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Adri's avatar
Adri
Member
5 years ago

Anyone with issues with Bisphosphonates lots of mixed messages don’t know what to

I am reading so many different things about the good and bad of Bisphosphonates (Zometa) .
I am getting really anxious and just don’t know which way to go. 
Definitely not going to use Prolia so now have to think about this Zometa . 

I am 70 and very healthy and active no other drugs nothing other than this early BC for which I have had surgery and radiation. I am on Anastrozole no problems and Oestopenic So worried that this infusion might change everything completely for me. Dr wants me to have 4 infusions. 
Any thoughts welcome 

  • Hi @Adri, it's a hard decision. 
    Has the anastrazole caused the osteopaenia,  or was it discovered on baseline testing? 

    AI's can cause loss of bone density, so if it's been discovered on baseline testing, it needs to be considered. 

    My bone density was good at the time of my baseline test. 3 years on AI's, and my lumbar spine density took a dive. I'm was in my early 50's. I've now had 3 prolia injections, 6 months apart, with little to no side effects. I have no regrets about choosing to go ahead with them. The risk of becoming osteoporotic and the risks associated with that scared me more than the low risk of complications from the prolia. 

    However, there are other things you can also do that may help. Have a look for a website:  https://theboneclinic.com.au/

    You may find some useful information or links there

    Good luck with your decision, whichever way you go
  • Hi @Adri, I have been on Letrozole for over 3 years & I am coming up to my third infusion. I am 60 and also very active exercising most days. I haven’t had any problems with Zometa. I usually have mild flu like symptoms the next day but that is it.  I am due to have a bone density scan before the next infusion to see if my osteopaenia has improved. My oncologist told me there is research to show it helps prevent metastases to the bones as well so for me it was worth it. 
  • Thanks I can not say if Anastrozole caused oestopenia because I never had a test before I started it. Have only been taking it since February so maybe I had it before.
  • Thank you  Glemmis I am thinking I should have the zometa even tho I am  scared and worried about  its side effects. My bones density was pretty bad one hip -2other 1.9 whatever that means. 
    Can opt to not have any more if I bad reaction to first 
  • Yes @Adri, you can certainly decide not to have any more after the first one. The side affects are mild & last a short time. The risk of something more serious is very low. Good luck and let us know how you go!
  • Thanks, I have to wait for Dentist to reopen so I have to wait a bit yet