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Drugs to prevent broken bones can boomerang and actually cause fractures. Fortunately, this is relatively rare, but when it happens it can be devastating!
Q. I have had problems with Reclast. Last June I broke my right femur and then five weeks later my left femur fractured. The doctors said this was because of Reclast, which had been given as an annual infusion over a five-year period of time.
Three weeks ago, I had to have the screw from my femur implant removed since my right femur was not healing completely. I believe this problem was also due to Reclast.
What is being done to let the public know about the dangers of osteoporosis medications?
A. When drugs to treat osteoporosis were initially associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (jaw bone death) more than a decade ago, many health professionals found it hard to believe. Doctors were even more skeptical when reports surfaced suggesting that people taking bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) or risedronate (Actonel) were at increased risk for broken thigh bones (atypical femur fractures).
How, they wondered, could drugs intended to prevent fractures actually cause serious bone problems? The early reports seemed completely counterintuitive.
Over the years the evidence has grown stronger that bisphosphonates can indeed increase the risk for stress fractures. The longer people take such drugs the greater the risk.
The Boomerang Effect:
How can drugs that are intended to prevent fractures cause broken thigh bones?
A number of explanations have been offered to account for this paradox. Some researchers point out that bisphosphonates change the fundamental process whereby the body “remodels” bones.
Contrary to what you might think, your bones are in a continuous state of flux. This remodeling process constantly breaks down old bone and rebuilds new bone. The hypothesis has been offered that bisphosphonates “freeze” the bones in an unnatural way. They may appear stronger on bone mineral density (BMD) tests, but unseen micro-cracks may form that make the bones more fragile and susceptible to stress fractures.
Reclast and Atypical Femur Fractures
The drug you were taking, zoledronic acid (Reclast), is also a bisphosphonate. It is administered as an intravenous infusion once a year to treat osteoporosis.
Like the others, it too has been linked to unusual femur fractures. Once someone has broken a thigh bone in this way, there is a higher risk that the other femur may break (International Orthopaedics, June 2014). Healing may also be impaired (Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, July, 2015).
Investigators point out that such complications are relatively rare. As you have discovered, however, they can be devastating if they occur.
Other Reclast Side Effects:
Atypical femur fractures are not the only Reclast side effects to be aware of. Here are some other complications people need to know about:
Reclast Side Effects:
- Arthritis pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain in an arms, shoulder, back or legs
- Bone pain
- Fever, chills, fatigue, lethargy, flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite
- Heart palpitations or arrhythmias,
- Kidney damage
- Jaw bone death (osteonecrosis of the jaw)
- Eye irritation, eye damage
One of the problems of reading a long list of Reclast side effects is that your eyes glaze over after the first couple of symptoms. That is why prescription drug ads are so successful. The pharmaceutical manufacturers count on the fact that you eventually tune out to the droning voice over as people are having fun in the commercial.
Reclast Side Effect Reports from Real People:
That is why we bring you stories from people who have experienced Reclast side effects. They make the abstract complications of a medication a bit more personal.
Linda in California:
“I had a Reclast infusion in December. This is what happened to me:
“The morning after the infusion I tried to get out of bed but my legs did not work! The paramedics had to take me to the hospital; I was having seizures which has caused some memory loss.
“Since then I have severe bone pain which my doctor said: ‘Oh, it will go away; take some Tylenol!’
“I do not sleep. This drug almost killed me! I had no idea before taking this awful drug that there is no recourse as it takes a year to get out of your system!”
KBJ relates these Reclast Side Effects:
“I had my first Reclast infusion four (4) days ago and within five hours I was in horrific pain. My arms, legs, hands, hips, pelvis, sternum, ribs — my ribs hurt so badly I can’t take a deep breath!
“Swallowing is painful as my esophagus feels like someone is squeezing my throat. I began having tachycardia [rapid heart rate]. My heart rate was 124-130 and my blood pressure plummeted to 87/62.
“I don’t seem to be getting better. I’ve tried taking two (2) Percocet 10/375 mg and they don’t touch the pain. My doctor suggested I go to the hospital but I haven’t decided to do that as there is no antidote and the Reclast infusion lasts for one year!! I don’t what they can do to help me.
“I will NEVER take another dose! I’ll take calcium, vitamin D and magnesium and deal with my osteoporosis as it develops.”
Pam in New Jersey:
“I’m having terrible pain in my arms, legs, neck and spasms in my back. I’ve always been a very active person but now I can’t move without pain. I’ve had two Reclast injections, the last in June of 2015. This pain is debilitating and has taken over my life! I’m on a lot of meds for pain but nothing seems to help.”
