Hello all - I have my first zoledronic acid in a few weeks - it’s on a Tuesday morning. I’m aware that there can be few days of flu like side effects afterwards. I’ve booked to go away with friends the following Saturday night. How long do the side effects last? My oncologist said “a few days”. One friend said she didn’t have any - just felt tired. Just wondering if I should move the appointment. Any experiences would be helpful.
Hi there. I’ve had 2 infusions so far. The first I felt a bit nauseated, took antisickness tablets left over from chemo, and a bit washed out so needed to rest, but was certainly over it by 4 days later. In fact we went away for 5 days on the 5th day following the infusion. The second I felt very tired, but I had just come back from 4 days away, but no nausea and I soon felt fine again. I have a couple of friends who’ve had no side effects at all.
Maybe just pack some paracetamol, antisickness and Loperamide to cover all eventualities!
Hope it all goes OK for you.
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Hi littlecaff
My side effects were on the following day and only lasted one day. As you said, it was flu like symptoms and tiredness. It is important not to do anything energetic for the next day or two. Hope all goes well for you and enjoy your Saturday night!
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My first one was in 2023 and I was worried about side effects but just felt a bit under the weather. I still managed to drive to Tescos about 8 miles away and do a shop. Rest of them have been straightforward and I have had all of them now hurrah!
I would definitely go and enjoy yourself. I had six monthly dental appointments too and my dentist said all my teeth are fine. Not bad for age 70!
The only problem I have is a bad back this year which has been diagnosed via an MRI as caused by spinal stenosis. I had expected adcal tablets plus the infusions would strengthen my bones but it seems they haven’t done enough!!
So having these infusions does not guarantee you won’t get weakened bones. Women are far more likely to have osteoporosis whether they have cancer or not.
I should have been born a man!
Not a Seagulls
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Hi Littlecaf
I had my 1st zolendronic infusion with my last chemotherapy infusion. and had no side effects. however prior to all my chemo cold cap sessions i always had 1 paracetamol 1 hour before treatment.
As with post treatment its best to have you ‘special pink emergency bag for all senario’s with you ie anti sic, loperamide. but if you focus and visualise having no issues, keep a positive mind that you will have a good time, then i’ve always found this works well after all treatments. I’m 3 years down the line, now. love and light Moonsox.
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Hi, I’ve had 5 of these infusions and I’ve had a flu-like reaction each time. Typically starting 12 hours or so after it, then lasting about 36 more hours, so effectively a couple of days. Many people only react to the first one. Some don’t react even to the first one…
When I react to a vaccine I hold off on painkillers so as not to “dampen” my body’s reaction, however with the zometa I take paracetamol if I feel like it and that helps a lot. I would say that you should be fine for Saturday if your reaction’s like mine or even a bit more intense.
All the best- I’m getting my 6th and last infusion on Thursday afternoon and will be glad to see the back of those appointments, but they haven’t been too onerous really…
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Hi Seagulls - my grandma always said she was coming back as a man- life is easier! Hope that the back isn’t too bad going forward.
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Thanks for the reply - I could probably convince the chemo nurses to give me some anti sickness tablets. I have some Imodium left over from chemo so that’s sorted (plus can just buy some from the chemist). Thanks for the suggestion. The oncologist said to take paracetamol for a day before and keep going until I felt better!
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Hi
I have had 2 infusions and have honestly felt absolutely fine both times. Didn’t feel any effects at all. Didn’t need any medication, in fact I remember coming back and taking the dogs out for a 4 mile walk!
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