I find the last three postings (starting here) in the recent thread "Zometa side effects - what can be done about them?" quite interesting because they stress the importance of saline solution and water when receiving the Zometa.
I originally received my Zometa infusions at Johns Hopkins, where they automatically provide the saline solution drip together with the Zometa as part of standard protocol.
Two months ago, I started getting my infusions at my local oncologist's office. I was surprised that there they do not think it is necessary to provide saline solution. I questioned this but was told that they just do not do it, period. No room for discussion. So, both times I made a point of drinking two cups of water while getting the Zometa infusion (and, by the time I got to the chemo room, I had already had three to four cups of water). I get the Zometa over a 45 minute period. I like to think that the hydration and the slow delivery have resulted in my not experiencing the flu-like symptoms that I suffered after my very first infusion.
There clearly is not a consensus among professionals as to the efficacy of saline solution in avoiding Zometa related problems in patients. Just out of curiosity, I wonder what the experiences of others have been, i.e.,
Do you get saline solution with the Zometa infusion or not?
Also, what is your normal delivery time for the Zometa infusion?
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Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
I receive my Zometa over a 15-minute time period with the saline started while they wait for the Zometa to be delivered from the pharmacy. During the day of my appointment, I make a conscious effort to drink more fluids so that my needle sticks and IV stick will go without a hitch. This may also help with the Zometa infusion.
I have never had any ill effects from the Zometa in the 6 years that I have been receiving it. In fact, I usually feel better within several hours because I begin to develop discomfort at my fracture sites during the last week prior to my next infusion.
Nancy in Phila
I have never had any ill effects from the Zometa in the 6 years that I have been receiving it. In fact, I usually feel better within several hours because I begin to develop discomfort at my fracture sites during the last week prior to my next infusion.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
The day after Zometa, I have terrible flu symptoms that last for 1.5 days. Been this way for three years, I've tried everything and I still get the side effects 
. I just plan my Zometa on Friday so I'll be recovered by Monday.
. I just plan my Zometa on Friday so I'll be recovered by Monday.-
JBarnes - Name: Jerry Barnes
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Aug 17, 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
The first couple times I received Zometa, it was over a 15 minute time period. I had muscle cramping and bone aches that kept me awake all night and I felt nauseated for a day after. We switched to a 30-minute period ever since, and I have not had significant issues – just some mild muscle ache and sometime slight queasiness. I also make sure to drink plenty of fluids leading up to the infusion and afterward. I also do some stretching in the evening prior to going to bed and when I get up, which helps.
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Kevin J - Name: Kevin J
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
I too had Zometa for about 1 1/2 years and discontinued due to osteonecrosis of the jaw. Not sure if your doctors told you about this side effect, but it is more common that we might think. Advise your dentist that you're taking Zometa so they can constantly check for it raising its ugly head.
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Munchkin49 - Name: Munchkin
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
I had my first Zometa infusion this week, with saline solution over 30 minute period. I was advised by the specialist to take Tylenol to prevent any flu-like symptoms. I had no noticeable side effects.
I was not aware of the need to take extra fluids, so did not do that. Will do so for the next month's injection.
I was not aware of the need to take extra fluids, so did not do that. Will do so for the next month's injection.
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Eddie - Name: Eddie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 42
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
Eddie, If you are getting myeloma drug therapy and are not already drinking 8-10 glasses of water during each day, then you should (after checking with your doctor: there may be some very specific medical reasons why you, individually, should ingest less liquid). For the Zometa infusion days, I would recommend making sure that you have had plenty of water both before and after the infusion.
My specialist told me that, in general, her patients have a reaction to Zometa the first time they are infused. However, if there is no adverse reaction after the first time and especially after the second time, then subsequent infusions will most likely not cause the flu-like symptoms. This was how it was with me.
Also, my infusion time is 45 minutes which I think is probably not necessary. Last week the nurse in charge told me that, while she does not mind the 45 minutes, she is quite sure that I would have no problem with 30 minutes. So, I think that you are doing just fine as you are.
My specialist told me that, in general, her patients have a reaction to Zometa the first time they are infused. However, if there is no adverse reaction after the first time and especially after the second time, then subsequent infusions will most likely not cause the flu-like symptoms. This was how it was with me.
Also, my infusion time is 45 minutes which I think is probably not necessary. Last week the nurse in charge told me that, while she does not mind the 45 minutes, she is quite sure that I would have no problem with 30 minutes. So, I think that you are doing just fine as you are.
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
The Zometa treatment for my husband is so painful. I actually asked him this morning if he wanted to talk to his doctor about discontinuing it. He has been on Zometa monthly for almost 2 years.
Has anyone quit Zometa?