Many people seem able to tolerate Reclast infusions without great discomfort. Others, though, experience extraordinary pain. For some the pain fades over time. Others, however, suffer a lot longer than they ever imagined.
Share your own Reclast story below or visit this link to learn more about Reclast side effects.
CJ
Newly diagnosed with osteoporosis. Endocrinologist thought it might be parathyroid and did scans which showed nothing. Wants to treat my osteoporosis with Reclast for now. Research about side effects led me to this page and reinforced my decision to decline and work on diet and exercise instead. I am so very sorry for all the suffering I’m reading about here but beyond grateful that you have all shared your experiences so people like me can make better-informed decisions. Thank you.
Carolyn
I had Reclast a week ago. I didn’t do my diligence in researching the drug first. I’ve had constant muscle pain, now painful arthritis in my hands. I’m an insomniac, and if I’d known insomnia was a side effect I wouldn’t have taken the drug. Now I can’t sleep at all without some sort of sleeping pill. And this “poison” is in my system for another year. Did anyone have insomnia with Reclast? If so, how long did it last? I’ve researched, and all I can find is the the side effects last on average 2-3 days, but can be up to 14 days. I’d be more relaxed if I knew there was an end to this insomnia. I will never, ever take this again. Thanks.
Audrey
I have taken two infusions of reclast and am supposed to take another one this year, Oct 2020. I am very skeptical. I have the following: weight gain, muscle, lower back & side, stomach, bone pain. I have severe hip pain going up and down stairs and standing up after setting over 30 minutes. Please give me some suggestions and advice!
Maureen
PA
I had my infusion in March of 2019. Had lots of pain but I was told that was a side effect and wouldn’t last long. I suffer with debilitating pain from fibromyalgia so I was bearing with it. Pain hasn’t subsided since then, and it is now the end of June. I am hoping. This pain is different then the pain I usaully suffer with. It shoots down my arms into my hands. I can’t even use my hands. It’s pulsing and throbbing in my legs, and my feet are doing it too. I am also getting thigh cramps and headaches. But that is not even the last of it.
The next day when I woke up after having the injection my eyes were dilated. It took 2 weeks for the dilation to subside. But now my right eye is slightly dilated, and when I move from different light sources it gets larger in the left eye, and the headaches and the dizziness start. I am learning how to adjust to this but the headache lasts for hours.
This drug is a sham. How long is it going to be before they take it off the market? It’s almost 5 months, and I am worried. I realize now how bad this drug can be on your bones but my biggest fear is what is going on with my eye. Can I lose my vision? Scary. My advice is: don’t take this drug. It’s not worth it.
Victoria
I will never ever take this again! So much pain. Couldn’t walk. Doctors get really pissed when you tell them no!
Evelyn
England
I am so pleased I have read the side effects of having this injection for osteoporosis. My Dr. wants me to have the infusion once a year, so now I will certainly not bother. Thank you for warning me of this. I will carry on exercising with pilates, yoga, and walking; also a good diet of fish, etc.
Jackie
Oregon
Tomorrow will be the 3rd infusion of Reclast my husband has had without any symptom or problem.
Jackie, in Oregon
Nancy
Buffalo, NY
I am not a wimp at all when it comes to pain and illness. I honestly wanted to just go to sleep and not wake up. This drug should be pulled from the market. I live 5 mins from the rheumatologist and by the time I got home I was so sick and in so much pain I could barely crawl the stairs to bed. 20 days in bed but couldn’t quite sleep. Excruciating pain from head to toe; could barely move my legs; eyes turned red and any light burned; nausea so bad I could barely take a breath through the gas; I actually turned blue.
It was about a year before the worst of it passed but 2 1/2 years later I am still getting random pain, nausea, blurry vision, and my teeth have just fallen apart. All of this for something they find actually causes bone fractures now? I am angry! If there is ever a lawsuit for anything I have suffered I certainly hope I can be included.
Sharon H
Bemidji
I have had two years with reclast and now it looks like I’m in trouble. The doctor was sure I needed it in case I had a fall. Now my teeth are rotting out. I need to have some pulled. The dentist says it will be hard to find a dentist or dental surgeon that will pull my teeth because my bone won’t heal for a long time because of reclast. Now I am told I have breast cancer. Did reclast start that too. Of course they want to put more poison in me for that. What am I to do?
Mar
I had one infusion of Reclast in 2012. As soon as I got home from the doctor’s office, I slept for two hours. When I got up, my husband and I went to the store. While shopping, I began feeling pain in my breast bone. I kept shopping, but mentioned it to my husband. About 30 minutes later, I told my husband we needed to go home because the pain was getting worse. By 5:00 p.m. the pain was so severe I could hardly breathe. I had pain pills left over from a surgery, so I began taking the medication. It helped so I could breath, but throughout the night I woke up every 40 minutes because of the pain. All night I dreamed I was walking down the street stopping people to tell them I was in severe pain. By the morning, I had a horrible sensation throughout my whole body.
