma patients don't need to worry about this too much. The warning is about long-term use of bisphosphonates (5+ years), but most myeloma patients are treated for only 2 years. Dr. Hofmeister seemed more concerned about potential kidney damage and ONJ.
New FDA Warning About Bisphosphonates Does Not Apply To Multiple Myeloma
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2010/10/15/new-fda-warning-about-bisphosphonates-does-not-apply-to-multiple-myeloma/
Side effects of drugs like Zometa (thigh fractures and ONJ)
My concern with Zometa besides bone fractures is a disturbing article I read online regarding (ONJ). I am still looking into this. ONJ is desribed as the death of the jawbone. Some dental procedures (major) are likely to increase the risk. I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but I could not help but notice that there were Law Firms asking people with certain jawbone problems that were taking or took Zometa to contact them.
If there is anyone out there that knows anything regarding Zometa and jawbone problems, I would appreciate your input.(Links of course)
My information was a result of a Google search under "Zometa". I just wanted to find out about side effects, and found out more than I wanted to know.
JP
If there is anyone out there that knows anything regarding Zometa and jawbone problems, I would appreciate your input.(Links of course)
My information was a result of a Google search under "Zometa". I just wanted to find out about side effects, and found out more than I wanted to know.
JP
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John P
Biphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw
Hi John,
There definitely is some osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) associated with bisphosphonates like Zometa, but it seems like ONJ is becoming less of a problem and less of a concern. I think I remember hearing the chance of developing ONJ to be in the very low single digits, maybe around 3% chance. Like with the thigh fractures, I've read that ONJ is more of a problem after prolonged use of bisphosphonates. But having a dental exam and taking care of any dental procedures before starting bisphosphonates seems to fairly effectively prevent ONJ. If you would need a dental procedure while on a bisphosphonate, definitely let your dentist know that you're on a bisphosphonate and talk with your doctor who prescribes/administers your bisphosphonate to see whether you need to pause your treatment or anything like that.
The Beacon has a number of articles on the topic that you might find helpful.
Recent Advances In Treating Myeloma Bone Disease (ASCO 2010)
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2010/06/18/recent-advances-in-treatment-of-myeloma-bone-disease-asco-2010/
Dental Exams Recommended Before Bisphosphonate Therapy
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2009/07/17/dental-exams-recommended-before-bisphosphonate-therapy/
Preventive Measures Can Reduce Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Patients Taking Zometa
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2009/01/31/preventive-measures-can-reduce-osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw-in-patients-taking-zometa/
ONJ As A Prognostic Factor In Myeloma Patients Treated With Zometa (ASCO 2009)
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2009/05/29/onj-as-a-prognostic-factor-in-myeloma-patients-treated-with-zometa-asco-2009/
There definitely is some osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) associated with bisphosphonates like Zometa, but it seems like ONJ is becoming less of a problem and less of a concern. I think I remember hearing the chance of developing ONJ to be in the very low single digits, maybe around 3% chance. Like with the thigh fractures, I've read that ONJ is more of a problem after prolonged use of bisphosphonates. But having a dental exam and taking care of any dental procedures before starting bisphosphonates seems to fairly effectively prevent ONJ. If you would need a dental procedure while on a bisphosphonate, definitely let your dentist know that you're on a bisphosphonate and talk with your doctor who prescribes/administers your bisphosphonate to see whether you need to pause your treatment or anything like that.
The Beacon has a number of articles on the topic that you might find helpful.
Recent Advances In Treating Myeloma Bone Disease (ASCO 2010)
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2010/06/18/recent-advances-in-treatment-of-myeloma-bone-disease-asco-2010/
Dental Exams Recommended Before Bisphosphonate Therapy
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2009/07/17/dental-exams-recommended-before-bisphosphonate-therapy/
Preventive Measures Can Reduce Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Patients Taking Zometa
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2009/01/31/preventive-measures-can-reduce-osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw-in-patients-taking-zometa/
ONJ As A Prognostic Factor In Myeloma Patients Treated With Zometa (ASCO 2009)
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2009/05/29/onj-as-a-prognostic-factor-in-myeloma-patients-treated-with-zometa-asco-2009/
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