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Before agreeing to take any medication, people should be aware of the benefits and risks. There are a number of drugs that are used to combat osteoporosis, which is certainly a benefit. But all of these medications have risks, including the injectable medication Reclast. We have heard from readers who wants to know more about Reclast side effects as well as its advantages.
A recent study reports that smokers may not benefit as much from Reclast as nonsmokers (Clinical Epigenetics, March 13, 2023). Smoking changes the way cells (osteoclasts) respond to Reclast. As a result, people who smoke and have osteoporosis may need to consult their doctors about other treatment options.
Could Reclast Side Effects Cause Dental Problems?
Q. My doctor is recommending Reclast to treat osteoporosis. However, I just heard from a friend that when she received injections of this drug, she developed terrible problems with her teeth.
I have not been able to find out whether this medication causes dental problems. Could you please provide some insight into its benefits and risks?
A. Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is considered effective for preventing fractures due to osteoporosis.
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine (Dec. 20, 2018) found that:
“The number of women that would need to be treated to prevent the occurrence of a fracture in 1 woman was 15.”
That number, known as the number needed to treat or NNT, is actually quite good. However, it does mean that more than a dozen women would be exposed to potential adverse effects without reaping the benefits themselves.
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw:
There is a name for the complication your friend may have experienced: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). In this condition, the jaw bone fails to heal after dental surgery, such as an extraction. This may leave the bone exposed and is difficult to treat.
Drugs like Reclast are also used to treat bone metastases associated with lung cancer. We recently discovered two cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw in lung cancer patients treated with zoledronic acid (Anticancer Drugs, March 1, 2023).
This complication is rare with oral osteoporosis drugs such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) or risendronate (Actonel). These all belong to the same class as Reclast. You might ask your doctor if one of these might be appropriate instead of zoledronic acid for treating your bone loss.
Other Reclast side effects may include muscle and bone pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive upset, dizziness, high blood pressure and kidney problems. For a few days after the infusion, patients may complain of fever, flu-like symptoms and inflammation of the iris of the eye.
Pain Can Be Part of Reclast Side Effects:
Diane had a horrifying experience:
“My problem was a reaction to Reclast. Right away I started getting muscle aches and pains. Then I started having problems walking.
“I told my doctor who sent me to an arthritis specialist who gave me a shot which did nothing. I kept going back to my doctor to show him my legs and feet and how swollen they got and how red my feet got. It got to the point I could not walk. I went to his office in a wheel chair and he gave me a handicap sticker but refused to think it was a reaction to this medication.
“I called the manufacturer (Novartis) and they told me to have my doctor call when I went back into the office because it was a sure side effect of the medicine. So I handed him the number and he said he did not have time for this crap. I had to change doctors after spending $9,000 on tests and medications.
“Now the new doctor I have doesn’t believe my symptoms could be caused by the drug either. She said enough time has gone by that I should not be having problems with my feet and knees because of the medicine. She also wants a million tests done that are costly and I just don’t have the money.
“So she shrugs it off by saying you don’t want to pay, so what am I to do. I feel like a person who will never get cured. I am at a loss. And I am only 58 and work full time with limited benefits and hurt all the time.”
People’s Pharmacy Response:
Reclast belongs to the bisphosphonate class of medications. A review of randomized controlled trials by British researchers concluded that bisphosphonate drugs do reduce the likelihood of fractures due to weakened bones, but that the benefit-to-risk ratio is defensible only in patients whose likelihood of a fracture is high (Health Technology Assessment, Oct., 2016). That is because of the negative impact on quality of life. For Reclast in particular, flu-like symptoms are considerably more common among people getting the drug than those getting placebo.
Instead of taking an oral drug daily, weekly or monthly, like other osteoporosis drugs, Reclast is a once-a-year injection. That means it has LONG-LASTING effects. That makes it convenient for some, but for those who experience side effects, it may mean long-lasting misery.
Reclast Side Effects:
- Muscle aches, arthritis, joint pain, bone pain, muscle spasms
- Pain in arms or legs, back pain, fluid buildup in legs, tingling in extremities
- Fatigue, flu-like feelings, fever, lethargy
- Headache, dizziness
- Digestive distress, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea
- Rash, skin irritation, severe allergic reaction
- Eye irritation, eye damage
- Jaw bone death (osteonecrosis of the jaw)
- Unusual fractures of the femur (thigh bone)
- Kidney damage, kidney failure
- Low calcium levels in the blood
- Atrial fibrillation (with other bisphosphonates)
We are saddened that your physicians have ignored the official prescribing information and pretended that your symptoms are unrelated to the medication. This seems irresponsible to us. You can read about ways to protect yourself from this kind of oversight in our book, Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.
Diane is not the only person to share bad experiences with bisphosphonates.
Monica also had serious pain following Reclast infusions:
“I have had 2 infusions of Reclast. I had 2 SEVERE bouts with inner thigh pain. Lasted about 1/2 hour and both time woke me up at night. Pain was debilitating; couldn’t move; VERY DEEP BONE PAIN!! VERY scary…. I did think of the Reclast drug. When I went the second year for my 2nd infusion of Reclast, I asked the lady if she had heard of anyone experiencing severe thigh pain. She told me no.
“Well, after this 2nd infusion I have had 3 bouts with horrible thigh pain. Two of those were of the inner thigh and the last one was on the outer thigh on the left leg! I will never take this drug again. Please be careful, as I think these drugs need MUCH MORE TESTING!
“Best of luck to anyone having these symptoms!!”
JC is worried about the effect on her kidneys:
“I have been diagnosed with third stage renal failure and I also have atrial fibrillation. There is a question now about how can we treat the atrial fibrillation (A-fib) since my kidneys are in bad shape.
“I took Forteo injections for 19 months and a couple of years later I had a Reclast infusion. The decline in my kidneys started after I had the Forteo and worsened after the Reclast. I feel sure that I will not be taking another Reclast injection.”
Lee actually had femur fractures while taking alendronate:
“I was taking Fosamax and sustained two femur fractures after its use… Reclast was used two years after the first fracture. When the IM rod was removed after healing…it was causing much hip pain…. the leg spontaneously broke in the mid shaft while I was dressing two days later… we had to place the rod again, so two fractured femurs from medications to prevent fractures.
“I am frightened. Is Reclast part of the Fosamax femur fractures? I have no osteoporosis, but my mother had it severely. The drugs were given for that reason. The fracture is very slow to heal due to these drugs. Another doctor wants to use Forteo…. I am not sure what to do.”
Linda has had problems with oral bisphosphonates:
“I’m a 54 year old healthy, active woman. Two years ago my doctor said I had osteopenia and put me on Actonel, once a week. After one dose, I was in such pain I couldn’t stand for anyone to touch me, and could hardly get out of bed for 2 days.
“I called the doctor who said I had the flu and should try it again in two weeks. I felt so much pain (not flu symptoms) there was no way I was going to try it again. Then he tried Boniva. It worked well for about 6 months, then my heart would start racing when I was relaxing… including about 4 a.m. when I was asleep… which awakened me and prevented me from getting rest. It would take about an hour for me to get over the dizziness and sick feeling. I wore a heart monitor for 24 hours… and it went from 44 to 147 in an instant in the middle of the night.
“I’ve now just upped calcium, D, and magnesium… because I may break bones, but at least I won’t be a couch potato from the pain.”
RF also plans to use non-drug approaches after having trouble with ibandronate:
“Have been on Boniva for approximately 8 months and have back, hip, and leg aches which I am now attributing to the drug since I walk regularly at least a mile a day and bike. I am 72 and thought I was falling apart until I read on the web that others are also having this aching problem. If I sit in a chair five minutes or more, my hips, knees and legs are stiff.
“I plan to discontinuing this drug despite osteoporosis in my left hip and will continue with calcium, D and magnesium and weight bearing exercises.”
SH also had pain while taking Boniva:
“I could not tolerate Boniva. I had so much joint pain, muscle weakness and fatigue I started taking my husband’s prescription strength ibuprofen. I stopped the Boniva because I was nervous about a stomach ulcer. Then I realized the longer I was off of Boniva, I had no need for the ibuprofen. I am grateful for the early warning and my physician agreed with me in stopping the Boniva.
“I think these drugs do more harm than good. My friend now has atrial fib and has had two spontaneous fractures of her lower legs. She had been on alendronate (Fosamax) for 10 years. I know it is femur fractures they are discussing, but if it can cause a fracture in a strong long bone like a femur, it certainly may cause them in the smaller bones. Her doctor felt alendronate could have contributed to her atrial fib.
“I would strongly recommend patients really read everything they can and be very knowledgeable about the drugs they are prescribed and then make an educated decision with their physician on how to treat osteopenia and osteoporosis.”
Have You Experienced Reclast Side Effects?
We would like to learn more about your experience on bisphosphonates. Have they worked well for you without any side effects? Let us know below. Have you experienced symptoms? If so, please describe what happened.
Although Reclast and other bisphosphonates are probably the most common treatments for osteoporosis, they are not the only ones. To learn more about some alternatives, you may want to check out our Guide to Osteoporosis.
If you’ve had trouble taking Reclast or any other bisphosphonate osteoporosis drug, please share your story in the comment section below.
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Claire
Lots of scary anecdotes about drug side effects. Of course there will be no comments from anyone who had little/no adverse effects and who, because of the drug treatment, did not experience bone fractures (They themselves will never know who they are).
I’ve seen someone with horrible osteoporosis who experienced rib and vertebral fractures just from coughing or sneezing. There’s nothing here from people who were scared off treatment and had terrible consequences.
This is not to negate the comments here. Just keep them in context.
By the way, stage 3 kidney disease (I have it) is not kidney failure (comment from JC). The difference is rather like the difference between a car that doesn’t go full speed vs a car that doesn’t go at all.
Jill
Has anyone found out whether anything can be done to stop the side effects after taking the reclast infusion? It’s been 2 months and I’m losing hair, my knees, shoulders, and hips hurt, and I’m walking like an old lady with knee and or hip buckling when I stand up after sitting. I had none of these issues before the infusion. Also, the c-telopeptide test is well below the bottom acceptable range. I asked my doc what to do several times. She has no answer -just said I should feel better when the medicine leaves my system in a year, and that I shouldn’t get another infusion – (as if I would ever consider it!).
Stephanie
I am 69 and have osteopenia. I was given an IV infusion of Reclast to prevent osteoporosis. At first I felt great, then a few hours later I got up to go to the rest room, and my legs gave out and felt like noodles. I could not stand. I had to
go to the ER three times, as I would not be able to walk. I had to have ambulance assistance to get to the ER each time. I was in bed for 3 1/2 weeks. When I would get out of bed I would fall, as I had no help unless I called someone, and would have to turn around and scoot on my butt, grabbing my wall to wall carpet to pull myself to the toilet. I had no phone with me. It took me an hour to get to the toilet. And when I did I did not have the strength in my legs to get up.
By God’s grace someone stopped in to check on me, and I was slumped over the toilet, on the floor. When he tried to pick me up my legs felt like noodles, as I could not stand. Once again, I had to go to the ER. Now I use a walker I did not need before and a cane. I used a cane before for degenerative disc disease that seemed to have hit me suddenly before I had the IV. Two doctors said it would probably be a good idea to go ahead and take the reclast. I did. Now I walk like a cripple, and I am a cripple.
Years ago my late husband, who was a dentist told me never, ever take Fosomax. What I had was an IV infusion so I trusted the doctors. I had such an allergic reaction that lasted so long. Then the doctors who gave it to me told me it couldn’t be the Reclast because the side effects lasted too long.Ttell that to my job that I could not go to for a month. Now i am in a type of kinesis therapy, and it is painful but seems to help. I will probably always be a cripple now.
Carla
I had a horrible experience with Reclast Infusion! Got my first infusion a week ago, and the day I had it done I asked the nurse if there would be any side effects. She assured me that I wouldn’t even know I had it done. What a lie!