I called my rheumatologist to tell him what was happening, and he called in a prescription for Prednisone. The pain soon spread to my whole body. At times, over the years, I have fevers, feel like a bone is fractured, though it isn’t, of course, severe pain and the horrible sensation throughout my body. The drug has ruined my life. I manage my symptoms with Prednisone and pain medicine. I tried to go off the Prednisone, but the pain was too severe, and I became so weak I could hardly push myself up to get out of bed or off the couch. I went to a pain management doctor, but it didn’t help. I also tried acupuncture, but it made my symptoms worse. Taking the Prednisone and pain medication allows me to be fairly active as long as I plan to rest several hours after hiking, biking or shopping. Some days, I still have to spend the whole day resting. I hope my experience helps others make a more educated decision about whether to use the drug or not.
MARCI
Orlando
I had my first dose December 2012 and I started to notice patchy hair loss. The following year I had my second dosage of reclast. This time my hair fell out all over. I also loss weight. The next year I had developed tonsil cancer. I do not know if this is related. Now my encrinologist wants to start me on Prolia..I say NO. The doctor and RX company makes all the money. These drugs are poison.
Is there a law suit against them?
Nancy
South Dakota
I had a Reclast IV one week ago yesterday! 24 hours after I got a fever, chills flu like symptoms, nausea and felt terrible! Finally went back to doctor and they said it will get better! Yes one week after chills, fever, nausea and flu symptoms went away! Now I have terrible joint pains, my hands hurt so bad I can barely pick up a cup of coffee. My hips, back, legs, ankles, arms hurt terrible! I hope this also goes away because it is limiting what I can do! I wish I would of asked or been told what the side effects of this was before I took it!
Ellen E P
FL
I too had an infusion last November and could not walk on my feet after slowly sliding out of bed. Within two days I was at the ER and they said that I must have had a reaction. After four months of rehab, I am going downhill, i am experiencing pain in the bridge of each foot, left knee gives out and legs feel heavy and can’t be trusted. I use to run but only take baby steps now. This medicine should be taken off the market.. And along with that, my balance is off and from the ankles to the knees it feels like i have the weight of dry concrete to carry. It has affected every bone,joint and muscles.
Jacquie
Connecticut
My doctor prescribed a Reclast infusion. I wish I had read all this earlier. I had the infusion at 3:00 on a Tuesday, and by 7:00 pm I had terrible shoulder and neck pain, which is not that unusual as I have fibromyalgia. I put cold compresses on my neck and went to sleep. When I woke up the next morning I barely could get out of bed from the pain. I sort of remember going downstairs. Thank God I have an aide due to my other medical conditions. She found me passed out at the kitchen table and called my nurse. When my nurse got here I had a 107 temperature, and she called the ambulance. I was in and out of consciousness for most of the day but did not really become fully conscious until 4:00. I am now home, and the muscle and joint pain is excruciating. It is almost a week later. I am told to drink a lot of fluid to try to flush the drug out of my system. This drug is very dangerous and should be taken off the market
Sue
Maryland
I WISH I had read these stories before I was the victim to Recladt. I had the infusion at 11 am and was fine until about 7 pm (14 months ago). The pain started in my back and I took 2 Advil. Within an hour it travel to my hips and my back was killing me so I took a muscle relaxer thinking my back went out. It did nothing.
I hardly ever take them because I get loopy. An hour later the pain didn’t let up but I started having pain down my arms and chest. My breathing was getting intense so I woke my husband and he took me to hospital. I thought I was having a heart attack. It lasted 24 hours. When I finally slept, I woke up vomiting and needed a pill to stop. I thought I was dying!
I now suffer from arthritis ( which dr tell me are unrelated and have had 2 ganglia cysts. I fractured a hip and broke a foot. Before that I never broke a bone. Take this drug off the market! It’s horrible!!
Colleen
Sarasota Fl
I agree with all of the stories told. I wish I had looked it up prior to my infusion. I had the infusion and within 12 hours I was in agony. It seemed every joint was screaming and it felt like someone was sucking my bone marrow out with a thin straw. I was burning up with fever the first day and could not seem to stay alert. My husband cared for me thank goodness.
It has been 7 months and I am still dealing with the repercussions. I told my internal medicine physician and he blew me off and told me to take Advil prior to the next infusion. I told him I didn’t think I could do it again and he said my options were limited. I previously had 2 years of Fortwo daily injections and that is the maximum allowable in my lifetime.
I would hope physicians will scream these side effects to all doctors so they can help us deal with the results!
