Aredia vs Zometa

I'm currently on monthly Aredia for widespread bone mets (arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, spine).  But I get vein inflammation with every treatment (have had 4 so far-diagnosed 11/2007).  Steriods and I.V. Benadryl have been tried as pre-medication to no effect.  The inflammation lasts 2 weeks before my arm starts feeling better and by the end of 3 weeks, I don't have any pain or redness left, but of course, that's almost just in time for my next I.V.

I'm wondering if there is an advantage to asking for Zometa since it has a much shorter infusion time, maybe I won't get the inflammation (?).  But also wonder if Zometa is something that might be used if Aredia begins to fail, in which case I wouldn't want to burn up my options (so to speak) so early in this journey.   I don't want to get a port at this point as I am not doing chemo at this point (just hormone therapy) and that seems too much for a once monthly infusion.

Thanks,
-Ronda

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Pamidronate (aredia) is a second generation bisphosphonate while zoledronic acid (zometa) belongs to the third generation class.  
In a study by Lipton, et al. (Cancer Invest 2002;20:45), comparing zoledronic acid to pamidronate, the two were found to be equally effective in decreasing skeletal complications in breast cancer or multiple myeloma.
I still have to see patients with the same reaction (vein inflammation) as yours. A portacath can help but then again, you mentioned you don't want it at this point.  
You can ask your oncologist to give you zometa instead and see if you'll develop vein inflammation.  With a shorter infusion time, the vein won't get irritated so much.  Also, it is very important that the venous line is patent during the infusion of intravenous drugs.
Hope this helps.

[maybebaby29]

My mom is on zometa and was doing great (3 years). She has had zero side effects. I'm glad to see that there are alternatives though. Her infusion nurses said after zometa there WERE no options. Her whole treatment team is getting me mad.