Zometa
Brand name: Zometa
Chemical name: Zoledronic acid
Class: Bisphosphonate. Aredia is another bisphosphonate.
How it works: Bisphosphonates limit the activity of certain bone cells, called osteoclasts, which help cause the bone weakening and destruction that can happen when breast cancer spreads to the bone. Bisphosphonates also can help keep blood calcium levels normal — important because destruction of bone may increase blood calcium.
Uses: Zometa typically is used to reduce bone complications and bone pain caused by advanced-stage breast cancer that has spread to the bone. It's usually given with other chemotherapy medicines.
How it's given: Zometa is given intravenously.
Side effects:
- bone pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- fatigue
- constipation
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- teary eyes
- heartburn
- mouth sores
- depression
- vaginal discharge
- hand-foot syndrome
- hair changes
- osteonecrosis of the jaw (loss of bone in the jaw)
Can we help guide you?
Create a profile for better recommendations
-
Breast Self-Exam
Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to...
-
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range...
-
Eating When You Have Nausea and Vomiting
Almost all breast cancer treatments have varying degrees of risk for nausea and vomiting. Some...