Nancy
Florida
I had a RECLAST infusion at 9:30 am on October 3, 2017. Everything was fine until it hit me at 8:45 pm that same evening. My hip, thigh back and leg muscles locked up and joints locked up and I could not move. All I could do from the worst pain I have ever experienced was to scream.
I screamed every breath unable to move until 4:10 am on the morning of October 4. I was alone so when the pain subsided slightly I got into my car and drove around the corner to the hospital. I pulled up to the ER entrance and screamed for somebody to come get me out of the car. Two men came out and escorted me into the ER immediately.
I was screaming in such pain they thought I had been shot. I had difficulty telling them I had been infused with a medication called RECLAST. I was admitted in to the hospital and given enough pain medication to kill a large elephant and it did not touch the pain.
I screamed in pain for 3 days. The pain never let up and I could not eat or sleep. All I could do was scream. I have had 3 babies and child birth pain was never as bad as this pain from the RECLAST. My doctor never told me about these side effects.
There was NO warning whatsoever. I will never have another infusion of RECLAST and I have warned everybody I know not to have anything to do with RECLAST. This is a dangerous medication and should be removed from the medical field. Now I am fighting the periodic return of this same pain every few days and it lasts from 20 to 40 minutes. RECLAST should only be used for germ warfare to cripple the enemy!
Tia
Michigan
I have Pagets Disease and am being scheduled for a one time Reclast infustion. Reading the side affects people have had is so scary. The Pagets has deformed my right femur and my right hip. I need the reclast or I can not have y hip replaced, but not sure it can be replaced due to my right femur possibly brittle and could splinter or fracture.
its hard to know what is the right thing to do.
June
North Carolina
I had two reclast treatments in 2010 and 2011. It reversed my osteoporosis to osteopenia. The only problem I had was being achy for a couple of days but nothing really bad. I’m about to have a third treatment in a few weeks. I had read a lot of information about all of the osteoporosis drugs and really, I think it’s a crap shoot.
Nancy
Florida
If you have had 2 RECLAST infusions and about to have a third…DON’T! I just had my first infusion and the pain is horrible. I can’t take enough narcotics to calm the hip, back and leg spasms. It seems you can take RECLAST for a few times and then it boomerangs on you! Please think before you consider a third treatment and save yourself some terrible suffering.
Jane
Lenoir City, Tn.
My name is Jane. I had the reclast infusion a few days ago. I will never have another treatment. I have been in terrible pain in my joints and muscles with abdominal pain, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, terrible headache, eye pain, weakness, eyes are not opening all the way, vision is bad. It has been 3 days, and now I am dizzy and off balance. I feel like a truck ran me over. I am really worried about my eyes. I have never had a medicine effect me so violently. I even called my Dr., and he said it could get worse before better.
NancyV
That sounds awful and I feel really badly for you. They should take this off the market if it causes all those problems.
Sheri
Eugene, oregon
I was given Reclast infusion, without my dr talking to me about why my medication changed and the bad side effects. The half hour infusion finished at ten thirty am and my body started shaking around three hours later. This lasted until two thirty the next morning. I have been getting all the side effects since then. I can’t eat, I have chills, I have no energy, back hurts, my legs are getting weak. I was fine till I received this.
If my dr was honest and told me that Reclast was used for chemotherapy I never would have gone along with this. I will never take any drug for my osteoporosis, arthritis, again. I will manage my own health. Just for anyone reading this . I have heard that this drug can stay in your body from two years till the rest of your life.
Georgiana H.
New Jersey
I was on EVISTA for many years with no apparent problems before being told that RECLAST would be a better choice for me since osteopenia had progressed to initial osteoporosis. I have had 4 RECLAST infusions with no reactions or side effects. I am 75, have controlled diabetes, and have had one arthritic hip replaced. My calcium and Vit D levels are good. The last 2.5 years I have developed severe arthritis in both hands and a trigger finger. Just recently I had severe pain in my upper thigh (leg with hip replaced) but the pain is gone for now. After reading these comments I am wondering whether this could be due to RECLAST or just progression of age-related arthritis. I am due for re-evaluation but am concerned about an additional RECLAST infusion or further treatment.
Katherine Barber
Missouri
I’m a 54 year old female who was diagnosed with Lupus and went on disability in 2002. The prednisone I’ve been treated over the years has caused osteoporosis. I was prescribed Boniva and it made me violently ill. Next, a Reclast infusion and told me there were no side effects. I woke up the next morning feeling like I had been hit by a truck. It’s April 13 and I’m still sick. I went to the doctor on Tuesday because I felt like I have been poisoned and was dying. I waited for my labs which came back ok. Seriously thought they would admit me to the hospital. Prescribed Zofran for nausea. It has helped some. Last week, my bones hurt so bad I though that I had broken my body. Muscle and joint pain . I’m so unbelievably weak. I was told to give it another week. A pharmacist told me it could be weeks to months. I didn’t know what they infused me with. I thought it was the liquid form of Boniva that wouldn’t cause any side effects. Never told it was a Reclast. Now I read up on it and am so scared Im going to be sick for a very long time.
