I am very thankful to those that posted in this and other threads, advising to increase the IV drip time on Zometa. We asked the doctor to increase it from the 15 minutes to 1 hour this time. We also loaded up on fluids and took Claritin prior to treatment, as was also suggested in the forum, and this time no bone pain! He was in a wheelchair the first time, so he was dreading it so much, and now we are thrilled with no bone pain. I do know that the second treatment is usually easier, but it was very scary for him going into the second treatment after he ended up in a wheelchair and then in septic shock shorty after the first round of Zometa. We have no idea what caused the septic shock – they just aren't sure.
He did however end up back in the clinic yesterday due to high fever after the second treatment of Zometa. It turned out to be strep throat. We were so thankful it was not a reaction to the Zometa he had the previous day. Things are looking up!
Thanks to all of you for posting suggestions on this website!
Forums
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Hosanna - Name: Hosanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov. 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Zometa side effects - what can be done about them?
Rneb, your observations about tonic water for leg pain and cramps is quite accurate. I was diagnosed last year with Stage 3 multiple myeloma, and was having fracture and bone pain issues. So I was started on Zometa in December or January while still taking Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone (RVD) on protocol. I was off Zometa around a stem cell transplant in March and resumed the Zometa in July. I am now resuming Revlimid for maintenance and am continuing the Zometa.
Tonic water contains quinine, which is good for cramps. I've used it along with calcium and magnesium for sport-related cramps for years. I take magnesium regularly, about 500 mg/day, for several reasons, relating to cramps, constipation, and nerve membrane stability. If it doesn't work for me for cramps, then I add 3-6 ounces of tonic water, which usually works within a few minutes.
I think other comments about hydration with Zometa are also good. I take extra water starting the night before any infusion and afterwards as well, typically a 16 oz bottle before and afterwards. I sometimes get the flu-like symptoms and mild fatigue, but only the initial infusion was more than an inconvenience. Advice about drinking more water around the infusion and slowing the infusion to 45 minutes seemed to help a lot.
I have been pleased that the deep bone aching and fracture site tenderness has improved over the past few months. I credit the Zometa and exercises (which will help strengthen bones) for the improvement in bone pain.
If anyone is having muscle pain and cramps from Zometa, I suggest that you consider magnesium and tonic water along with increased water intake, and consider stretching the sore / cramping muscles. Consult your oncologist, but I think these are benign things that are unlikely to cause problems.
Tonic water contains quinine, which is good for cramps. I've used it along with calcium and magnesium for sport-related cramps for years. I take magnesium regularly, about 500 mg/day, for several reasons, relating to cramps, constipation, and nerve membrane stability. If it doesn't work for me for cramps, then I add 3-6 ounces of tonic water, which usually works within a few minutes.
I think other comments about hydration with Zometa are also good. I take extra water starting the night before any infusion and afterwards as well, typically a 16 oz bottle before and afterwards. I sometimes get the flu-like symptoms and mild fatigue, but only the initial infusion was more than an inconvenience. Advice about drinking more water around the infusion and slowing the infusion to 45 minutes seemed to help a lot.
I have been pleased that the deep bone aching and fracture site tenderness has improved over the past few months. I credit the Zometa and exercises (which will help strengthen bones) for the improvement in bone pain.
If anyone is having muscle pain and cramps from Zometa, I suggest that you consider magnesium and tonic water along with increased water intake, and consider stretching the sore / cramping muscles. Consult your oncologist, but I think these are benign things that are unlikely to cause problems.
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showdon - Name: Don S
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Zometa side effects - what can be done about them?
I have been very lucky and had no side effects. My doctor does give it to me slowly and dilutes it with saline solution.
I was told to take 6 glasses of water every day starting 5 days before and after, and Tylenol (acetaminophen / paracetamol) 37 mg daily 5 days before and after to prevent flu-like side effects.
I was told to take 6 glasses of water every day starting 5 days before and after, and Tylenol (acetaminophen / paracetamol) 37 mg daily 5 days before and after to prevent flu-like side effects.
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Marianne
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