This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment called zoledronic acid. This is usually known as Zometa. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is Zometa?
Zometa is a drug which helps to strengthen and repair bone damage which is caused by some cancers. It is not a chemotherapy drug. It is one of a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. It is given as a drip.
Why am I having Zometa?
Your doctor has prescribed Zometa because it has been found to be effective in patients with cancer that has spread to the bones.
It is most commonly used for:
Occasionally it is used for treating osteoporosis (thinning and weakness of the bones). Zometa will be given instead of any tablets.
How will Zometa be given?
Zometa is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a large vein in your upper arm. This will remain in place throughout the course of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this further with you. We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines.
Where will my treatment be given?
Zometa may be given at Velindre, in a local hospital, or on the mobile chemotherapy unit. We will discuss this with you.
How long will my appointment take?
The Zometa treatment will take approximately half an hour. You would normally have a blood test a few days before your zometa, but if you have a blood test on the same day as treatment you should allow 2 to 3 hours.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
How often will I receive treatment?
It is usual to have Zometa treatment once every 3 or 4 weeks. Some patients have treatment 3 monthly. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
What are the possible side effects?
This treatment is usually well tolerated but there are some possible side effects that you need to be aware of. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Flu-like symptoms
Zometa may cause flu like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, headache, chills and aches in your muscles, joints and bones. In most cases you do not need any specific treatment and the symptoms should improve after a few days. However, taking paracetamol can be helpful.
Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
The severity of this varies from person to person but most people do not have a problem with nausea and vomiting. If you do have these symptoms please tell your doctor or
nurse. They can give you anti-sickness medication to take at home.
Skin reactions
A skin reaction is not very common. However, sometimes the skin around the infusion site can become red and swollen. Some people may develop a rash and itching. If this happens please tell your doctor or nurse.
Conjunctivitis
If you develop red, sore and itchy eyes, please speak to your doctor.
Changes in kidney function
You will have a blood test each time you have an infusion of Zometa. This test is to ensure your blood cell counts are normal and we will also check your kidney function. The levels of calcium and phosphate in your blood may become low. Your doctor will monitor this and can offer you treatment if this happens.
Rare side effects
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Very occasionally, a rare side effect can occur with Zometa, when there is a breakdown of the jaw bone. It is called osteonecrosis of the jaw and can be a serious condition. Some of the symptoms are:
If you have any of the symptoms listed above or any other dental problems tell your doctor or specialist nurse.
This can occur after stopping treatment also.
We recommend that you should visit your dentist to ensure any urgent dental work is completed before you start Zometa. You should always tell your dentist that you are receiving treatment with a bisphosphonate.
Dental health
Try to keep your mouth clean and healthy at all times. Please ensure your dentures fit correctly. You can continue to see your dentist for your normal, regular check ups and cleaning, but you should not have dental treatment, unless you have spoken to your doctor and dentist. You can see your dental hygienist. Show them this leaflet, as it is important that the dentist and dental hygienist know that you are taking Zometa.
Is it alright to take other medicines?
If you are taking other medicines please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Blood Clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and common side-effects: for more information regarding the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
For urgent advice at any time of the day or night please ask for the treatment helpline.
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated annually.
Prepared March 2012