Linda
FLORIDA
On Dec 9th 2016 the VA in Tampa, Fl gave me the Reclast infusion. At about 9:30 that evening while at a Jazz concert I started freezing and my Raynauds was acting up to the point my fingers had changed color and were cold to the touch to the second joint.
I did not want to scare the 84 your old lady who I was with but I was not able to hide everything. She saw in my face that I was in pain. I went to bed after letting my dog out and the next morning I could not get out of bed. My legs did not want to hold me so I got my cane for assistance. I could not eat as my stomach and bowels were also acting up.
On Monday the 12th I called my primary and she wanted to see me immediately, but then changed her mind and sent me to the ER as she was sure I was probably dehydrated and I was extremely dehydrated. After spending the day in the ER being rehydrated I still used the cane to walk to my car upon release. Within a week I was having sharp pain in my right knee from time to time. Gradually it got worse and started swelling. Fluid formed in several areas of the knee. The VA attempted to withdraw some fluid but only was able to get 2 drops. They then put a Cortisone shot in my knee which caused the knee to be extremely painful the rest of that day. Ice, heat, wrapping and elevating; nothing helped the pain. The next day I did not have pain but it was sore. The second day after the shot the immense pain was back.
The lab report was that they found Reclast in my knee along with some crystals that indicate there may be some Gout. So, I now get a shot of Prednisone in my arm and they gave me a script for Prednisone and Gout medication Colchicine. I was taking 4 Prednisone a day for 5 days and one Colchicine a day as they would cause me more problems with my digestive and bowels, which something did because on the 5th day of taking the meds I started with explosive, running diarrhea that looked like slimy sweet potatos. This went on all night and all day every time I ate or drank anything for 4 1/2 days. I used a whole package of 12 rolls of TP in those 4 1/2 days. Again I can’t eat and was pushing water, decaff tea and apple juice. Sent the doctor an email but they did not get back to me. Finally, the diarrhea stopped and 1 1/2 days later the pain started up in my knee again and each day is has gotten progressively worse all over my body again.
I have updated the doctor again, but still have not heard a word. It is now the 6th of March and I am still having these problems. I have found that if I use my Tens unit it does take away some of the pain in the knee but not the stiffness. My muscles feel like over used rubber bands and are going to “snap” at any time. I planned a once in a lifetime cruise that I do not know if I am going to be able to take now because of all of this.
I asked the VA doctors just how long this was going to be happening to me and the answer was, “you know the fusion is good for a year”. They then had the intestinal fortitude to tell me that they can now give me Prolia next time because I am definitely allergic to Reclast and the class of medications it comes from. Don’t think so!!! I will update you if and when the VA gets back to me. I do have a scheduled appointment on the 21st of March. There is no way a person can be tested to see if they are allergic or not. I was given Fosimax and the first pill made me sick to my stomach and gave me diarrhea. I think after that they should never have given me the infusion.
oldbones1
Florida
My friend started methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. 4 weeks later she received a Reclast infusion for osteoporosis. That was 2 weeks ago. She is in the ICU now in kidney failure. She just had her 1st dialysis treatment. We are wondering if the kidney failure will be reversible.
Deanna K
New York
I have the choice of this drug or Prolia. I don’t have a choice not to take a drug. I have severe osteoporosis with -5 in total of spine and -3 in hips. Added to it is degenerative disc disease. Bulging disc and some stenosis. I don’t know what to but was told last year about this time to take Prolia. I took the remainder of what I had left of Forteo from 2012; I had taken 17 months of Forteo. I am scared to death anymore to do anything. What choices do I have and what is the best drug for me to take?
Maxine
Georgia
Has anyone tried activated charcoal to get rid of the medicine? It is given for overdoses and works. I have had it work for me in instances when no other method helped.
Colleen Anast
How long does the reclast treatment stay in your system.
I do not want to continue my reclast, I had three treatments.
Colleen
Mary
Smith
I had a reclast injection one year ago. I am supposed to go for another on Monday. However I have interstitial lung disease, atrial febrilliation and severe RA. As well as severe osteoporosis and that’s why I was persuaded to take Reclast in the first instance. I am on a lot of medication and frightened to take a second dose even though I had no problems the first time. My RA Dr is insisting I take it but I am wavering any suggestions from. Is it silly to be so worried about taking it?