The next morning around 5:00 am I woke up to the most intense pain I’ve ever felt! I couldn’t catch my breath because it hurt so bad to breathe! I couldn’t even move for 2 days! I called the doctor’s office crying, and the nurse said “Yes those are the side effects. They will last for 48 to 72 hrs!” It felt like I had been in a horrible car accident!
The pain eased up but never went away, and now I’m having trouble walking because it feels like someone has punched me in my sides and stomped on my back with a pair of boots! It’s horrible! I will not take another dose of this drug! These drugs are becoming more dangerous than good! I feel horrible everyday and so fatigued! I’m so angry that I wasn’t more informed!
Elisabeth
I had a Reclast infsuion last March. It is now almost June. This followed 10 months of Evenity which caused me alot of aching and pain. At first I only had the classic flu-like symptoms but since have started having a lot of palpitations and lightheadedness. I had a 14-day monitor test which showed the frequency of them. I have had occasional sx like this before but never so constantly. When I try researching this issue I come up dry. Very difficult to find anything detailed enough using Google. Has anyone else found this to be an issue? I won’t be having another infusion next year!
Gayleen
My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer April 2023. He had radiation treatment last summer, and he’s been on quarterly Lupon shots and Zytiga. Up until the end of November, he was taking 4 mile hikes on nearby hills and going to 2-hour exercise classes twice a week.
On 11/29, he had a Lupron shot and felt a little “off” during an exercise class. On 12/4, he had a Reclast infusion and started having leg pains the next day. The pain worsened over the next few weeks.
By January, he was using a walker. He was hospitalized while the pain was stabilized and tested for everything under the sun. All the tests came back either within normal ranges or negative for specific diseases (Guillain-Barre, Lyme disease, Stiff Person syndrome, etc). A week ago, the pain started going away but he still has muscle weakness and “drop foot.”
Since everything else has been ruled out, his neurologist thinks he has ALS (Lou Gehrig disease) and wants to start treatment right away. Since the pain started right after the Reclast infusion and progressed so quickly, we have always thought that this was a severe reaction to Reclast. Have you, or do you know of, anyone else with such a severe reaction?
Brenda
I had a Reclast infusion in mid February. Two weeks later my hair started shedding unbelievably. Now it is coming out in big clumps and strands. I am so upset!!! I know I have lost at least 30% of my hair, and it’s only been two months since the infusion. Who knows how it will end up since the poison is in my system for a year or more! Has anyone experienced this? Can you tell me how much you lost? Did it ever grow back? Thank you!
Katherine
Was given Reclast infusion 14 days ago.
Significant joint pain, achy body and excruciating foot pain. I have neuropathy, and now my soles are so painful, I can’t bear to walk. Also electrical-like jolts in my feet. This is so much worse than what I experienced prior to Reclast.
The worst is the depression. This has pushed me to the brink of questioning why do I even want to live. Called my psychologist today, and he suggested talk therapy. Dr doesn’t believe the correlation between these symptoms and Reclast. Not his problem.
I keep wondering why a doctor prescribes this med without a full understanding of my medical background. I have MDD. I was not given any warnings. It was so matter of fact. Like they were giving me asprin. Had I known the possibility of depression, I would never have agreed.
Cindy
This is madness! Never thought a simple Reclast infusion would cause debilitating side effects. Within 14 hours I was in so much pain I couldn’t roll over in bed! Now 1 week later I’ve developed new wrist and knee swelling and pain likely related to underlying osteoarthritis. Except for that, I’ve NEVER had this much pain or swelling in these joints until after taking Reclast!! Decided to treated with oral Prednisone. The paradox being that oral steroids exacerbated the osteoporosis, and now I’m back on the steroids to counteract the inflammation caused by Reclast!
Randy
My mother had a reclast infusion. The evening after the infusion she had convulsion-like symptoms and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. Her sodium levels dropped to 13 which is very serious. She was hospitalized for several days. In addition, shortly after the infusion she also had issue with several teeth becoming loose and had to have 6 or 7 teeth extracted. Because she had taken the Reclast no oral surgeon would do the extractions outside the hospital OR which was very costly. She also had to wait several months before they would remove the teeth because of the additional risks associated with being on the drug.
Sheila
The day I received Reclast via infusion I felt fine. The next morningI tried to stand and fell to the floor with pain I had never experienced before, could not get up, blacked out 6 times and couldn’t move. I was on the floor for 5 hours, found by a friend, and went to the emergency room. The ER ran several tests and told me to not take another infusion. The symptoms reoccurred and pain continued for months.
This drug is not worth the risk.
Jennifer
I had a Reclast infusion Sept 11. I asked for 30 min infusion instead of 15. I Also drank a lot of water, tea, and Gatorade starting 3 days before and after the infusion. That evening it felt like I had a mild flu with pains in all extremities and back with headache. Next day felt worse. Hot flashes on the hour and severe neck pain. I had back kyphoplasty in July 2023 and ORIF light treatment of humerus, June 2022. After that, pain diffuse across the back and severe in left arm (non union). Daily fatigue, hot flashes, dizziness upon standing and diffuse rib and back pain. I’m 61 with severe osteoporosis, not sure the side effects are worth it. I’m unable to work now.
Cheryl
I had the Reclast Infusion – no problem until that night. I went to bed then I felt like every bone in my body was being broken. I started to sweat, then I became so cold, so I spent hours shivering and peeing constantly. My resting heart rate went from normals of 52 at sleep to 43 – 48. I started having a hard time going up the stairs because of heart palpitations. I feel like I’m going to have a heart attack because my blood pressure goes up high then dips really low. I have burning in my right foot on top. My mouth is hurting me now. My dry eye disease ramped up. This is honestly the worst feeling ever. It’s been over a month. I’ve had several blood tests done, wore a heart monitor 14 days now, I have to see a gastro, and now I’m anemic.
The inflammation in my body is so bad now, I truly feel like Reclast is trying to kill me. Thank you, makers of Reclast, for seemingly destroying over a month of my life. If I could do anything to get this out of my body, including Dialysis, I would because this is horrendous.
Felicia
I had my Reclast infusion 3 plus weeks ago. After suffering from diffuse bone pain for a week and daily fevers, the bone pains have resolved, but the low grade fevers persist.
Two days ago I developed left ankle swelling. Is ankle swelling a known side effect of this drug?
Jax
Many years ago, after two years of Boniva infusions, the numbers and my doctor said it was time to treat again. Two days before I was scheduled for a Reclast infusion, I had a massive jaw bone infection requiring a bone graft. The oral surgeon told me this was caused by the residue of Boniva in my system. He said if I’d gone ahead with the infusion, I could have died.
Now my osteoporosis is very bad, but my natural protocol has kept it from becoming even worse. I agreed to have one or two infusions, but after reading about all the pain and other problems people have endured with Reclast, I am reconsidering. I have severe scoliosis and live with more than the usual amount of pain. I can’t imagine having to endure more. Thank you for this great public service.
Susan
I am 76 yrs old and have osteoporosis. I had my first Reclast infusion on August 1, 2023. The first night I felt muscle aches that woke me up. The next two days were a blur. Fever, chills and aches in every part of my body. I also had extreme fatigue. The achiness is better now, and I’m not as tired but my equilibrium seems off, and I get lightheaded.
Michelle
I think my Reclast infusion is making all food taste bitter. Is this a known side side effect?
Terry Graedon
Yes, Michelle. Taste disturbance is part of the post-marketing reports on Reclast. so sorry you have to deal with it.
Myrna
Received Reclast Infusion in mid April 2023. Had high fevers for almost 3 days and then low grade fevers for 1 week. Had headaches and extreme tiredness for about 2 weeks. In June, 2 months after receiving the infusion, i developed pain in left side of my head, including ear, neck, shoulder blade and pain in eye which throbbed for about a week before I saw my eye dr. She believed that I had an eye contusion which I have never had before and did not injure my eye. She prescribed antibiotic eye drops for 4 days. I saw a chiropractor for the neck and head pain which helped a little. I began to feel depressed and sad for no apparent reason. Also started to sweat throughout the day and night waking up nightly. In early July, woke up and upon walking, felt severe pain across my lower back radiating into my left hip. Could barely walk or move, could not raise my arms above my head due to severe spasms radiating into the left hip. Saw 2 orthopedists and had xrays of back and hip. They told me I sprained my back, and it was arthritis. I explained I did nothing to bring this on. Their advice was to receive physical therapy. After a week of suffering from pain, and no better after 3 days of laying in my bed, I saw my primary dr. who prescribed muscle relaxers, prednisone, and bed rest. My blood pressure was very high at this visit. I normally do not have high blood pressure. I also let my Rheumatoid Dr. know my experience. She ordered bloodwork for me, which she said was normal and asked me to let her know what the Orthopedic dr. found.
I am sure that all of my recent problems are from this drug Reclast! I will never take this drug again and pray that all of my side effects go away and also that I do not develop new side effects from this terrible drug.
GAW
1 Reclast injection and 8 days later I had burning pain in legs and back. Made mobility almost impossible. Had a UTI, sore throat, and more. I felt bad enough to get a COVID test. Was negative!!
It seems that, by denying these side effects, the company that makes Rreclast and the doctors prescribing it might decrease the reporting of side effects. I almost didn’t bother. I can’t convince 3 other PTs I know to report. All have been told it couldn’t be Reclast!
Too bad!
Debbie
In 2015 I had “ONE” RECLAST infusion set up by my Rheumatologist due to Osteoporosis with Lupus being a contributing factor.
I was already on biologic infusion for autoimmune disease, so what was one more INFUSION, as it was suggested by my Rheumatologist.
It was a LATE FRIDAY afternoon at 4:00 pm, no immediate problems that night.
When I woke up SATURDAY MORNING, I felt weak, but by 10:00 am I couldn’t MOVE. I leaned over on the Couch, realized it was killing me to “SPEAK by opening my JAW”, and then, I couldn’t BREATHE without my RIBS FEELING like they were made of CEMENT. They wouldn’t move either. Then, I felt awful all over.
I called the ON-CALL “RHEUMATOLOGIST” & He IMMEDIATELY knew I was having a REACTION to RECLAST (because it happened to his TEENAGE SON whom HE GAVE RECLAST to help HEAL A BROKEN BONE from BASKETBALL INJURY 😳)
He CALLED IN – a PRESCRIPTION for “PREDNISONE” DOSAGE about 30mg & WEAN down from there over next few weeks. It took till TUESDAY – 4 DAYS LATER- before I felt better.
It SCARED ME so BAD – when your JAW will not OPEN & RIBS will not MOVE to BREATHE, it’s very confusing as to what is happening. Nothing like the FLU – except my whole body was like LEAD – I couldn’t move.
I will take BROKEN BONES anyday (which I have had several) & let myself HEAL w/out this horrible REACTION to RECLAST ever again.
Karen
Never again. I had the reclast infusion as a general osteoarthrits treatment and instead of taking the pills. My doctor said few people get side effects. and if they do it’s generally flu-like. I got the infusion June 26 – that night I was shaking so badly I could’t even begin to get to my phone to call (911). The next morning I couldn’t get out of bed – every muscle in my chest was sore. I couldn’t eat a bite of food or drink anything. And I had a fever and was coughing my ribs apart. Finally after 3 days of this I called my arthritis group. They called me back with a lovely answer – your probably picked up a virus. Well I still couldn’t eat or drink and a few days later I ended up in ER with deyhdration and very low potassium levels.
Follwed up with PCP. I do have asthma, and apparently my lungs are inflamed, causing all the coughing. He put me on a steroid and strong cough medicine. He does believe all my symptoms are RECLAST related. The steroids are helping me get some food in me. Have no taste or desire to eat though – have to force. No more RECLAST for me.
I hope I am through the majority of symptoms, but I do see where some of you had symptoms up to 3 weeks after and some lasting for years.
I see my arthritis doctor on August 8.
