e alert while you are having Zometa until you know how it affects you. If you are returning home immediately after the infusion, arrange to have someone else drive.
Practice good dental hygiene. Your routine dental hygiene should include:
brushing your teeth and tongue after every meal and at bedtime
gentle flossing once a day to remove plaque
keeping your mouth moist by drinking water (many cancer medicines can cause "dry mouth" which can lead to decay and other dental problems)
avoiding use of mouthwash that contains alcohol.
Use a mirror to check your teeth and gums regularly for any changes such as sores or bleeding gums. If you notice any problems, tell your doctor or dentist immediately.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are having Zometa.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by these lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects and they worry you:
short-lasting fever, sometimes with flu-like symptoms such as chills, tiredness, weakness and aches and pains
redness, swelling or pain where the needle for the infusion was inserted
tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
upset stomach, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
dry or sore mouth
constipation or diarrhoea
swollen aching joints or muscles, pain in the bones
swelling of fingers, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs due to fluid build up
anxiety, confusion, difficulty sleeping
headache, facial pain
irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light, runny, itchy or swollen eyes
changes in taste sensation
cough
slow heart beat
increased sweating
irregular heart beat
difficulty breathing with wheezing or coughing
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other part of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing
signs that the level of calcium in your blood may have fallen too far, such as unusual light headedness, dizziness or faintness, numbness or tingling sensation, muscle cramps
constant "flu-like" symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat, sores in mouth, swollen glands, tiredness or lack of energy) that could be a sign of blood problems
chest pain
passing less urine than normal, blood in the urine
pain in the mouth, teeth or jaw, swelling or sores inside the mouth, numbness or a "heavy jaw feeling" or loosening of a tooth. These symptoms could be a sign of a jaw-bone problem known as jaw osteonecrosis.
The above side effects may be serious. You may need urgent medical attention.
Unusual fracture of the thigh bone particularly in patients on long-term treatment for osteoporosis may occur. Contact your doctor if you experience pain, weakness or discomfort in your thigh, hip or groin as this may be an early sign of a possible fracture of the thigh bone.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may happen in some people. Some of these (e.g. effec |