Gail
I would appreciate some advice on building bone density and strength that does not involve drugs.
Terry Graedon
Gail, you might want to listen to our show, Bone Vitality, with Walter Willett and Michael Castleman.
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2010/09/04/752-bone-vitality/
Suzanne
Nope.
Suzanne
I had a Reclast infusion 3 weeks ago and have had nothing but pain and problems ever since.
Del
Arizona
HAS ANYBODY with the severe side effects had a year PASS and experienced reduction of any or all the side effects?
Vee
USA
Exercise! Walking, weights, resistance training.
Elaine
Birmingham
I have read that Bovine Colostrum will build new bone. In my opinion, that is reasonable because cows feed their calves with their own Colostrum. And most Mothers feed their babies their own breast milk which is all the babies will get for months. This intake of Colostrum is what builds and makes the bones of babies and calves strong. If Colostrum will do this for them, why won’t it rebuild or build new bone for Adults. I am convinced it will. And I am also convinced that doctors don’t want us to know this.
Betsy
CA
I have osteoporosis of the spine (L1-4) and the doctor has suggested Reclast. I tried Fosamax a few years ago and had trouble with stomach indigestion and reflux. I have not yet decided to have a Reclast injection; the side effects that people report frighten me. Forteo is another option, but has not been offered by my doctor; it is not offered as a first option for treatment. Prolia is also an alternative, has been on the market for about five years, but does effect the immune system. Lots of side effects with these drugs, no easy answer. Would love People’s Pharmacy to have more programming on the issue.
helenm
Modesto
I was part of a trial to see if zometa, a bisphosphonate, could reduce the return of breast cancer in post menopausal women. In July of that year, 2008, coincidentally, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, after the 5th of monthly infusions and had to leave the trial.
In a way, it was a relief because I was suffering worse and worse bone pain after the infusions. I found that using a TENS machine helped a LOT with the pain. It knocked it out immediately, kept it out for at least a day, and made it possible for me to function. There is some new TENS type therapy available with a band you wear on your lower leg that is supposed to knock out pain all over the body. Amazon has it and also has lots of reviews where people swear by it. Like everything else, it does not work for everyone and also requires an investment into the equipment. As I am reliant upon SS (victim of the 2008 meltdown that killed the largest portion of my savings), I am still thinking about spending the money.
To the PP/Graedons. While I am not a conspiracy theorist, I do believe most of what is said about the greed of big pharma and lack of concern for the harm their products do, so I appreciate your independence and fair reporting. There is not much of that in this country anymore. Remember Edward R Murrow anyone?
marian
buffalo
ican tell you of at least 4 persons taking biophosphonates that suffered broken femur (based on
knowledge on my job in pharmacy) some were customers others wives and mothers of co workers
June
CA
My oncologist sent me over for a bone density test. That done, even though I have slight osteopenia he recommended taking that shot. I went home and read up on it on your site. I was supposed to go to the dentist for cleaning and x Rays. When I called the dentist he asked why. When I told him that, he said I don’t need cleaning and I don’t need X-rays. I went to see my regular doctor who told me, too, that I don’t need medication. The cancer doctor wanted me to take it for “prevention”. I’m glad that I didn’t. I’m 65 and with the slight osteopenia I would rather wait til there is a problem rather than “prevent”.
Amy
Santee, SC
In 2012 I broke a bone in my hand for no real reason–dividing a perennial I dug up from my garden. The doctor had me do a bone density scan since I was 55 and my mother and grandmother had severe osteoporosis. I was told it was osteopenia, and a Reclast infusion was ordered. My blood calcium levels were checked as required before the drug was administered and found to be normal. I had the infusion at 8:00 am, went to work, no problems all day, until I shut down my computer to go home, and started feeling bad–like flu only worse. Chill, aches, shaking violently.
I drove the one hour commute home, called my husband in the way and told him I was having a reaction to the Reclast. I nearly sidetracked to the ER on the way; I just kept getting worse. By the time I got home my ha new were shaking so badly I couldn’t hit my mouth with the water bottle I needed to drink from to wash down the ibuprofen I was taking. My breathing was so rapid and shallow I had cramps and spasms in my diaphragm. I piled on blankets and spent about 45 minutes getting my breath back under control.
I spoke with my hematologist (not the one who ordered the infusion) about it later, and he said what I described was a reaction that occurs when your blood calcium level drops too low–which is why the blood calcium test should be done before hand. I have felt badly ever since then: peripheral neuropathy, increase in my osteoarthritis joint pain, muscle weakness, low energy. I’m never without pain. I will never take another infusion. I’ll take calcium, vitamins K/D, and take my chances on the osteoporosis.