Diane
I received my first Reclast infusion in 2022, and ever since then my hair is falling out. I have severe arm pain. I was so fatigued I didn’t feel well. I had this done in October 2022, and I’m just starting to feel better from the fatigue, but my arm is still bad, and my hair is still falling out. But these symptoms seem to be slowing. I will never ever get this infusion again. I have not felt well at all since I received it.
bebe
I was given Reclast June 2022. I wish I had researched more. Yet when I research any drug, I cannot take it since there are so many side effects. The doctor was a friend, and I had osteoporosis and cannot take Fosamax knowing I have stomach and acid issues.
I was expecting the 2 days after it to be bad, and it started that night with vomiting and bad pain traveling all over my body after. After 3 days I felt good enough to go to the gym ,and I had huge issues with my knees suddenly. When I looked back I saw baker cysts formed at the back of my both knees. Couldn’t do anything and had to go back to my friend. She aspirated them twice but now I know baker’s cysts are yours forever, and they should not be drained since it is too dangerous.
My doctor friend told me that out of hundreds of patients for whom she prescribed Reclast I was the 2nd one to get this reaction. A year later I have my cysts swollen out of nowhere with different body pain and muscle pain like I had last year. Nobody can tell why.
I am soooo sorry I took reclast. It reduced my life quality with pain, the bakers cysts, and not knowing what to do and not to do at the gym anymore. I still don’t know what the alternative is since I am not willing to take Prolia for a life time either. It sucks that when they try to fix your osteoporosis they cause other problems when it may not even have a positive effect and nobody tells you all the crazy things that can happen to you.
Do research, read, I always did but not this one. It felt even weird that the dose is the same for someone like me who is 5’2″ and a 6 foot tall person.
Tanya
I had a Reclast infusion just over a year ago on a Monday and have refused to take it again or anything like it. I was never so sick in my life! I had the infusion in the morning, and by that evening I had the worse stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea, dizziness, horrendous night sweats that truly soaked my pillow and insomnia. I developed hair follicle inflammation where I could hardly touch the back of my head that lasted months due to my tossing and turning my head with the misery and sweats. I couldn’t eat. Had no interest in food at all, and the jaw pain was intense.
My TMJ issues flared up, and the TMJ discomfort has just now settled down after almost a year. (Facial yoga really helped with the TMJ) I ended up in bed until that Friday after the Reclast. A nice warm shower felt so good until I found myself collapsed on the shower floor! Back to bed I went. My physician had never heard of a reaction like this. I was given no preparation for the injection, like fluid intake. I will say that I have had many friends take Reclast and other similar drugs with no reaction so for some it might be great. It wasn’t for me, and my body told me so!!!
Kristine
I have osteoporosis and get Reclast each year. I was never given any information like this. I WILL let my doctor know she should have given me information on side effects. I am 70, and it is clear on my chart that I have A-Fib and a muscle disorder! As patients, we are often not given enough information about medical procedures and drugs. Sometimes you have to research things before you agree to what the doctor prescribes.
Marilyn
Years ago my doctor prescribed Fosamax since, according to the Dexa scan, I was in Osteopenia. I knew from the way I felt that my body did not like that drug. What I did not know was that you cannot take these drugs forever. At some point you must take a break from them. When you take that break, your bone density automatically takes a dive which moved me into osteoporosis. I took Actonel for awhile but stopped it also. I have refused all other treatment with bisphosphonates. I have had knee osteoarthritis, which I believe was caused by these drugs. This, in turn, made some cortisone shots necessary, which are very hard on me, and I had to have arthroscopic surgery on both knees.
No one in my family has had these issues so the medications are highly suspect in my opinion. Be very careful BEFORE you take ANY prescription medication. I was not researching things back then and certainly would not have taken these medications if I had known then what I now know. Fortunately, drinking collagen on a daily basis has greatly helped. I am most thankful for my faith and prayer that has given me my freedom back after not being able to walk to the end of my street.
Teri
Really sad to read these comments, as I am planning to use Reclast to relay off the equally dangerous osteoporosis drug Prolia. Why have you not covered the dangers of Prolia? I used it for 7 years without problem but then my doctors recommended I pause a 6-month dose to get oral surgery. NO ONE knew or told me that spontaneous multiple vertebral fractures can happen when you discontinue Prolia without a relay! I broke 5 vertebrae just 2 months after my missed dose. No one believed me until I got an MRI after 6 weeks of unrelenting pain. I’ve had two vertebroplasties, wear a back brace, and continue to have pain, taking opiates. I was healthy and very fit. Osteoporosis drugs have ruined my life.
Terry Graedon
Teri, we are so sorry to hear about your experience.
Diane
I am relieved to hear others are having issues like I did. But saddened. I had chills and shaking from about 12 hours from infusion lasting about 6 hours then my fever spiked. By the time I was able to get a thermometer, it had dropped and was 103. At 71 yrs. this is alarmingly high. The fever lasted 8 hours. Then I felt just drained and achy for 2 weeks. My doctor seemed surprised by this. I will speak to her again as she was going to look into it. I will not do the infusion again. At one point I wondered if I would make it. These side effects were not in any of the things I read. I honestly was afraid to go to the ER, as I was concerned they would make me worse with another drug.
Adriana
I wrote once before. I hope my comments will bring encouragement. In January 2022, I was hit by a Chevy Tahoe while crossing the street on a protected cross-walk. I suffered fractures to the pelvis, ribs, and internal bleeding. I too have osteoporosis. I am over 70 years old, and miraculously, I only suffered fractures, no breakage of bones.
I believe it is thanks to RECLAST and TUMS. I just had a bone-density exam, and the results were very good on the density of the bones. I hope this helps you, I will continue with RECLAST as long as the doctor recommends it, and the results are as good as they have been for me :-)
Mary C
I stared taking Fosamax in 1999. After two months I had bad reaction and stopped. Then on to Boniva and then Forteo for two years. After the two years I was told to stop. Yes it did help but the results did not last. In 2011 it was suggested I take Prolia. I asked my GP. She said she would not take it as it had not been on the market long. New side effects would probably not be showing up right away. She was right. So glad I did not take it. I went to an endocrinologist a few years later asking for an alternative. I showed him the information I had that was written by The Freedom Trial. He said he couldn’t help me if I didn’t want to try it so offered me Fosamax. So I keep on with my calcium and vit. D. So happy I listened to my GP twelve years ago.
Brett
I have a comment on the the use of vitamin K2 for the diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. I am a retired Rph who needed something to help strengthen my bones. I worked in a small town community pharmacy and saw first hand the side effects of the bisphosphonates. I wasn’t going to try one of those. And this was one small store! I tried weight lifting and exercise to combat my issue but they didn’t work, my bone density kept decreasing. I read about vitamin K2 and decided to try it. After taking it for 2 years, my bone density increased to where it was 5 years ago. I really am anxious to get my next scan. Are there any studies with K2? And why is it not recommended?
Christian
I have had two Reclast infusions. I did not experience any pain or flu-like symptoms but two years later I have developed bone spurs. I have had two surgeries to remove them on my fingers. Still have some on my toes, wrist and fingers. I can’t find that this is listed as a side effect from Reclast but I can’t imagine that so many spurs would just start to form!
Sherry
I have had no side effects from Reclast. I am on Reclast because I am also taking Arimidex. When I am finished with Arimidex, I will have no more Reclast shots. My Endocronologist said it is only effective for 3 or 4 years.
Gin
Please do an in-depth article on Prolia. I have been receiving injections every 6 months for 2 years. Thank you.
Eleanor
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Had 1st infusion of Reclast in September ’22. My doctor ordered a slow drip, and they gave me tylenol before the infusion. Other than a little tiredness the next day I had no problems. My doctor said you are most likely to have reactions after the 1st infusion and less likely for the next 2. I hope she’s right. Am I lucky or are those with little or no reactions just not commenting?
Linda
I was diagnosed with osteopenia, and my doctor recommended Reclast. I had the first infusion in May 2022. Late that afternoon I got really cold and could not stop shaking. I live in Florida where it’s usually at least in the 80’s during the day in May. I also got very achy and did feel like I was catching the flu. I stayed bundled up under blankets for most of the next week taking Tylenol for the aches. By the end of the week I was fine and can’t really relate any other issues to the drug. When I saw my endocrinologist this year he said my labs were much better and said I could hold off on the second infusion this year.
Lisa
I know of women who have done well with Reclast by hydrating very well beforehand and asking, at the time, that the infusion be stretched out to an hour instead of 30 minutes. But I still think it’s a risky gamble. A whole years’ dose of medication all at once means that if you have a side effect you are stuck with it. With oral medication, if you have a side effect you can just stop taking it.
Janet
The day after my first Reclast infusion I had all the side effects mentioned: severe muscle pain so it even hurt to blink, upset stomach, chills, fever, etc. I told my doctor, and she said to ask for it to be infused more slowly. I have had that for the last 3 years and have had no side effects. I also make sure to drink lots of water before, during and after the infusion. My bone density has improved, and I’ve had no other side effects.
Paul
I am interested in hearing about experiences with Prolia. I have had 3 shots of so far. No side effects so far but I am concerned about the warnings about osteonecrosis and femur fractures. Hemiplegia from stroke puts me at greater risk of falling. Thanks for the osteoporosis articles.
Diane
Had my Reclast infusion in 10-2023. Since then my hair is falling out, and my arm is in constant pain. The doctor said this is not from side effects of Reclast. I say they are wrong!!
Robin
I had my first Reclast infusion March 29, 2023. About 12 hours later, about 4AM, I woke up with awful pain in my chest. I felt like I had a bad case of pleurisy. It was impossible to take a deep breath, and that feeling lasted well over 24 hours. I tried to get up, and my knees buckled. I literally could not walk without holding onto the furniture and walls. It became worse over the day. My legs hurt so badly that I was almost screaming. My knees would not work, and my chest felt like I was one breath away from no breaths at all. I had a huge knot at the back of my left leg. The swelling is going down but I still can’t straighten my leg. I had to be helped to the bathroom the entire day and while one day later I can walk on my own, am very wobbly and am actually afraid of being left alone. I had trouble even moving my arms and legs. I felt as if I was slowly becoming paralyzed. I was able to sleep the second night, but I slept so soundly and hard that I actually replied to two texts but I have absolutely no
memory of replying. My husband said he heard me walking around at one point but I don’t remember at all. I never sleep that hard or that long – about 9 1/2 hours straight.
The Reclast side effects were undoubtedly the most excruciating pain I’ve ever had, and I’ve had 3 children, had a kidney stone and have fibromyalgia. I will NEVER take this drug again. I’m worried about what the long term side effects are going to be.
Martha
I received a Reclast infusion 2 days ago. My first time. I woke up with such pain that it felt like skeleton was on fire. My entire body hurt. When I tried to stand, I kept falling back on the bed. It was horrible. The pain is still here. I have some slight nausea but the worst is the cough. I have been coughing and coughing and coughing. I did not have a cough before receiving the infusion. They tell me I am having a severe reaction and to take Tylenol every 6 hours for 2 days and if no improvement by Day 3, I will need steroids.
I am wondering now: “Why did I do this?”
DA
My husband woke up to my screaming the night following my reclast infusion… horrific deep bone pain in both legs … the fever and aches were nothing compared to the 2 weeks of bone pain ! It was awful..that was September 2023….October and November I began the fatigue….light headed dizzy , heart racing , insomnia , eyes burning, dehydration, up 3 or 4 times a night at times …. I am 67 and I will never do another infusion .. it shouldn’t be on the market … oh and my hair is falling out constantly… I’ve had thick hair …. It’s a real bummer …. Had a double vision episode so bad I was sent for a CT scan … thank goodness nothing bad showed up… now wearing a heart monitor for 7 days because of dizzy spells and erratic heartbeat… so maybe my bone density has temporarily improved … At what expense? Kidneys , eyes , heart , and who knows what else weakened … I take zero prescription drugs …. No more for me , no thanks
Diane
I had the Reclast infusion, and a week later had severe joint pain in my entire body. The worst was extreme neck and shoulder pain I couldn’t even move my neck, and my lower back hurt so badly. That was a month ago, and now I still have severe lower right back pain and right knee pain. Will never have an infusion again. That was my first and last time.
