Additional Care Medications
Bone Density Medications
Bone density medications — also called bone-modifying agents — are commonly used in breast cancer treatment to protect and strengthen your bones.
How They Work
Bone tissue is constantly breaking down and rebuilding. This natural cycle is called bone remodeling. Bone density medications work by interfering with the remodeling process and may help reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading to the bones and other parts of the body, decrease the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss) caused by ovarian function suppression, and treat bone metastases.
Who May Benefit
If you are postmenopausal — either naturally or through ovarian function suppression — and will receive chemotherapy or endocrine therapy, your oncologist may recommend zoledronic acid (Zometa®) as part of your treatment plan.
Adults taking an aromatase inhibitor
Adults who experience early menopause due to breast cancer treatment
Adults at a high risk of breast cancer recurrence
Adults with bone metastases (breast cancer that has spread to the bones)
How It’s Given
Zoledronic acid is administered through an IV every 3-6 months.
You may also need calcium and vitamin D supplements while receiving treatment. Your care team will guide you on this.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects of zoledronic acid include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as low-grade fever, muscle aches, and fatigue
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Rare: osteonecrosis of the jaw (loss of bone in the jaw)
Talk with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about your medications.
For strategies to manage treatment-related symptoms, visit our Symptom Management Library.