Linda
Madison, WI
In 2005, after a bone density test diagnosis of osteoporosis, my doctor prescribed Fosamax. 6 months later she called to change me to Actonel which I took for about 18 months. After about a year I experienced several episodes of uncontrollable diarrhea where I literally could not get 10 feet to the bathroom without an accident. Several months after that I began to have severe stomach aches every day. I started keeping a food diary to try and figure out what I’d been eating that could have such profound effects on my normally good health. Then one day as I reached for my once-a-week Actonel it occurred to me that it might be the pill as it was the only medication I was taking. Then I remembered that my mother, who took Fosamax, had the same issue with uncontrollable diarrhea. That did it.
I stopped the Actonel and within a week had no more stomach aches, no more episodes. After moving to another city and changing doctors, I was advised to take a bisphosphonate or get the Reclast shots, even after describing my side effect reactions. They said those weren’t side effects of the drug I took. I declined. Why would I take a drug that would stay in my system for a year in which I may have to endure horrible side effects. I’m pretty wary of the entire medical/pharmaceutical industry–and yes, that’s how I think of it.
Pam
Atlanta, GA
I was on Fosamax and the generic version for 12 years. When I was 64 (five years ago), I was walking downstairs and my right femur snapped. Fortunately, I was taken to a trauma hospital where the orthopedic surgeon, who put a 17 inch rod in my leg, told me, “This is a Fosamax break.” These breaks happen more commonly than one would assume. I am now a member of the femurfracturesupport group.com, a group that includes two female physicians who have suffered this same side effect.
Mary
Wisconsin
I was on Fosamax for only 2 months and had terrible stomach pain. I went off of it as I thought I’d get an ulcer if I didn’t. I now take a supplement called Strontium Citrate that I get at the health food store. My bone mineral density is much better. Do you have any information to support this supplement?
Terry Graedon
There’s only a little research on using strontium citrate to strengthen bones. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26910208, for example) It appears that the results are quite inconclusive, but it sounds as though what you are doing is working for you.
Katherine
Hot Springs, AR
Is there any more information about use of Strontium Citrate to manage osteoporosis? I was just diagnosed and have been reading about the side effects of bisphosphonates.
Thank you.
Karmel
Australia
My GOD any wonder a good friend of mine is in constant pain. She was given this stuff a year ago and worse than ever.
Toni
New York State
I had an infusion of Reclast in December of 2014, without incident, and another in December of 2015. A few days later, I had serious pain and spasms in my thigh muscles (hamstrings). The doctor thought that these symptoms were not due to the drug, since I had not had them before, but a blood test showed that the Reclast was indeed the culprit! There is no antidote, and I have refused to take other medications with an even longer list of side effects than Reclast has, to make me feel better. So I am in for several more months of problems, I’m afraid.
Kassandra
Arizona
Before you go on any drugs to help with bone loss, please ask you doctor to test your vitamin D levels. My doctor put me on Fosamax for 2 years because I had osteopenia. When I complained of my jaw starting to lock, he said it had nothing to do with the Fosamax. After 3 months of jaw issues, I stopped the fosamax and several months later my jaw stopped locking. A year later the doctor again insisted that I go on Fosamax, and assured me that my jaw problem had been from something else.
I tried again, my jaw again started locking, and I again stopped. THEN, after 3 years of this, my doctor decided to test my vitamin D level. I was in the SEVERELY DEFICIENT range.
Had the doctor tested that first and put me on vitamin D, I would never have had the bone issues I had. I now take 10,000 iu’s of vitamin D3 every day, and have my levels checked yearly. My D levels are now in the upper normal range, and my bone density tests have shown regular improvement. Perhaps, had I been tested for D levels 20 years ago and been put on a supplement, I never would have had osteopenia in the first place. So, please ask your doctor about having your D tested!
Jennifer S., MD, PhD
Tucson, AZ
Years ago I was on your program, I believe, regarding atypical femur fractures. I see you just addressed this issue again. I’m so glad.
I was one of the first cases of AFF (in 2001) and now I have 207 members of an email support group, of other mostly women, who’ve had similar fractures. I also have several articles published in medical journals on this problem, including one on 81 cases (it’s not that rare!!) and always welcome an opportunity to discuss the latest.
You may have seen an article on osteoporosis in Wall St Journal earlier this month in which I was interviewed, and an additional piece on their online issue. I would welcome discussing the latest with you.
The People's Pharmacy
Dear Dr. S.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We would like to share your articles on this important subject, so please provide links. We would also like a link to the WSJ article on osteoporosis.
We would like to have you on The People’s Pharmacy radio show again to share your story and your research.
Elizabeth
Cary, NC
First of all, it is because of your column in 2009 that I realized that my femur fracture was probably caused by 12 years on Fosamax. I was able to inform my Ortho surgeon, who agreed and has since learned much from my experience.