Norma
I had a bone scan in Dec 2022. It showed osteoporosis. My Dr prescribed Reclast by infusion because of the danger of oral meds (I have Barrett’s Esophagus). That evening things were fine but I spent the next day in bed for flu like symptoms, body aches, fatigue and a head ache that lasted 3 days. Then, symptoms started to level off.
One week AFTER my infusion, I developed extreme pain in my feet, toes, ankles, hands and hips. I could not get out of bed. I was completely bed-ridden. I have history of osteoarthritis in these areas but this pain, with the Reclast is much more severe. I’ve never felt such severe pain in my feet, ankles toes and hand ( mostly finger joints).
I have a myriad of autoimmune diseases including Grave’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis,
Addison’s Disease ( Adrenal Insufficiency) and osteoarthritis.
I am 68 year old P-M woman. I do not think I will be getting another Reclast treatment.
I called my physician and, after a lot of pleading for help, she gave me Tramadol to help control the pain. I will update later to see if the pain subsides.
Joan
I had my infusion on 12/21 Wednesday. On Tuesday my right wrist was extremely painful. The next day my left wrist was so painful that I can’t hold a cup of coffee. It’s so painful Wednesday, 1 week after having the infusion that I can stand up without help. But walking is extremely painful. This is just my left leg, I guess, because my right knee is a replacement. I called the Dr, and he says just take Tylenol, which is doing absolutely nothing. I run a horse farm, and I can’t even get up from the couch much less feed and take care of the horses.
Kathy
Reclast infusion: I’ve been in horrible pain since I had it done in early August of this year, along with fatigue and just not feeling well at all. Knee pain, shins, hips, (different than the bursitis I’ve had before), and occasionally ribs. In the last month or so, I’ve been losing “lots” of hair, and my nails have become very thin and break easily. My doctor knows of my pain and has me on an opiate which helps a little – it would help if I could add ibuprofen but my esophagus is already inflamed because of acid reflux. She doesn’t believe hair loss and thin nails are from Reclast. She’s not mentioned that this new bone pain could be from Reclast. I didn’t know about more side effects like these testimonials until this article. This added bone pain has completely changed my life because the pain and fatigue keeps me home much of the time now. I was on and periodically off Fosamax for about 20 years but 4 years ago started breaking bones. And now the Reclast.
Some of my pain is because T11 and T12 fractured last year, not at the same time, and spine clinic cemented the vertebrae after each break. First fracture, cement, 2nd fracture, cement, which has also created much nerve pain in my back. Enough said. We’re all sorry we had any of this done, who’ve had these horrible reactions!
Enough said.
Margaret
I had Reclast last week. The first 3 days were terrible: Teeth chattering with chills and severe pain in my upper body area, neck chest back. Continued pain but milder for two days. Now my extremities are tingling, and my left hand is very painful and swollen and so is my left toe. What is next and when will it end?
Donna H
I had severe pain and swelling in my fingers both hands. It started at the injection site and spread to my head and down to my waist. It caused massive weight gain that has been very hard to lose. The pain and swelling in my hands lasted for a minimum of three months.
Sally
I started taking Reclast zoledronic acid (if I spelled correctly) yesterday. This morning I awoke with the worst pain in my back (lumbar spine), and well, honestly every bone feels like glass. I work full time and hope this goes away quickly. I feel like I’ve gone through chemotherapy again which is why I have severe osteoporosis). How can one efficiently live with this pain? Is it even worth the risk of fracture? And my big question is: is bone pain more severe due to the severity of bone loss caused by osteoporosis? Doc says my hips femoral and L1-4 are very bad and could break just doing normal activity. I read about side effects but I never ever expected the pain to be so severe. Thanks for listening.
ROXANNE
I am due for another IV, but I hesitate because of the severe bone pain that I had after the first one. To make matters worse, I had to be placed on Tamoxifen after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I will never take that drug again because of the bone and muscle pain.
Dani
I had a Reclast infusion as a proactive step, as I am on the boundary of osteo because I have muscular dystrophy. I researched it and decided benefits outweighed the risks. as a fall and fracture would end my mobility (I am not in a wheelchair). I had no ill effects for days after the infusion, and I was so relieved. But a month later I have bad muscle, joint and bone aches especially at night that affectmy ability to fall asleep. I feel like its also adversely affecting my mobility during the day. I am pretty miserable and disappointed. How long is this going to last is my biggest fear – I know with an infusion you are stuck – unlike a pill you can stop taking. I am 52 year old petite woman with MD known as Selenon (very rare).
Lynda
My Dr. had given me Reclast for 12 years. After my previous appointment for infusion my femur broke and caused a fall. At that visit my doctor was informed that I had experienced leg/hip pain. I had fallen twice the previous month. Knowing this, he sent me in for my infusion and ordered an MRI. Days later my primary doctor called and said I needed to have surgery, He, the specialist, hesitated to call me days later! Two days before my appointment with the surgeon my femur broke. Three-week hospital stay, surgery and therapy, and I am still having issues.
Marlene
On May 6, 2022 I had my 4th Reclast infusion. I did not want to have it but my doctor insisted. Within hours, my body hurt all over. My stomach was in extreme pain. I ended up in the Urgent Care with gastric symptoms so bad I feared cancer. 2 months later, I’ve been diagnosed with gastritis and IBD of the small intestine and joint pain that wakes me up in the middle and of the night. My Gastrointerologist believes the Reclast is responsible. I will never take it again. The chemical burn in my abdomen will take months to heal. My joint pain is crippling.
Gerald B
Thank you! I’ve had 2 Reclast infusions in the last 2 years. Since I had a shingles vaccine about the same time as the first one, I blamed all my symptoms on that. My doctor assured me that Reclast was perfectly safe, and the only side effect was “a little soreness for a couple of days.”
My symptoms got worse after the second Reclast infusion. I had a low grade fever, fatigue, bone, joint and muscle pain, etc. I also can’t seem to tolerate new medications for blood pressure or prostate trouble. They exacerbate the other symptoms. I’ve tried to research this but only found sketchy data. Now what can we do?
Colleen
I am a 68 year-old female who was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in 2020. I have received 2 Reclast infusions to date, without any side effects. I was hesitant to take this medication and am re-evaluating whether to continue, even though I haven’t had any noticeable side effects.
I was prescribed Alendronate several years ago when I was initially diagnosed with Osteopenia. Alendronate, or the other oral med options. are not a current option for me because I have esophageal issues due to chest radiation treatments received for cancer in 2020.
I prefer to avoid taking medications whenever possible. The severe side effects shared by your readers are horrific. I appreciate your efforts to bring these serious side effects to light, since the majority of the medical community seems to rely on the Rx pad as a solution for most health issues.
Mary
I developed Polymyalgia Rhuematica as a reaction to Zetia. I have vowed to never again use prescription meds. You absolutely cannot change one thing in the human body without affecting something else, usually with a bad outcome. Taking calcium, vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercises are best for osteoporosis. Pharmaceutical companies may want us to believe that only their products can keep us healthy, but that is up to us.
Adriana
Regarding RECLAST. I’ve only had one infusion, in 2021. I was hit by a truck this January 2022, while crossing the street on a protected walkway. I suffered fractured pelvis, ribs but no broken bones. The orthopeadic doctor said: “If you had had osteoporosis you would not be this well”. I have now just about totally recovered and I attribute my good fate to RECLAST. I had no trouble with the first infusion and after reading your article, I pray I will continue to have agreeable results.
Jane
I too was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. My doctor became very angry when I refused any of the drugs. Instead, I read all I could find to educate myself. There is so much we can do to help ourselves without drugs, include eating prunes, at least 6 per day. Also vitamins D3 and K2 are essential. Please encourage readers to educate themselves before using these harmful meds.
Kate
I have had Reclast infusions for the past 4 years. The only difficulty was when the infusion was given in 15 minutes instead of the usual 30 (there was a mix up and the medication took forever to get to the clinic and I had somewhere to be so asked if the time could be shortened). The next day I felt achy and sluggish but not bad enough to stay home from work. I started the treatments when I was 55 due to osteopenia in my hip and osteoporosis in my back which surprised my doctors as I am very active and eat well, but there is a family history. I am now at a healthy bone density. I am so sorry others do not have supportive doctors and their experience has not been as positive as mine.
Jacqueline
I am 70 years old. I tried taking alendronate. Immediately had GERD after starting the Fosamax but persisted for almost a year as my rheumatologist adjusted dosage. My regular doctor was on pregnancy leave, and she prescribed omeprazole for the GERD. Then I read omeprazole can lead to bone fractures! Rheumatologist suggested Forteo. Cost: $1,000 per month, but jumping through lots of hoops to get insurance to supplement, got that down to about $80/mo. Did more research on Forteo. Never started it. My rheumatologist was put out with me, I could tell. I am taking nothing except vitamin D, calcium in my diet and weight-bearing exercise. I will read the info you provide on this condition. Blessings for providing it.
Calista
After I had a mastectomy & reconstruction done, it was determined that I should do the Reclast IV. For 3 wks I felt awful, ran a fever & had lots of pain. The doctor told me to never do that IV again. Then she wanted me to do an injection every 6 mos. of that other bone drug, but I refused because my sister did it & had major issues & is still having breathing, asthma issues from that drug. Now the doctor says she can’t help me; so I no longer go to that rheumatologist.
For joint pains my cancer doctor recently suggested taking the tart cherry extract & that has helped me a lot. The cancer drugs I am on have a boatload of side affects & now that I am taking Kephra for the seizures I suffered, I have felt really crummy. Sometimes wonder about all these drugs–are the side affects worth all their supposed help?
Anita
I am 73 years old and was diagnosed with osteoporosis and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) 2 years ago. I was started on steroids and alendronate. I was initially on a high dose of steroids and was weaned to lower dose but the muscle and joint pain will come and go. Hydroxychloroquine was added to the regimen but eventually discontinued due to side effects. My inflammatory markers were followed so this will be used as a guideline for weaning my steroids.
I was down to 10mgs of prednisone but side effects of this became very obvious, so I was started on methotrexate. My markers came down but it was not compatible with my symptoms. I still have neck, shoulder joint, back muscle and leg pain to the point of sometimes having difficulty walking. My rheumatologist is now attributing all of these to alendronate. I am being switch now to Prolia which, according to her, has fewer side effects.
Judy
I am a 77 y/o female who has a genetic disposition to develop osteoporosis. I also have osteoarthritis and pseudogout. I have had 2 infusions of Reclast so far. My last Dexa scan showed no drop in bone density, after having had decreased density for years. My doctor prescribes a rather slow infusion time of 40-45 minutes, and also instructed me to really hydrate with water a couple days before and up to the infusion time. I don’t know if this had any effect on the outcome or if I just got lucky!
I am sorry that people have suffered with this medication. I know I was really scared to go through with this after reading all the negative comments. When my mom had osteoporosis she suffered terribly, as there was little to choose from in the line of treatment.
Kathy
I took Fosamax when I was diagnosed with osteopenia at age 50. I was also going through menopause. I took it for 5 years with no problems except that I started to experience dental problems. One day I had severe arm/shoulder/jaw pain. I was examined and determined it was not a cardiac event. I chose to stop the Fosamax and never had the experience again. Two years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and began Actonel with the understanding that if my Dexa score was not improved in 2 years I would stop it. Dexa showed some improvement in spine and no loss in hip so I will continue it for 2 more years. I don’t think these drugs are good long term. I will never try Reclast, Forteo, or Prolia. I really feel for those who have such terrible side effects.
Helen
My doctor wants me on Reclast after I finish my regimen with Tymlos. Doing OK with side effects with Tymlos but after reading about Reclast I am worried. What does the People’s pharmacy suggest for maintenance of osteoporosis?
