Zometa^®

The main function of Zometa^® is to treat hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), a symptom related to numerous types of cancer, including: breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, and secondary bone cancer.

Zometa^® is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are integral in maintaining bone strength. This is especially important in treatment plans for secondary bone cancer, as the body's natural processes for regulating bone growth, density and regeneration are compromised. Zometa^® works by decreasing the breakdown process of bone. This, in turn, reduces the amount of calcium released into the blood from the bones and helps to lower your overall blood calcium level.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we believe in treating all of you. Your cancer treatment team will work with you through every step of the treatment process to ensure that you are comfortable with your treatment plan. Together, you'll determine if Zometa^® is right to add to your cancer treatment plan. Your oncologists at CTCA will fully explain the drug's potential benefits, as well as its possible side effects, so that you feel comfortable with the decision to use or not use Zometa^®.

To learn more about whole-body treatment options available at CTCA, including conventional and complementary therapies and how they can benefit you, you can chat now with an information specialist from CTCA.

Although the potential side effects of using Zometa^® will vary, some of the serious side effects users have experienced include:

• Depression/anxiety/agitation
• Changes in urine volume
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Pain or swelling of the jaw
• Severe bone, joint or muscle pain
• Tingling sensation or numbness of the skin
• White patches on the lips or in the mouth
• Ongoing fever, chills or sore throat
• Fatigue and/or dizziness

If you experience any of these side effects while using Zometa^®, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Zometa^®, like many medications, may cause an allergic reaction in some users. In this event, emergency medical attention should be sought. Some severe side effects of Zometa^® that could be signs of an allergic reaction to Zometa^® may include:

• Hives or a rash
• Difficulty breathing or tightness of the chest
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

In most cases, however, Zometa^® may carry less serious side effects. These Zometa^® side effects can include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site
• Pain in the bones, muscles or joints
• Nausea/vomiting
• Loss of appetite and/or abdominal pain
• Worsening kidney functions (determined by blood test)
• Headaches and/or dizziness
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Insomnia

Some Zometa^® users may experience more than one of these side effects. In addition, others may experience side effects not listed here. If you begin experiencing unanticipated side effects, it is recommended that you call your doctor to follow up.

Zometa^® can be used in the treatment plan for several different types of cancer. If you or someone you love has a cancer that is causing hypercalcemia, you may want to talk to your doctor about Zometa^® as a treatment option.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your oncology team can help determine if Zometa^® could be considered an option for your treatment regimen. Please contact CTCA at 1-800-615-3055 to discover more about our whole-patient approach to cancer treatment.