Hello . I am due my third infusion next month. I am still unsure about this treatment and seem to get different messages from professionals about it. I am always needing dental treatment because of all the work I have had done and paid 2k recently to avoid extraction and have private root filling. I was told that once I had finished the treatment the medication would be out of my system in 6 months and therefore safe to have an extraction but have now been told by a specialist dentist that it stays in your body for years. In addition the leaflet I was sent about it said it’s a 1 in 100 chance of the Jaw issue but online it says that is only for people taking the tablet form and if your having infusions it’s 1 in 20. Feel frustrated that I can’t get answers and feel really worried . Can anyone advise at all.
Hi I dont have the definative answer, but i am constantly being advised against it. By accident or rather by the fact that i was waiting on a too/root extraction i have only to date had one infusion. but was warned by a fellow Cancer patient - not breast cancer - to avoid at all costs having the Zolenderic treatment as she had to have all her teeth removed because of the jaw damage. So i’m with you wanting to know the truth, sorry i cant be more helpful, but agree it is something that needs addressing. Moonsox love and light and have a good weekend, the weather looks good.
Hi, i’d like to know too. I’ve just had my 2nd round of it. Think i’ve got 4 more to go. Thanks.
Hi louise10,
Thanks for posting.
Having a breast cancer diagnosis and going through treatment is really tough, and it’s not unusual for people to tell us they are frustrated about the differing information and worried about side effects of their treatment.
Zoledronic acid works by slowing down or preventing bone damage. It’s often given to people who have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis (when bones lose their strength and are more likely to break). For primary breast cancer, bisphosphonates may be used to reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading to the bones and other parts of the body. For secondary breast cancer in the bone, bisphosphonates may be used to strengthen existing bone and reduce damage caused by cancer. They may also be used to treat a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia), or to reduce pain from cancer that has spread to the bone.
Like any drug, zoledronic acid can cause side effects. One uncommon but serious side effect is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ develops if the bone cells in the jaw break down or die. It is difficult to give definitive data on risk as each individual is different. Factors that can impact the risk include the dose, duration and frequency of the treatment, other medication, other health conditions and overall dental health.
You may wish to speak with your treatment team before your next dose of zoledronic acid is due, so that you can understand the risks and benefits in your individual case.
ONJ is hard to treat so trying to prevent it is very important. Good dental hygiene can help reduce the risk of developing it. This includes brushing your teeth and flossing, making sure dentures fit well and having regular dental check-ups.
Current guidance recommends that if you need to have a dental procedure, such as having a tooth removed, you’ll need to wait at least 4 weeks afterwards before restarting zoledronic acid.
It’s not clear how long the risk of ONJ continues for once treatment is completed.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Katie
Breast Care Nurse
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