Karen
After being on alendronate for about a month, I awoke one morning with a heart rate of 140 BPM when standing. I also had a severe aching feeling in both buttocks. Since I had recently traveled, my doctor sent me to the ER to rule out a blood clot in the lung. The CT scan was negative for a blood clot. The ER doc thought I was dehydrated (I was not), and over the next 18 hours I had three bags of IV fluids- my heart rate would still go to 140 when I stood up. I was given a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Since the only thing different in my history prior to this episode was taking alendronate, I strongly suspected it was the cause and I am afraid to take it again.
Paula
My chills, fever, aches, bone and muscle pain began the first night. These symptoms contd and worsened. That evening I could not lift my head due to pain. The pain was in my shoulders into my neck into my head up to the top of my head to the bridge of my nose. I had ear aches in each ear and pain in my jaw. I am about 3 weks post infusion. I am still experiencing had pain, neck and shoulder pain and with all of this my ulcer began acting up and could not eat. I called doctor who prescribed reclast. He told me to take Alieve and I said I couldn’t due to ulcers. He said to take it with pepto bismal. No my stomach began burning and pain remained so intense. I called my primary and saw another doctor who gave me a pill to put under my tongue 30 minutes before meals and after a week I felt able to eat mall amounts. He also prescribed percaset for myintense pain which allowed me to sleep which I had not been able to do due to pain. At most I slept 2 hours at night until percaset.
Here I am today. Head pain conts but has lessened to about a 4 or 5. I have decreased energy. Get tired very quickly. I am currently takin 3 tylenol 500 mg at night to help relieve pain so I am able to sleep.
Pat
My sincere thanks to all who have shared their experiences with Reclast and other drugs for osteoporosis. I have definitely decided against Reclast and plan to continue my drug less lifestyle : ca, mg vitamin D3 and weight bearing exercises.
Pat Kapphahn
Marsha
I have arthritis and osteoporosis. I was told to try Reclast. I was sick the same night with every side effect possible. I was not even told about the side effects. I’m now suffering every day with joint pain and bone pain that is severely worse than before I took the Reclast infusion. I tried calling my doctor and left a message about being sick. They did nothing for me. I’m not going back for another one ever again. It’s terrible and made me worse than ever. I’m scared of the long= term effects.
LuAnne
Marsha, I had my first Reclast infusion 2 days ago. I’m 60 and was diagnosed with arthritis and osteoporosis. I was NEVER told to drink water before the infusion, to flush out my kidneys. Only said I may have flu-like symptoms. Next morning I couldn’t move my neck, it hurt so badly. Also had chills, bad headache, and aching all over. Last night my hips hurt so badly (nerve pain) that I could hardly stand it. Today is 3rd day, and I don’t feel any better. I took Norco, and it helped with pain for a little while but that’s it, and it returned. I don’t like all the comments I’m reading about longterm effects. How are you?
Ddzski5
I am a 51 yr old female with a history of severe arthritis in most of my joints due to heredity and had both knees replaced by my mid 40’s. Since my early twenties I have taken a multitude of very good vitamins and minerals that actually absorb, but again due to heredity now have full blown osteoporosis. My arthritis dr. who is a colleague of my orthopedic dr. highly suggested I have yearly Reclast infusions.
I had my first one about 3 months ago. Twelve hours after the infusion the pain started in my back and then went into my entire body. The bone pain was not anything like I have ever experienced. By the next morning I had a fever of 104 and began alternating Advil and Tylenol for fever that lasted about 5 days. When I called my dr. they said I either had the flu or the COVID 19 virus and should go be tested. I KNEW it was from the Reclast.
The terrible bone pain continued into the next week and then my lower legs, ankles, and feet swelled were bright red and hurt SO badly that I could not walk. I went to my regular MD. She said it probably was a reaction to the Reclast but now we have to treat what is going on with you. I was put on antibiotics for cellulitis in my legs and a water pill for the swelling. It took 2 weeks for the swelling and pain to go down enough to resume somewhat of a normal life. I am still experiencing deep bone pain in my back and my legs. I will NEVER EVER get another infusion of anything that is supposed to last a lengthy amount of time, and I am VERY angry that my DOCTOR dismissed my reaction to Reclast as being the COVID virus, for which I was negative.
Laurie
Was given a Reclast infusion for osteoporosis and doc told me “the only side effect is possible flu-like symptoms for a day or two after.” I’m 59 and have otherwise been in the best health I’ve ever had: clean gut diet, regular exercise, good sleep, good energy, good mental health.
Immediately after the infusion and for the 5 months since, I have had bad joint and muscle pain, poor sleep, chronic fatigue, weight gain, joint swelling, brain fog, and depression (most of these are inter-related). No OTC analgesics nor supplements (including CBD oil) have worked to lessen the impact. I have sometimes missed days of work, events, and if I try even gentle exercise, the pain increases for the next 24 hours following (even walking!) Have read numerous online articles about this online, and Canada is trying to get it off the market. I have reported it to the FDA and encourage everyone to do so, as well as to your doctor, mentioning all the comments here as well (if they try to tell you your symptoms are “uncommon” — they’re not!!)
Will never have any form of this again, may not do any other type of osteoporosis meds if similar risks, and prefer to take my chances with my bones and use supplements and weight-bearing exercise. These side effects have ruined my body so far, and I have another 7 months to wait it out and pray they go away so I can have my life back. I am angry with the doctor, the FDA, and all organizations who promote this drug.
Margaret
NSW AUSTRALIA
July 8 2019
Diagnosed with osteopenia was given Actonel 5 weeks ago, – per week dose. After 2 tablets presented at GP with neck pain, was told it was probably coincidence and given Alendronate. After taking one tablet I presented at emergency department with severe hip and back pain and given Endone for relief. This has given relief 10mg 6 hourly but I can not function on this drug. I have stopped taking it and have taken panadeine forte which just takes the edge off the pain. I have consulted a pharmacist who still believes it is not the drug Alendronate. I will never take this tablet again as I am living in a world of pain. Also my heart rate was fluctuating severely. Not sure how long these symptoms will last but I will write with updates. Doctor and pharmacy do not believe it is this drug but I am a relatively healthy lady 58 years old and go to gym 2 times a week, unfortunately not for the last month as I cannot hardly walk. I have tried stretching hip, back and neck and pushing through the pain. I believe these tablets are poison as I believe this is how I would feel if poisoned. I would therefore not recommend anyone taking these drugs as I’m unsure how long these side effects will last. I took 5 tablets one a week and my whole life has changed.
Margaret
Nalini
I had reclast once and suffered severe bone pain and muscle weakness and felt fluish. Doctors should not prescribe reclast. I will not recommend it to anyone.
Joanne
FL
1 week after receiving a Reclast infusion I began to break out in hives. The itching was horrible. I ended up in the ER when my throat began to close. I was admitted, and Doctor determined that I am allergic to Reclast. Only solution they could come up with is Prednisone twice a day and Benadryl. I go to my physician next week and am hopeful to hear some good news.
Pseudonym
Arizona
I’m going to use a pseudonym. I read all of these and want to just cry, cry, cry – the pain is horrific and hard to explain to anyone. Is there a forum – I would love to talk to several of you. The biggest question, will this go away and what can I do?
Nancy
New York
I had a Reclast infusion a week ago. I was told nothing about side effects other than that I might feel flu-ish for a day and was not told to hydrate ahead of time. I spent the night after the infusion vomiting, and by the morning ached all over and was running a fever. My neck was so stiff I couldn’t turn it. That lasted two full days. I had mild osteoarthritis in both hands before the infusion, but not so bad that it interfered with functioning. Now my hands are so stiff and painful I can barely pick up a glass. They’re red and swollen, and I don’t know how long this will last. I feel as though I have been poisoned. Is aggravating arthritis a known side effect of Reclast?
I wish I had known about these side effects. I trusted my long-time doctor and didn’t do my homework pre-infusion, so I feel as though it’s largely my fault. If I knew then what I know now, I’d never have consented.
Linda
Arkansas
I was taking pills for osteoporosis which upset my stomach. My Doctor recommended the Reclast infusion, one treatment that
lasted a year.i had it done the day before Thanksgiving 2013. The
DayofThanksgiving I was experiencing extreme itching . I reported it to my doctor. They made me an appointment and was given prescription . I was told that I was broke out on the inside. There were no out side effects. Just insane itching. I went on a trip for
The Christmas holidays and had to go to the Hospital because my
Jaw locked up and I could not swallow without extreme pain. I went home when released. The rash came to the out side, my face was blood red with stinging, itchy. Got pills and cream. Next my teeth began falling out the capped teeth just sheered off at gumline. Had to have roots removed by dentist. My breathing
Began getting harder and harder now diagnosed with COPD. On
5 inhalers and other medications , have kidney medication I have to take from time to time. It is 2019 I am too disable to even take a bath by myself. Every breath is a struggle. My eyes burn and itch,
My left jaw pops cannot wear my teeth, ears feel stopped up. I have cramping in legs, cannot sleep, always feel tired. On the verge of
Bankruptsy.
Loretta
TN.
I have been scheduled for a reclast infusion but after reading these blogs I will not have it done. I have Paget’s disease which causes me a lot of pain in my right groin and leg but I am still mobile and would like to remain that way as long as I can. Medicines can cause some really horrifying side affects. I am glad I read all the reports before having the treatment.
Paula
New York
In 2015, I was diagnosed with osteopenia and my reumatologist recommended Reclast. She said it would prevent bone fractures. She also said that it had no side effects as she gave it to numerous patients with no problems. The day after infusion, I had flu like symptoms and muscle pain. The muscle and bone pain was unbearable and then two months later, my femur broke as I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I had surgery to repair my fracture with a rod in my thigh bone and a plate and screw to hold everything in place. My surgeon told me the Reclast caused a hairline fracture and that is why my femur broke. I have arthritis in my leg from the fracture and still have daily bone and muscle pains throughout my body. Do not allow anyone to convince you to have Reclast as it is a lifetime of pain and suffering.
Lynn
Nevada
I would not recommend reclast to to any one. I have had four rounds with no side effects on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. But I had terrible side effects on the infusion I had on Jan 31, 2019. Very bad pain in my neck, chest, shoulders and I had a hard time breathing. I can’t sleep very long without pain. I don’t take strong pain meds. Just Aleve or Motrin. They don’t really help very much. I will never will never take reclast again.
Beth W.
TX
As of Nov. 2018 I’ve had three Reclast infusions in 3 years. One prevented me from having a successful dental implant; it took a year and a second surgery to remove the cadaver bone that wouldn’t grow. The third time I’m having frequent joint pain, hand tremors, leg and feet cramps, muscle weakness, confusion, and irritability. This is more than 6 months after the infusion. I will never take Reclast again.
Kim
80108
I had a RECLAST infusion 5 years ago, and it has ruined my life. Extremely debilitating bone pain. They put me on narcotics, and I had to go thru rehab to get off of them. I still have the pain and will probably be on suboxone the rest of my life. This has cost me well over $35,000 out of pocket costs. I am so lost as to why the pain won’t go away. I am 100 pounds, and they gave me the same dose they give a 300 pound person!
Eloise L
I had an infusion of Reclast. two days later I had trouble walking, the pain in my right leg is unbearable at times. I have had steroid shots and nothing will give me relief. I would like to hear from someone as to what I can do to get relief. Is there anything that will counteract this medication or since it is given once a year does that mean the pain will remain for a year??? HELP
Terry Graedon
The pain will probably not last all year, but we don’t know of effective treatments for it. Perhaps someone else who has experienced it can give you some advice.
BARBARA
Baton Rouge, LA
Bone density test showed osteopenia, and doctor really pushed the Reclast infusion, because it was such a wonderful new drug, that you only had to take once a year. Oral medicines caused me stomach problems… so even though I wasn’t sure I should do it, my doctor kept assuring me that I really needed it. He said to expect about 3 days of flu like symptoms and then it would be over. Five months later, he referred me to a rheumatologist because the pain was so horrible in my joints… saying this could not possibly be the result of Reclast. Every joint in my body ached, and I lived on high doses of ibuprofen, because I didn’t want to take pain medications. Took a couple more months to get in to see a rheumatologist, who diagnosed me with an autoimmune disease, and started me on methotrexate. Six weeks into taking that, I totally lost hearing in my left ear. One thing has led to another… but I firmly believe it all started with the Reclast.
