What is Zometa?

ZOMETA is a proven treatment for people with bone metastases. It can help protect the bones and delay bone complications caused by the spread of cancer.




Bone metastases

Sometimes referred to as “Bone mets“. Areas of tumor in bone that result from the spread of cancer from another site in the body.

Bisphosphonate

A class of medicines that inhibit bone removal (resorption) by osteoclasts, a type of bone cell that breaks down bone.

Anemia

A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.

Pyrexia

Fever.

edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

Anorexia

An abnormal loss of the appetite for food.

Myalgia

Pain in a muscle or group of muscles.

Arthralgia

Joint pain.

neoplasm

Tumor; any new and abnormal growth, specifically one in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive. Neoplasms may be benign or malignant.

Insomnia

Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep.

Paresthesia

An abnormal touch sensation, such as burning or prickling, that occurs without an outside stimulus.

Dyspnea

Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.



edemaSwelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.







ZOMETA is an FDA-approved prescription drug developed by Novartis Oncology. It is used to treat patients with multiple myeloma. ZOMETA is also used to treat patients with other cancers—including breast, lung, and prostate cancer (following at least one course of failed hormonal therapy)—that have spread to the bones, a process called bone metastasis. When cancer has spread to the bone, treatment with ZOMETA helps to protect bones and may reduce or delay such complications as:



Bone fracture

Need for radiation and/or surgery to bone

Spinal cord compression

Even patients who have already experienced bone complications from the spread of cancer to the bones may be helped by treatment with ZOMETA.



ZOMETA is used with cancer treatments such as radiation, hormonal therapy, or chemotherapy.



To help manage your treatment, see additional ZOMETA Patient Resources.



If therapy with ZOMETA is recommended for you, here are some things you should know.



ZOMETA is given as an intravenous infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. You may receive it at your doctor's office or at a clinic or infusion center. The infusion takes at least 15 minutes once ZOMETA is prepared.

Concerns that you may have about receiving intravenous ZOMETA should be weighed against the potential benefits of treatment, as the complications of bone metastases can be devastating. Speak with your doctor.

In some cases, ZOMETA and other bisphosphonates have been known to cause kidney damage. Prior to each infusion, your doctor will routinely do blood tests to monitor your kidney function. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may determine that ZOMETA should be administered at a reduced dose or should not be given. Patients with severe kidney problems should not take ZOMETA.

It is also important to keep up your fluid intake while on ZOMETA therapy. Signs and symptoms of low fluid intake include thirst, sagging skin, low urine output, and dry mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids.

ZOMETA contains the same active ingredient as found in Reclast® (zoledronic acid). If you are treated with ZOMETA, you should not be treated with Reclast.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking ZOMETA.

It's important to have your blood tested (serum creatinine) during the course of ZOMETA therapy.

ZOMETA should not be given if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.

You should have a dental examination prior to treatment with ZOMETA and you should avoid invasive dental procedures during treatment.

Good dental hygiene and routine dental care is important while you're on ZOMETA treatment.

If you have multiple myeloma and bone metastasis of solid tumors you should take an oral calcium supplement of 500 mg and a multiple vitamin containing 400 IU of Vitamin D daily.

The most common side effects associated with ZOMETA include: anemia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, pyrexia, weakness, lower limb edema, anorexia, decreased weight, bone pain, myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, malignant neoplasm aggravated, headache, dizziness, insomnia, paresthesia, dyspnea, cough, and abdominal pain.

Consult your doctor about your individual treatment plan if you experience any of these side effects. Your doctor should closely watch your response to ZOMETA.



ZOMETA should be used with caution in patients with aspirin–sensitive asthma. ZOMETA should not be given to women who are pregnant, because there is the potential that it might harm the unborn child. Women given ZOMETA should not become pregnant during therapy.