That being said, the drug industry is bound and determined to fight the data, citing that the risk is very low. However, most AFFs are coded as hip fractures because there is still no code for AFFs! Therefore, the data is obviously faulty and virtually useless.
I personally know four people who have suffered AFFs, suggesting statistically that we are talking about a much higher rate of occurrence. I would appreciate an addendum to your column about the problems with this data and a discussion of the warning signs for AFFs: groin pain, thigh pain and, yes, hip pain. Prophylactic rodding of the affected femur is certainly preferable to a completed fracture. A further discussion about how bisphosphonates reduce bone turnover and are building greater bone density but decreasing bone strength would also be useful.
Again, thank you for continuing to monitor this issue. Too few physicians know about it or perhaps some simply choose to ignore it.
The People's Pharmacy
Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. We never considered that atypical femur fractures might be coded as hip fractures in medical records. That might indeed lead to underreporting. And we want to thank you for bringing other symptoms to people’s attention. We did not know that hip pain might be an early warning sign of trouble.
ariel
USA
My family doctor suggested Reclast. I said I did not want to take biophosphates. He said if I did not take it that in a few years a bone would break and then I would die. Scary, I think he meant that I would slowly die over years because of the health problem. He said his mother was taking Reclast. I, however, choose vitamins and supplements and am going to P-therapy to strengthen my bones.
Allison
boston
I am a Reclast “refusenik.” My endocrinologist told me I “needed” the medication — I’m not a candidate for oral bisphosphonates due to GERD (and wouldn’t take them anyway) — because my T score for spine had progressed from osteopenia to osteoporosis. His affect has been dire as I’ve given my reasons for not feeling comfortable with any of the osteoporosis drugs; it’s as though he’s already visualizing me wheelchair-bound in a nursing home, despite the fact that I’m only 65 and have no history of fracture, excluding a broken wrist from a fall on black ice — a type of injury that, interestingly, isn’t considered by the endo doctor to be osteoporosis-related, as virtually anyone with any bone-density score might sustain it under similar traumatic conditions.
I’ve been reading up on the supposedly “very rare” major adverse effects of bisphosphonates for the last couple of years and am so far unconvinced of either the efficacy or the relative safety of these drugs. I feel there’s a story-behind-the-story of the adverse effects, that being the medical establishment’s apparent monolithic affirmation of the “necessity” of the drugs, and its equally ubiquitous dismissal of patients’ side-effect concerns as trivial, even in the face of substantial evidence to the contrary on both counts.
If atypical femoral fracture and osteonecrosis of the jaw — the two most catastrophic side-effects of bisphosphonates — are really so exceedingly uncommon, why are patient forums online peppered with accounts, or variants, of them? It defies belief that these accounts are fraudulent inventions, as they appear on multiple websites and those who submit them would have nothing to gain by making up their experiences.
Joanne
New York
After receiving 2 rounds of Reclast and having a bone density test done the third year, my osteoporosis reversed itself to osteopenia and to be honest, I asked for another round to kind of solidify it. The only time I ever had a reaction where I felt achy was after the first round and the achiness lasted about a day. My teeth have gotten stronger where before I was experiencing dental issues due to bone loss. It took my doctor 2 years & a serious bone density report to convince me to try Reclast. My greatest concern was that I have vascular issues & knowing this was not like taking a pill & if I had a reaction I could stop it. It stays in your system for a year but I was one of the lucky ones it seems or at least so far.
Allison
Reclast stays in your system for up to ten years, not just a year.
Christine
Oregon.....
WOW, Joanne….stories like yours are far and few between or just maybe those with good results from Reclast don’t get onto these sites and report their good results. I have been wavering since August of 2015. My Osteo doc recommended Reclast from the get go….My spine was at 2.8-3.0 because I had each Dexa done at a different place. My hips were not at Osteo yet…..I have chickened out twice now. Doctor must think I am a nut case. My endocrinologist said to do it and my GP doc said to do it….But, they are all in the same medical facility….I am on just about everything I think I should be….more protein as well…..wearing a weight vest. Walking everyday and doing jumping exercises as well…Too bad results cannot be gotten sooner than every year or every two years….I do believe my Osteo was brought on by taking PPI’s for a little over 3 years….but was diagnosed after taking them for only a year and a half, but, I was on a strong dose. Bone loss is one of the side effects….I did not know that. GASTRO doc never told me….You take a med to help one medical issue and it causes another…Maddening…..I do hope you continue to do well …..Christine in Oregon…..
Becky
Georgia
I had a Reclast infusion in February 2013. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I was in a flare for months! I swore never again!
I am thankful that the news is getting out. Doctors need to stop prescribing this drug!!