Sarah
Wyoming
I just had reclast on September 7. Today is the 8th. I have pain all over like the flu, can’t sleep and am narseua. I have been on reclast for 10 plus years. The first time I felt like this and it lasted 2 days. I never had side affects after that. Why now after all these years. We will see how long this last.
Wendy
Massachusetts
I received the reclast infusion just this Monday, August 13. It is now Thursday, and I am still in pain. The pain in my bones became so excruciating Monday night into Tuesday that it felt like someone was breaking my rib cage. I could not roll over, and I needed help to get out of bed. I called my dr. He prescribed me tramadol for the pain. I have also not eaten anything because I have also been throwing up. Hopefully I will feel better in a few days I have already cancelled next year’s infusion.
Jessica
TEXAS
In the beginning of July 2018, I was informed I had osteoporosis on my spine L1-L4 at -2.70. Due to the fact that I am only 34 years old my doctor told me I needed to begin a treatment right away as i’m so young and needed to correct the problem right away. He then spoke to me about Reclast. I of course looked up the drug and saw the bad side effects but I wish I had found these forums beforehand.
It wasn’t until I googled “pain after reclast” that I was horrified. July 27, 2018 I had my reclast infusion at 9:00am. and by 9pm that night, I became completely immobile. The pain was throughout my entire body and was excruciating. No matter what position I was in I hurt so much I was crying. I got up and tried to walk but felt as though I had been hit by a truck. Then the chills came. I began to shake so bad I could not get warm. These symptoms continued a few days and I finally called my doctor.
I was prescibed Tramadol for the pain. Sometimes it helps other times it just puts me to sleep but at least i’m not feeling the pain. I wish I had known then what I know now. I’m a single 34 year old woman who lives on my own and I’ve had to stay with my 65 year old parents so they can take care of me. I can’t even get in and out of bed without assistance. I’m in severe pain most of the time and people tell me i’m walking like an old lady (I was not having any issues before the reclast infusion, I was an avid runner and ran at least 3-4 miles daily.)
It scares me to think I may never be active again. I’ve been losing weight because I don’t even have the desire to eat. I’m becoming frail and my eyes seem to be blood shot all the time. Reclast has ruined my life. I’m extremely fortunate to have an understanding workplace as any other employer would of fired me by now since i’m not able to perform my work duties on some days. I’m hoping it gets better soon and I’ve begun to drink lots of fluids hoping i can miraculously flush out this poison.
I can say one thing I will never let a doctor scare me into taking medication again. If you know of anyone considering this drug please do not let them make this foolish mistake. The pain you are in afterwards is not worth it. I don’t even know how the government allows this terrible medication to be on the market.
Carole H
California
In July 2017 my doctor recommended a Reclast Infusion due to bone loss in my hips. I had the infusion just before a surgical procedure on my esophagus. I felt so terrible after the surgery, I blamed it on the general anaesthesia. I am 80 years old. I had the second Reclast Infusion July 13th this year. I have experienced muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, weakness, and just an overall feeling of unwell.
I had previously been in and out of atrial fib but after the Reclast, I have been in atrial fib continuously and now take drugs to try to slow my heart rate and regulate my heart beat. My ankles have never been swollen but they are now. I have cramps in my feet and hands, and in my rib cage as well. I just wish I had researched the side effects of this drug before I so willingly agreed to take it. I can tell you this though, I won’t take it again!
Dolly
Townley, AL
I don’t know how the government allows it either. I had the infusion on Thursday about 3:00pm. I was ok until about 3:00pm on Friday. The left side of my chest started hurting. I could hardly breathe. Then I started having chills. By 7:00pm I had to go to bed, I was hurting all over. I wasn’t able to get out of bed this morning. I took a Norco 10 and my daughter brought my coffee and a Benadryl to me in bed. After about 2 hours, I could finally get out of bed, still very painful. I will never take another one. I think maybe the Benadryl has helped some.
Linda
FL
In December of 2016 I was given a Reclast infusion by the VA for Osteoporosis. 8 hrs after the infusion, which was given to me in 15 min and I was not instructed to drink water prior, I was absolutely freezing. I had taken my 83 yr old neighbor to a Christmas Jazz program and the longer I sat at the musical the worse I was feeling and could not wait to get home. I dropped her off and went right home and went to bed. About 2AM I had to use the restroom and when I went to get out of bed I fell on the floor. Suddenly I had pain everywhere and was as weak as a baby.
From past back problems I had a cane so I crawled to that and between that and my bed I got back up on my feet. I was so weak, dizzy and out of balance. I held onto the wall and had my cane to get to the restroom. I had to use the cane and the counter top to get up off the commode and carefully walked back to bed and covered up with two blankets because I was so cold. Oh I live in Florida by the way. Saturday morning I awoke about 9 and again could not get out of bed without the use of the cane and the wall.
The whole day I was not hungry, was cold, having much pain and balance was way off. Stayed home all day and slept. Sunday came and I managed to get dressed to go to church. When I got there 3 people came running to me asking me what was wrong. I was walking gingerly with the cane stopping every so often. I was sent home not allowing me to stay for the service. Slept that whole day again. Monday comes and I am again not good. I called the clinic and they told me to come right in. As I am trying to get dressed they call me back and tell me to go to the ER. Once I got to the ER they put me in a room right away after taking my BP which was 90/40 with a temp of 102.
I was seriously dehydrated. The first Saline they gave me had electrolytes put in it and it was pushed so it was totally in me in 30 min. Hurt like there are no words for. The second Saline took 8 hrs. I was sent home after the 2nd Saline and told to drink plenty of water and was given an appointment to see the Rheumatology Dept the next day. Rheumatology put me on Prednisone, 10 mgs a day. A week later I am back to Rheumatolgy complaining about pain in my arms, shoulders, neck, fatigue, trouble eating and my right knee was swollen three times its normal size. They tried to take the fluid out of my knee, which you could see it, but they only got two drops out of it because it was too thick to get through the needle. I was told to continue to take the Prednisone because that was all they could give me for the pain.
The next day on of the doctors from Rheumatology called to tell me the fluid the got from my knee was Calcium crystals which causes Gout and the other substance was RECLAST. So now I have a doppler becasue they thought I had a Bakers Cyst, but no the RECLAST encapcilated in the back of my knee. And I am not the first to have this happen. It happened to woman in Spain and a woman in France and guess what it was in their right knee also. Ok, I begged my primary to give me Percocets for my pain, which she did and I would take one half of one as needed. And oh I was given medication for the pseudo Gout. The knee swelling went down in about 5 months but I could not bend the knee all the way like I could the day before I had the infusion. My arms and shoulders hurt so bad that I could not lift my arms past my shoulders so I had to bend my head over to wash my hair.
So, 6 months after the infusion I am now told I have PMR Polymyalsia Rheumatica because now my hips are not wanting to work. Stay on the Prednisone and gradually drop 1mg a month till I am off it. Ok so a year is up I still have pain in my shoulders, upper arms, hips and neck and now I am gaining weight because of the Prednisone and because I can not be active because of the pain. I go to my Cornea Dr and he wants to know why I have lost a whole line of eye sight in both eyes in 6 months. I also have Sjogrens which causes chronic dry eye. I tell him I have been taking Prednisone and he tells me to get off it before it steals my eye sight from me and I am no longer legally able to drive.
All this time Physical Therapy can not do much for me because I hurt so bad.In Feb of 2018 I am seeing the Pain Management Dr and she asks if I would like to try the therapy pool that is 92 degrees. Yes, yes, yes please. So for 12 weeks two days a week at 8 AM I am in the pool that is allowing me to move without pain. I have lost my muscle, I am seeing an Acupuncturist and now I am working out in the pool. I am still exhausted and am falling just falling every now and then. I mean I am walking and all of a sudden I am falling for no reason.I have learned to “tuck and roll”.
So, here I am 20 months from when I had the fusion and I am still in pain, it is summer so I am swimming in my neighbors pool everyday I can, take one half of a Percocet as needed and now I have swelling in my left knee and have trouble bending it. My neck and shoulders and arms still hurt and now my left thumb starts paining and will not move for a while. Rheumatology wanted me to go back on the Prednisone last month, which I refused to do and the intern asked me who diagnosed me with PMR. I told him his Department Head did, the intern says, “I don’t think you have PMR, see you in 6 months”.
So, here I am still in pain in all the places that hurt from the beginning, a left knee that is swelling and not wanting to move, a left thumb that takes spells where it does not want to move. I do feel better after swimming, but when I can’t for a couple of days I am not an easy person to get long with because I hurt so bad. I go back to Pain Management next week and will need to get some more Percocets but that probaby won’t happen with all the worries about addiction, but it is the ONLY medication that gives me relief. Lyrica swells me up, Prednisone does nothing. I pray this country as others have done would stop using RECLAST.
Emily
Pennsylvania
Several years ago I had an infusion of Prolia, after taking Fosamax for several years. I had severe back and leg pain and had trouble sleeping for nearly a year. I could hardly walk and used a shopping cart to get around stores. I refused the second infusion and gradually improved. Then my doctor wanted me to take another medicine for osteoporosis which wasn’t covered by my insurance, so he recommended Reclast, saying it is a different kind of medicine from the Prolia. Well, now I’m losing my hair, and have severe stomach pain and back pain, especially at night, which interrupts my sleep. I will never never have another osteoporosis medicine and feel that the doctors minimize possible side effects.
T Lee
FL
After a dexa scan, my dr prescribed a reclast infusion for me. I could not take the oral because of severe reflux. I was leery about doing an infusiuon, but the doctor urged me to go ahead with it and assured me I would have no problems since “all drugs have complication warnings”. I felt in good health and never had any osteoporosis symptoms before the infusion. A couple days after the infusion, I had terribly severe symptoms. I could not get out of bed and had really bad chills/sweats for a couple days. Within a couple weeks, I began having bad joint and bone aches that I had never had before. It has been two years now, and I now have severe hip pain and joint aches, that as I stated, I never had before the reclast, along with other symptoms such as neuropathy in legs and arms. I am so upset with myself for not following my inner intuition. Please be VERY careful about making a decision to take this drug no matter what doctors say. It has greatly altered my life.
Jill
To T.Lee” Do you have an update regarding your side effects? Neuropathy? I, too, am upset about this decision — for not researching Reclast. I have reduced vision and neuropathy in one foot – 17 days out of 1st (and last!) infusion. Hoping you are better these many years later. Thank you, Jill
donna
Philadelphia
My husband was given Reclast on the morning of April 19, Immediately started feeling weak with leg pain, doctor told nurse to send him to ER. By the time we reached ER his blood preassure was way down. Cat scan and ultra sound showed an absess in his liver.
They drained it and by morning his organs started to fail. They thought he wasn’t going to make it that night, but he lived for 7 days. He was on 24 hour dialysis and many antibacterial drugs and breathing tube and induced comma.
He developed flesh eating bacteria on his left calf and that muscle was removed. I just don’t know what happened. A real mystery!!!
Mia
highland beach, Florida
I am 67 years old, in good health and keep up with all my yearly exams. In 2015 I was prescribed Klonopin for restless leg syndrome, never being told it was addictive. After many Doctor visits thinking I had dementia I realized I was addicted to the Klonopin. I went through withdrawal and have been off it since Nov 2017.
However, I find myself in a similar situation with Alendronate—my fault did not read about it first and realize this was Fosamax I have been taking75 mg weekly for about 5 months . During this time I began having severe neck problems starting at the base of my skull and radiating to my left shoulder. Since I have MRI stating I have arthritis in my neck —-every doctor (again) that I went to said it must be just that –Arthritis.
I am so stupid! I actually again put my faith in the medical community believed them. After going to several Neurologist’s and a Rheumatologist, Thought I needed cervical operation to stop the pain. Can you imagine having an risky operation like that needlessly. That’s right all this pain (which has not been helped by meds)has been caused by the Fosamax Out of pure desperation I began doing research on my condition.
