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My Partner Was Given The Choice To Be Administered X-Geva Or Zometa For Bone Strengthening. Any Good Or Bad Input, For Either?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ventura, CA
June 18
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I was given xgeva shots in early induction treatment for rebuilding of bone but it can have side effects I have heard.
The nurse had to make sure my calcium level was high enough before they could give it to me.
My calcium levels were too low and I was told to take tums plus my calcium vitamin to make my levels come up high enough like a 9 or more on my blood test results.

June 18
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you for your input. Interesting about Tums, will look that up.

June 19
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Both Xgeva (Denosumab) and Zometa (Zoledronic acid) are used to strengthen bones in people with multiple myeloma. Here are some key points for each:

### Xgeva (Denosumab)
Pros
- Administration: Subcutaneous injection once every four weeks.
- Effectiveness: Prevents fractures and spinal cord compression by preventing bone Show Full Answer

Both Xgeva (Denosumab) and Zometa (Zoledronic acid) are used to strengthen bones in people with multiple myeloma. Here are some key points for each:

### Xgeva (Denosumab)
Pros:
- Administration: Subcutaneous injection once every four weeks.
- Effectiveness: Prevents fractures and spinal cord compression by preventing bone breakdown.
- Supplements: Often recommended to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Cons:
- Common Side Effects: Headache, fatigue, back pain, swelling in extremities, nausea, diarrhea, and anemia.
- Serious Side Effects: Low calcium levels, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fractures, hypersensitivity reactions, and fetal harm in pregnant women.
- Discontinuation Risk: Higher risk for vertebral fractures after stopping the treatment.

### Zometa (Zoledronic acid)
Pros:
- Administration: Intravenous (IV) infusion every three to four weeks.
- Effectiveness: Reduces bone lesions, improves pain, and lowers fracture risk by reducing osteoclast activity.

Cons:
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, fatigue, anemia, bone pain, constipation, fever, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
- Serious Side Effects: Kidney toxicity, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fractures, fetal harm, hypersensitivity reactions, and severe bone, muscle, or joint pain.

Both treatments have their benefits and potential risks. It's important to discuss these options with your partner's healthcare provider to determine the best choice based on their specific health needs and medical history.

June 18

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