My husband has non-secreting myeloma and has one kidney due to kidney cancer diagnosed before the multiple myeloma.
Has anyone quit Zometa?
My husband has non-secreting myeloma and has one kidney due to kidney cancer diagnosed before the multiple myeloma.
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PaulaAndrade - Name: Paula
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 40
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
Hello. This is my first post. My mother was diagnosed with Myeloma 12/23/2014. When she was diagnosed she had 2 vertebrate fractures which worsened to 9 fractures within 30 days. She has 2 kyphopasty surgeries since and they were able to "repair" 8 or the 9. We haven't had further X-rays, but she is still in pain.
She just started Zometa last week. Delays were due to her having heart pain and shortness of breath in preceeding months. They decided to start since those symptoms has not worsened. I agreed as they said that the Zometa would help her pain if it were due to the myeloma.
Similarly, after reading posts here, I asked for the infusion to be over a 30 minute period versus 15. I was flat out told no. This was the way they administered or they would not do it. She took 2 Tylenol prior to the infusion. After the infusion she was very thirsty and experienced dry mouth. The next morning she had chills (on a 90 degree day!), blurred vision and extreme migrane throughout her head. Tylenol did not resolve any of the issues. On the second day after the infusion, the chills subsided, headache was "better" but still had blurred vision. This is day 3. She said she felt ok this morning. I am going to try another infusion to see if they experiences the same symptoms and make a determination if she should continue.
Just curious, has anyone experienced decreased bone pain with Zometa? Or is this just preventative?
She just started Zometa last week. Delays were due to her having heart pain and shortness of breath in preceeding months. They decided to start since those symptoms has not worsened. I agreed as they said that the Zometa would help her pain if it were due to the myeloma.
Similarly, after reading posts here, I asked for the infusion to be over a 30 minute period versus 15. I was flat out told no. This was the way they administered or they would not do it. She took 2 Tylenol prior to the infusion. After the infusion she was very thirsty and experienced dry mouth. The next morning she had chills (on a 90 degree day!), blurred vision and extreme migrane throughout her head. Tylenol did not resolve any of the issues. On the second day after the infusion, the chills subsided, headache was "better" but still had blurred vision. This is day 3. She said she felt ok this morning. I am going to try another infusion to see if they experiences the same symptoms and make a determination if she should continue.
Just curious, has anyone experienced decreased bone pain with Zometa? Or is this just preventative?
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Sunshine1129
Re: Zometa infusion time & hydration - your experience?
Sunshine, I find the rigidity you describe quite disturbing. I get my Zometa infusion over a 45 minute period. The nurse who administers it thinks that I could easily do with just 30 minutes, but she humors me.
Perhaps you need to discuss this issue with your doctor. I have read somewhere that some hospitals or doctors bill by the amount of time it takes to administer the infusion so this can complicate deviating from the normal protocol. However, my nurses did tell me that the infusions are more easily handled by the patient if done more slowly.
When I first started treatment in a clinical trial, I was given an infusion of an antibody that made me shiver uncontrollably and the nurses had to stop the infusion. After a while, when things got more normal and I had stopped shivering, they asked if I wanted to continue. I agreed after the nurse said that she would set the infusion for a slower rate. This worked for me, and subsequently I did not have any more episodes of intolerable (and frightening) chills. It was because of this experience that the nurse set the 45 minute time for my Zometa infusion which I later started.
In general, I have found that the nurses have their set procedures and are not exactly happy when a patient tries to tell them how to administer a drug, etc. For example, I have found that they are not too interested in following the "bubble" technique in administering my Velcade injections. I have basically given up on that and am tolerating the small red rash that appears on my abdomen a day or so following each injection.
Perhaps you need to discuss this issue with your doctor. I have read somewhere that some hospitals or doctors bill by the amount of time it takes to administer the infusion so this can complicate deviating from the normal protocol. However, my nurses did tell me that the infusions are more easily handled by the patient if done more slowly.
When I first started treatment in a clinical trial, I was given an infusion of an antibody that made me shiver uncontrollably and the nurses had to stop the infusion. After a while, when things got more normal and I had stopped shivering, they asked if I wanted to continue. I agreed after the nurse said that she would set the infusion for a slower rate. This worked for me, and subsequently I did not have any more episodes of intolerable (and frightening) chills. It was because of this experience that the nurse set the 45 minute time for my Zometa infusion which I later started.
In general, I have found that the nurses have their set procedures and are not exactly happy when a patient tries to tell them how to administer a drug, etc. For example, I have found that they are not too interested in following the "bubble" technique in administering my Velcade injections. I have basically given up on that and am tolerating the small red rash that appears on my abdomen a day or so following each injection.
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