Do NOT wait like I did—If you are taking shots or Alendronate orally for osteoporosis please read about them and their side effects. Horrible to think I got played again, after having to withdrawal from a benzodiazepine that should never have been prescribed, into taking yet ANOTHER killer drug.
WHAT IS UP WITH THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY???…..and Insurance companies suggesting this as the best treatment. Can they be this stupid? I have had cervical pain for 5 months and will now stop taking Alendronate. I only hope this with resolve itself once stopped.
Doctors are really clueless, so be your own advocate when it comes to your health.
Karen
Madison, WI
I had this Reclast infusion on Weds. I woke Weds., night with such horrible bone pain EVERYWHERE. I could barley walk. Every bone in my body hurt. I had the chills, headache, so darn tired I could barely stay awake. I slept 19 hours yesterday. I hope this crap ends soon. Not happy with the result. I will not do this infusion again.
Amanda
VA
I am 45 years old with a history of childhood cancer. I have a compression fracture of the T12 vertebrae. I had a Reclast infusion on Wednesday July 25th and woke around 1a.m. shaking violently with chills, but was buring up with fever. I’m body, straight through to my bones hurt so bad, when I was able to get out of bed I thought every bone would break.
I haven’t felt that kind of pain since going through chemotherapy clinical trials, that caused my osteoporosis. I already have congestive heart failure, with this add to it I truly thought I was going to die. I was taken to the er, and given fluids, steroids, Benadryl, and pain meds intravenously. It helped for one day. Now the pain is back, and so is the weakness. Does anyone know how long this pain will last? Is there any relief? At this point I truly freak for my life.
Not only am I never taking these drugs again, I plan on starting a social media campaign to enlighten people of the risks. I will be better informed next time.
Michelle
Ohio
I had reclast 5 months ago. I’m stage 4 breast cancer. Between chemo and forced menapause I have developed osteoporosis. I was told reclast has little side effects. I might have flu like symptoms for a couple days. I ended up in the ER. Horrible reaction. 5 months later I’m in severe chronic back pain. Devastated. Can’t work like I used to, can’t do anything physical without severe bone pain.
Regina
Gilbert, az
I had a Reclast infusion 3 days ago. The first evening I was sore but not too bad. Woke up at 4:45 a.m. with joint paints including the top of my hands. Cup not hold a cup. Nausea, can’t smell food without getting sick, no energy, lock of concentration, diarrhe, if I had read this blog before I had this infusion I would have never consent to it. My body is killing me and this poison will be in my system 12 minths. I am praying I don’t come down with grave side effects.
Don
IL
I had a Reclast injection five weeks ago. Still have severe neck and headache pain, mild chills and flu symptoms. How long do these symptoms last? Is there anything that will help get this drug out of the body?
Regina
What do you mean by moderation. There are some typos but you can’t type, my hands hurt. Definitely not going for a second round.
Doris
South Carolina
In 2013 i had a reclast infusion three weeks later i had a severe headache which caused a brain hemmorage!! On jan11/2018 I had another reclast infusion in three weeks time, I was so sick i thought it was the flu. So i went to my primary dr who sent me to a hemotoogist because my blood work was so bad! I now have been diagnosed with acute myeleod lukemimia i will never ever take another infusion or anything else for osteoporosis!!!!
Betty
Plymouth, MA
I had a Reclast treatment in December & since then have had terrible leg pain at night which wakes me up. Doc says no connection but I find it too much of a coincidence. Have had X-rays, circircilation test & am now going for PT & doing exercises but nothing seems to help. I am 81 years old & very active. Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis but have never experienced anything like this. Just need to know if this will go on indefinitely or is there any relief in sight.
Linda
West Coast, USA
I had osteopenia for many years. Had a bone density scan last year which showed fairly advanced osteoporosis. I have been researching these drugs now for close to a year after refusing to take fosamax. My reason is that I have gastric reflux and a hiatal hernia and the potential side effects to the esophagus from the oral osteoporosis meds are horrifying. (By modifying my diet and process of omission, I was able to discontinue the stomach medicine and proton pump inhibitors a decade ago).
I have had osteoarthritis in my knees since my mid 30’s. One knee was replaced 10 years ago. I refused to take NSAIDS for the pain because of the risk to my stomach. My other knee has been bone on bone for 10 years as well. I could not walk more than a few feet and was in searing pain 24/7. Having no faith in our traditional medical system, and fearful of more surgery due to the unreported fact that over 400,000 people die yearly in USA hospitals due to preventable medical errors, I sold my home to get stem cell and PRP treatments. My pain has been gone since a week after the stem cell treatment and for the first time in 30 years I walk normally and 98% pain free.
My Blue shield Insurance denied prolia injections ( although I was unsure anyway if I could commit to such a risk). Instead they sent me a letter saying I had to do the reclast for a minimum of 2 years before they would approve prolia; which brought me to this website tonight- as my internist did not warn me at all. These side effects from reclast make the prolia side effects sound like a day in the park.
My heart goes out to each and every woman on here whose life has been horribly impacted by these hideous side effects. I have read almost every blog and site like this; and literally thousands of woman around the country have had these life altering side effects.
The low numbers and percentages the pharmaceutical companies indicate for these horrific side effects do not match up at all given my extensive research and readings on the thousands of woman suffering and losing their lives at young ages. I am equally horrified the Insurance companies try to force people into these treatments.
I know I am taking a calculated risk, (I am otherwise in excellent health) but I cannot consent to this type of treatment knowing the odds of not having a side effect or risking heart and kidney disease are low. I am having trouble seeing how any benefit from these drugs is worth the extreme risk.
Thank you to all who have shared, I hope you all get some relief from these nightmare effects. I have begun calcium, vit D, and light weight bearing exercise several times a week. Hopefully they will come up with better treatments for Osteoporosis. This has made me completely disgusted with drug companies, Insurance companies, and many physicians. Good luck to all of you.
Shannon
Virginia Beach, VA
I had a recla infusion three weeks ago. Twelve hours after the infusion, I woke up to astounding bone, muscle and joint pain. My lower back, where my osteoporosis is the worst is debilitating at best. I cannot use my hands and have had a migraine ongoing since the medication. The drs office(RA) that gave me the infusion says it cannot be the medication. I know it is. It is no coincidence that every listed symptom both rare and common began to affect me from the 12 hour mark until now, three weeks later with no end in sight. The ER told me I was crazy and actually hurt me worse. Mine own dr has no experience with patients having long term pain. Pain management put me on Demerol every 6 hours at 100 mg per dose. I’m allergic to nsaids and acetaminophen. The demerol does not touch the pain. My heart also races out of the blue and I cannot control my bowels or bladder. I’ve actually woken up in the middle of the night in my own bile. This is crazy. I cannot leave my bedroom. No one will help me. They just keep sending me in circles to ther drs. I have scoured the internet and found dozens upon dozens of patient testimony about the horrible side effects. What can someone like me do? HELP!
Hilde
Ohio (Lorain County)
I had a Reclast infusion December 7. Became very sick during the first night and went through all the side effects mentioned. It took about three weeks to feel better and two weeks more to get some energy back. A week after that, my skin started to show red dots, was very dry and started to itch. Even with humidifier and lotion the skin rash became a full blown allergic reaction. I am now treated for that. My question is, because of my severe first reaction and the long lasting working of Reclast does that mean that I can expect more side effects for months to come?
Terry Graedon
Hilde, it is possible. We just don’t have good data on this. There is probably quite a bit of individual variation in how long the side effects last.
Wendy
Fred, md
I had my first reclast infusion 2 weeks ago today. Was informed i will have flu like system for 3 to 5 days . The joint and bone pain has been so severe, it hurts to touch, i can not lift 2 pounds without severe pain, i have a hard rime doing stairs the list goes on. I went from being extremely active to almist bed ridden. I went to the doctor today. She said i have all the signs of fibermalga. I reassured her, I have never experienced this type of pain until after the infusion. Now she has me in a anti-inflammatory. Symptom should dissipate in a month. Not a HAPPY individual. Will not be having another reclast infusuin. God i pray for relief.
Melyn Richman
NY
I had severe hip and joint problems 2 years ago and was told I needed to have both my hips and knees replaced in series. I wouldn’t go for that, so I started taking every known supplement and vitamin which is supposed to be good for osteoporosis and joints, and I GOT AN INVERSION TABLE AND CONTINUE TO USE IT REGULARLY.
After two weeks on this program all my joint pain went away, and my hips worked again. I gave up my cane and could live life again. I went back to riding my horses and actually doing everything I love! Now I’m 72 and Doctors are concerned about my osteoporosis which they see is getting slightly worse as time goes by, although I had no pain or mobility issues at all. Dr. sent me for Reclast infusion and 24 hrs later I was SICK!!!! Flu like stuff and extreme pain in all the joints and bones I had ever hurt!! Knees, ankles, wrists!!, jaw joints, skull and other stuff. That was a month ago, and I still have pain, especially in wrists, ankles, and my back. My bunions, which were at least dormant for around 15 years, are now painful and red again. But surprisingly, I think, my old problematic hip joints are NOT bothering me! How long is this supposed to last, and what can I do to stop these side effects? I am SOOOOOOO fatigued!!!!
Margaret
Il
I have not started on any of these medications. I have lung problems from steroids and will need a transplant down the road. I was informed I have osteoporosis, low end of scale. After reading these post I am willing to do anything NOT to take these medications. I just can’t fathom having new lungs, with possible bone and esophageal cancer, and an array of other problems. Thanks
Grammie
California
I am 68 years old and after a broken wrist was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. I received my first Raclast injection about one month ago. I was told to take Tylenol and drink plenty of water before and after the injection which I did. I did not get the flu like symptoms or bone pain. I did get a few headaches but not severe. I have had poor appetite and a little weight loss since the the Reclast injection. I was already thin. I have had terrible gas since the injection. I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem or if something else is causing my problem.
Carol
Rockwell City, Iowa
I had Reclast for the first time. The next day, I could hardly walk, think, get to the potty, drink water! Had 2 vomiting episodes. Sick like this for 2 and a half days! Never again!
Mary
Ohio
Reclast is a terrible drug. The nurses that administer it seem like the side effects are real. They down played the side effects. My first infusion was yesterday my joint pain, abd pain. Back pain and headache is killing me. I am 49 have severe osteoporosis thanks to chemotherapy. I thought i was tough, I handled double mastectomy tram flap open heart surgery chemo and c sections but the pain is horrible. I can live with fever but pain too much
Ernestine
new york
This was my fourth injection of RECLAST. I had no problems with the first two, but after the third one, the next day I was feeling weak. I had an injection August 16,2017 and felt fine afterward. Early the next day I awoke coughing and flu like systems, I can not lie down to sleep at night. I have to sleep in a chair.
I went to my primary doctor and was it was thought to be a possible infection. I have Asthma. I was referred to see my lung doctor,chest x-rays was done which showed no lung problems. Every time I mentioned to the doctors that I started to feel the day after I had the Reclast, it was ignored.
I wish there was a way I could flush the Reclast out of my system. Never again.
Lori
Connecticut
I had my first Reclast infusion two days ago. All was well until about 11 pm. Started with shaking uncontrollably and bone pain on every inch of my body. Keep in mind I have Lupus, chronic migraines, as well as a neuromuscular disease, so pain is nothing new to me. This was horrible. I then spiked a fever of 103.8. I could not walk straight, I was bouncing off the walls, and could not get downstairs to get to the Tylenol. Then came the vomiting. On my way back to the bedroom I passed out and woke up with my head wedged into the corner of the hallway wall where it meets the door to my bedroom. The headache was unbearable. I live alone. When I called my doctor yesterday, they said it was normal “flu like symptoms” and the next one won’t be so bad. I think sending people home alone on this drug is dangerous and negligent.
