[Gina2014]

Zometa - weakness, racing heartbeat

by Gina2014 on Sun Oct 19, 2014 6:26 am

My mother started her Revlimid, dexamethasone and Zometa treatments in July. I describe her situation some in this forum thread.

Because of the side effects of Revlimid, the doctor is going to try Velcade. She is still on Zometa but has weakness and an occasional racing heart beat. Has anyone experienced this with Zometa?

Thanks

[Multibilly]

Re: Zometa - weakness, racing heartbeat

by Multibilly on Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:52 am

Gina,

Is your mom still on the dex or she is off that temporarily as well?

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Zometa - weakness, racing heartbeat

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:41 am

Dear Gina2014,

An occasional racing heart beat would be an unusual side effect of Zometa. You should bring this to the attention of your mother's doctor. This could be a manifestation of something more serious, such as an arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation (not uncommon in older patients on myeloma therapy). It likely requires further evaluation.

More typical side effects of zometa might include fever, bone/muscle aches, and fatigue. This typically occurs within 24 hours of receiving a dose and subsides over one to several days in most instances. Persistent side effects of Zometa (aside from the long term risks of osteo­necrosis of the jaw and kidney problems) are unusual.

Multibilly asks a good question. Weakness and racing heart rate could be a side effect of dexamethasone. Typically, one would expect the heart rate to feel faster for a day or two after taking the dexamethasone, and then it would subside. People often have increased energy on the day or two after taking dexamethasone, followed by a "crash," where they feel more wiped out for another several days. People re-equilibrate typically just in time for their next dex dose - a sometimes cruel reality for some patients.

Hope this helps. We hope your mother feels better!

Best,
Pete V.