Is Zometa Safe For Chemo Treatment?

Oct. 24, 2007— -- Question from JKNC07:My doctor has prescribed Zotmeta infusions as part of the chemo treatment...is zometa safe?

Answer from Karleen Habin, R.N., nurse consultant for OnCall+: Breast Cancer:Hi JKNC07 – Many people facing cancer and the many different treatments have questions. The best advice I can give anyone is to communicate well with your team of medical providers. Ask questions all the time! For example – you might ask:

· What is this medication? · What are the side effects of this medication? · What are the risks and benefits of taking this medication? · Are there any additional options to this medication? · Can you provide me with further information to help me make an informed decision? · Is this medication safe for someone with my medical history

Below you will find a couple of web sites – the first one is the Pfizer Pharmaceutical patient education site about Zometa, asking your doctor about Zometa and it's use and thirdly is the American Cancer Society page about "asking questions".

Zometa has recently been associated with a side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This less common side effect; occuring in approximately 6-13% of patients. Below is information on good oral health that may help to prevent this side effect.

http://www.us.zometa.com/info/therapy/breast_cancer.jsp

http://www.us.zometa.com/info/patient_resource/index.jsp?irmasrc=ZOMWB0084

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PN/faq.asp?start=true