[MothasParticipant]

My treatment in the lead up to PAD and SCT started yesterday with my first zometa infusion.

Woke up in the middle of the night aches and pains and flue symptoms.
I remember I think it being the other Tom who mentioned something similar with his first treatment.
Any ideas how long this will last?

[KeithH17Participant]

This is a common side effect with Zometa but it usually only lasts for a few days then it will settle down.
I don't remember having this problem myself but maybe I was just lucky,one of the few times I have been with this disease.

Keith.

[MicheleParticipant]

I sometimes, but not always have a bit of a sniffly nose a few hours after my infusion and then a few aches 2-3 days later.
It doesn't last long at all and is a very common side-effect.
Shows it's working!
🙂

[MothasParticipant]

Dear Keith and Michele thanks for taking the time to answer. This afternoon I've actually begun to feel slightly better so hopefully I'll be up and about tomorrow.

[tomParticipant]

Hi Tom
It wont last long and after a few of them you wont even notice the side effects.

Just one more thing Tom keep your eye out (no pun intended) on your Jaw and teeth as Zometa can give you big problems in that area.

Tom "Onwards and Upwards" x

[MothasParticipant]

Thanks Tom, I'll keep a weather eye out on my gnashers.

[HelenParticipant]

Dear Tom
Prior to Zometa I always have a couple of paracetamol, I've always had those aches and pains with it, it lasts 4 days for me and is kept at bay with regular doses of said paracetamol and the occasional codeine if I forget. Some people never react to it, some only to the first one and others at every time, just another of those individuality things. Here's hoping you are a once only. I got admitted to the day unit after my first dose as I couldn't move most of my muscles after 12 hours, very unpleasant, but its worth taking, we have it for 2 years here, 26 doses, then stop if no bone damage, longer if you do.
Love Helen

[EvaParticipant]

Hi Tom,
I had a bad 'zometa flu' the first time I was given an infusion. It lasted two days of being really disabled – nausea, temperature, dizziness, the full shebang. I was bed bound.
The second time I had zometa the side effects were much weaker. Now I get a few aches before the zometa as if my body knows it's coming. Then I have very insignificant side effects for a few days: aches in my bones and a bit of fatigue.
Best,
Eva

[MothasParticipant]

Thanks Eva and Helen.

It's so useful to know that this is common.
I'm still feeling a bit rough today but I'm up and about. My old bones are aching a bit and I feel like I've got a bit of a hangover without the pleasure of having had the drink the night before.

I will go into work later and trawl for sympathy…

[TerryMGParticipant]

Hi Mothas

How quick did you have the Zometa? The first time I did not feel too well but not as bad as you. The first time was infused over 20 minutes. I told the specialist nurse and they doubled the time to 40 to 45 minutes and after that everything was ok. Sometimes the top of my head hurt but I never had to take anything for it. I hope that my help you for your next Zometa treatment. Terry MG

[DebsParticipant]

Hi there.
I thought I'd add my experience and say thanks to you all for your replies as they've helped me too!
I've been on zometa since November 2010 (with a break for transplant) and other than the 1st time hadn't experienced the cold/flu/ muscle aches.
However the last two times I've had it, I've been really achey and have had chronic muscle cramps where it has killed to walk and I look like a 100 year old lady walking down the stairs. I had thought that it was weird that it had started again, but reading the posts above am reminded that the hospital said they now infuse over 15 minutes rather than 20 minutes so I think I might ask them to slow it down! I hadn't thought about that!
Thanks everyone and Tom hope you're doing ok now.
Debs x

[andygParticipant]

Hi all
I can't add much to the zometa flu debate other than say to date I haven't experienced any problems after my infusion. I have it infused over 15 mins.

Take care
Andy

[comfortablynumbParticipant]

I have been on Zometa since my stem-cell transplant in 2009. I have been very well since the transplant (other than catching coughs/ colds every five minutes which never used to happen). I have also had loads of dental work recently with no problems caused by Zometa (ie Necrosis).

I have had intravenous Zometa every two months since Sept 2009 and I have never had any side effects at all from it. I was told when I first started having Zometa that there may be side effects at first, but that these would subside after my body gets used to it.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes to you all.

CN

[DaiCroParticipant]

Hi All.

I had my first Zometa infusion yesterday and today I have had a borderline high temperature (38.20) which I have sort of brought under control (keeping at about 37.70 at the moment) with a couple of paracetamol. Being neutropenic I don't want to ring in unless it gets to 38.60 or above because City Hospital is nothing if not thorough and I will be given the full treatment (cultures, 48 hour antibiotics etc.,) so I am glad to here about this 'Zometa Flu'.

Strange that it seems to be so common yet the nurses/consultant don't mention it as something to look out for.

I'll keep with the paracetamol until tomorrow morning and see where I am then. 😉

Dai.

[tomParticipant]

Hi John and Dai

John you have been on Zometa for a fair bit?, I was only on it for two years in 2010 after my SCT in 2009 and was told thats enough ?

Dai yes i had flu symptoms for a few of the sessions it soon went, But i also would keep an eye out for your temp as it has been a bit of a problem for you.

Hope your all Ok

Tom Onwards and upwards

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