Zolendronic acid infusion guidance change

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi

I am currently in a bit of a panic so i hope you can help?

I completed 2 years ( 4 infusions) in April. The team advised me that guidance had changed and all patients should be on a 3 year / 6 infusions plan and so they emailed my oncology team for permission and further prescription

I was booked to have my 5th infusion last week but it got cancelled with an explanation saying i was only on 2 years?.?

No one can tell me when guidance changed, why i wasn’t automatically changed or indeed asked for further consent and what impact stopping infusions will have on my future health particularly as i have a family history of osteoporosis

Can you help and advise me?

I have raised a query/ complaint via the hospital PALS team but not had a response as yet

Thanks

2

Hi Curlywurly1,

Thanks for posting on our forum.

We hope to be able to respond to you soon.

In the meantime our helpline is open from 9am tomorrow.

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With best wishes.

Lisa

Ask Our Nurses service co-ordinator

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1 Like
3

Im in Scotland. Started zolatronic acid in March 2024. Was told i had to have 6 over 3 years so have 1 left.
Plan was always for me to have 6 so dont know about any change in rules however different health boards are different.
I do think you’ve done the right thing in raising it with PALS. From my understanding, its ok if zolatronic acid is a few weeks late & not exactly on the every 6 months mark.
Hopefully PALS will help you to iron it put & you can go in for your 5th infusison.
Goodo luck

1 Like
4

Hi @Curlywurly1

Have you spoken with your BCN - they will (probably) have a better idea and access to your notes etc.

I had my 6th and final Zometa infusion in May. My BCN called me after to discuss next steps - none in my case when I asked about bone health as all showing good.

Hope this is sorted for you ASAP.

1 Like
5

Hi i don’t have a specific nurse just a team of random ones who used to book my appointments or alter them

6

Just called the BCN nurses helpline who agreed that every search about this says 3 years and that i need to await a response from the PALs team and oncology…just have to wait again!!

7

Hi Curlywurly1

Thanks for your post.

It’s understandable that you want to know if the guidance on the duration of zoledronic acid after primary breast cancer has changed, and that you are concerned about the impact on your future health. As @Luskentyre1 says, it’s reasonable that you are seeking further clarification and have spoken with PALS.

Zoledronic acid is given to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back and can support bone health. It is usually given 3 monthly for 2 years or 6 monthly for 3 years. The NICE guidance was last updated in April 2025 and no changes were made to the recommendations on bisphosphonates at this time.

You say that you initially had 4 infusions over 2 years. As it would be usual to have had 6 doses over this time, this may be why you were advised that you needed a further year of treatment, but as @Glebel mentions, we would suggest you speak to your breast care nurse or treatment team again to try and get further clarification.

As you have a family history of osteoporosis, you may also find our information looking after your bones helpful.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

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Best wishes

Katie

Breast Care Nurse

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