Carol
That sounds like what happened to me! Carol
Jodi D
I had a Reclaste infusion about two months ago. I have been extremely itchy for almost that amount of time. I just realized it’s been about the same period of time and wondered if there was a connection. I am constantly, insanely scratching my back and now it’s spreading to my hips, around my sides. Could this be a side effect? I have an appointment with a dermatologist this week and was going to mention it. My regular doctor doesn’t know what’s causing the itch, but I didn’t connect the recent infusion. It’s driving me crazy… The itchiness.
Gwen
Louisiana
I have had 2 yearly Reclast infusions and now I have developed atrial fibrillation. I will not have another infusion, but I am wondering if the atrial fibrillation will get better in time since I will no longer be taking the infusions.
Mary
Boston
Me too. Having a horrible time with itching all over my body . I️ will never use reclast Again . My Dr. is NO Help!!!
Kathy
Joliet
I missed my reclast about a little over two months because my doctor didn’t send in the proper paperwork I did feel well before those two months and now because I didn’t get my reclast infusion I don’t feel so well ..Can you tell me what the side effects might be if I have been without my reclast infusion? …Thank you, signed ‘Curious’
Rita
NYC
PLEASE, carefully THINK, ask QUESTIONS, and do your RESEARCH before making a decision to take RECLAST (and probably bisphosphanates in general), especially if you have ANY CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS. We had to call 911 TWELVE HOURS AFTER my Mother’s INFUSION. She couldn’t even stand up.
Now, she is hospitalized with severe widespread muscle and bone pain,chest pain and pressure,and,now breathing difficulty. The ER docs admit Reclast may be the cause. They ruled out other causes thus far. There is NO WAY TO COUNTERACT this drug once it’s given. Her sixty year old fragile body now has to contend with this drug, which REMAINS in the BODY for ONE WHOLE YEAR!
I fear her doctors will not be able to determine what are drug effects versus new disease issues. She has had many illnesses and surgeries. Stable osteoporosis was low on the list, imo. If there are ANY OTHER POSSIBLE treatments, TRY SOMETHING ELSE NONTOXIC! We will be watching Mom like a hawk. *PLEASE, EXCUSE MY TONE, TRYING TO WARN, ESPECIALLY THE ELDERLY OR CHRONICALLY UNWELL* Wishing you all the best in your life and health.
Sharon
Oklahoma
I took Reclast in 2012 and immediately started having problems with my feet and legs. Doctors acted like I was crazy. Finally I went to a neurologists, and I have peripheral neuropathy diagnosed two years later. Now they said it was from reclast. Now it is 2017, and I have been in a wheelchair or use a walker, can’t work, broke ankle, broke foot. Where is my compensation?
Faye Lodi
Wisconsin
I had one shot of reclast and will never have another one. I was in so much pain. I received it a week ago and I haven’t felt good since. I had a fever and terrible pains now have headaches every day. My body hurts so much I’m weak and tired every day. It sucks.
Carol
That also sounds like what happened to me! I wasn’t even well enough to think that I OUGHT to call 911!
NANCY
Florida
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. MY DOCTOR LIED TO ME! I WILL NEVER HAVE RECLAST AGAIN! RECLAST ALMOST KILLED ME!
Margaret
Illinois
I’m so sorry you went thru this ordeal. I am 59 years old and unfortunately have osteoporosis due to steroid use. I do see a pulmonary physician for possible lung transplant. But after read posts regarding osteoporosis meds, what good will it do me to have new lungs, but bone fractures/cancer and all horrific side effects I was trying to avoid prior to surgery? Marg
Nikki
Denver
My mother was talked into having a Reclast Infusion, to address thinning of the bones in her spine, on September 27, 2016. She has had every side effect listed in the multi-paged list of possible side effects over and over again. The lingering and constantly shifting bone pain is the most debilitating.
She had been a very active person, walking daily and working in her garden. Walking is now extremely painful, and at times very unstandable. We can 100 percent correlate her decline in health and quality of life to this Infusion. Trying to get her doctors to acknowledge and address this has been a nightmare.
Please do your homework before agreeing to place this in your body. My mother was not given that opportunity. The list of the possible side effects was given to her when the Infusion had been underway for 15 minutes. She had called prior to the appointment to try to get more information and was told side effects are very rare. Patients should be given the complete pros and cons before an appointment date, so that research can be done and questions asked.
Susan
CA
I have osteoporosis only in my lower spine where I have had several surgeries and a fusion so I am used to leg and lower back pain. I am 66 and very active and do weight bearing exercises and jobs around the house not to mention taking care of grandchildren.
I used Reclast because of stomach issues. I drank water before and after the first infusion and had flu-like symptoms for just one day later. I have my second infusion scheduled for today and have started on the water. I would not know the difference between my normal leg and back pain and Reclast caused pain. I take Gabapentin and Tramadol so that would keep any Reclast side effect pain to a low level.
Jan
Virginia
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine at the age of 62. I did nothing for the first year and then saw a specialist who recommended I take an infusion of Reclast for 3 years. I was all set up to get an infusion when I happened upon this website and read about all of the side effects people were reporting. I cancelled my appointment! I am now 64 and was recently talked into getting Reclast by 3 different Drs. who told me I could not ignore my osteoporosis. Afterwards I felt fine and thought “wow, that was easy”. On day 4 the chills set in, the fatigue, the fever, the muscle pain, the feeling that I had a bad sunburn, the shooting pain in joints. Ibuprofen helped. Symptoms were on and off for 3 days and now I think I’m passed it. Tomorrow marks two weeks since infusion and I hope side effects are over and I’ll be brave enough to do this again. Not sure. It is a big decision to put that into your body so good luck with your treatment.
Theresa
Indiana
I recently got a Reclast infusion and I am 65 years old. So far I have muscle soreness, muscle spasms, but I had these problems before I got the injection. I guess so far, so good. My doctor said I can only take this drug for 3 years and we will be done. It is not a long term drug. Due to my need of a liver transplant, I cannot handle the pills….reason to change over to infusion. I am crossing my fingers…..
Ba4b
Cleveland, Ohio
I had my 1st and last Reclast infusion 1/21/2011. At first the infusion burned like potassium and I alerted the nurse and she slowed the infusion rate down. My IV was in my right hand. As soon as the Reclast had reached my shoulder upper chest area I started having symptoms of Anaphylaxis. I called out to the nurse who was busy with the other 2 patients at this time. I continued to yell for help and to get the Rapid Response Team. That was last I recall. I went into full blown anaphylaxis and the Code Blue Team was there when I came to. But I was in and out and they stopped the infusion.
I spent the night in Step down then went home. I was rushed back to the hospital because I haD severe bone pain and could not move. It was excruciating. I was in the hospital for days. I couldn’t hold anything, push the call light button, feed myself, nothing. It was like I was trapped inside my body that didnt work. I then spent several weeks in Acute Rehab. I had to relearn to walk, eat, get dressed, etc. I had to be turned and the nurses had to help me with everything. One night I fell off my side onto my stomach and could not right myself. My face was in the pillow and I could breathe. Thankfully the nurses checked on me constantly and ran in and turned me. I fell out of my wheelchair, out of my regular chair as my bones hurt so much and I had no trunk control. I spent many hours in a wheelchair at the nurses station to keep me safe.
I suffered with the bone pain for over 3 years and balance problems. It took a good 6 months of Physical Therapy to get me strong and walking and back to a functional adult.
I still have bone pain at times, and my dentist continues to check me for osteonecrosis. I still have Osteoporosis but now I’m on Prolia, daily calcium and Vitamin D.
Phyllis
Had my first Reclast injection about 7 months ago. Since then I have endured a lot of bone and muscle pain including soar skin. I also have jaw pain. I wish my doctor would have given me a chance to research this treatment. I will not have another Reclast injection.
Meg
Milford, NH
It has been 10 months since my recast injection and I continue to have joint pain, flu like symptoms and muscle aches and swollen joints. When I first had the injection my hands were swollen shut and I could not open them. I had to go on on pregnisone twice.
Phyllis
Battle lake,mn.
Had my 1st injection about 7 months ago , since than I
Mary
Albany NY
I am a 67 year-old female. Had the Reclast infusion for osteoporosis on February 2. I felt fine that day, but when I went to bed — the flu symptoms hit me. Chills made me shake for hours. Next day, I felt okay. A couple days passed and the back pain arrived and stayed with me for over two weeks. I lived on extra-strength Tylenol and used a heating pad. It is March 14 and I have been suffering with constipation for the past 2-3 weeks (unusual for me). I won’t be having another Reclast infusion next year.
Kristin B
Palos Verdes Estates
This RECLAST sounds AWFUL and I am terrified that my mother’s quality of life will be changed now forever. She is 71 and just got the Reclast last week and I have NEVER heard her in so much pain. She never takes medication and is not a hypochondriac. I am so worried now and after reading all of these comments CANNOT BELIEVE THAT DOCTORS ARE NOT FOREWARNING their patients about the potential severity of these reactions.
Something needs to be done about this! What can we do????? THIS IS AWFUL and something should be done about this….commenting on a website is NOT ENOUGH!!!
Marjorie
Pennsylvania
I will never get Reclast again. I am currently having very severe reactions to it! This includes darkened vision, bleeding intestines, no taste, nausea, loud buzzing in ears, and dizziness, plus some others. It is scary!
Marjorie
I finally talked to my doctor today after having some bad reactions to Reclast. If I continue to experience these, this being the 3rd day, he said to get checked by a specialist. He assured me that the excess only stays in the body for 72 hours. If you have allergies to a great number of hing including food I suggest you think twice. I guess I am an anomally.
Linda
Beckley, WV
I had one infusion of reclast one year ago. Have not felt good and have no energy. I cancelled my appointment for my second infusion. My question is how long does the blah feeling hang around? I have always been a high energy person and this is so depressing. I explained to my gynecologist how the drug made me feel and he told me it was not a good drug and was glad I decided not to get second infusion. By the way, my gynecologist was not the doctor that prescribed the reclast. I wish I had talked to him before the first infusion. ?
First Name
TX
I have received 5mg Reclast injection on 5 days ago and developed 100F fever, horrible headache, bone pain, stomach pain, burning in the throat and swollen face and hands 10 hours after the injection. The most horrible pain and discomfort lasted for a day and a half which i spent mostly sleeping not being able to move around except to the bathroom, or eat. The last two days i’ve felt better but today difficulty breathing returned for several hours (i never had any allergies in my life before), joint and muscle pain, together with headache and confusion returned as well. This is a dangerous and toxic chemical and i don’t know how i’m going to continue working and living with these severe side effects. I could not get any advice from the doctor who prescribed Reclast on how to deal with these side effects. This is an absolute nightmare.
Donna
port richey
My Dr. advised Reclast because I needed Anastrazole for preventing recurrence of breast cancer. After 1 year on Anastrazole and 1 week after my 2nd Reclast infusion, I suffered severe neck, knee, elbow, thumb–basically every joint in my body hurt. It took 2 canes to walk to the bathroom. Overnight, I turned into an old woman.
Prior to this, my only concern was arthritis in my knees. Needless to say, I will never have another Reclast injection. It’s been 3 months now, and my symptoms are subsiding, but since this drug will remain in my body for at least a year, I don’t know what to expect. Now my Dr. has me on tamoxifen, which also affects bone health, but supposedly in a good way. Will the Reclast that remains in my body prevent the tamoxifen from helping my bones?
Jane D.
Texas
After reading the side effects so many Reclast patients have experienced, I was afraid to try it. I cancelled my first appointment for the infusion after reading these comments. Because I was told that I’m at risk for a bone fracture due to osteoporosis, I decided to to go ahead and give it a try. I had the infusion 5 days ago and have not experienced a single side effect.
I was told to drink plenty of water before and after so the medicine would not remain in my kidneys, which I did. Forgot to mention that I could not take the oral medications for osteopenia due to digestive issues, which resulted.
I am thankful for Reclast and hope that it helps with osteoporosis. I will post again if I experience any side effects. I thought a positive review of this drug might be helpful since the ones I read were terrifying.
patricia
oregon
Jane, I’m not sure if you’ll see this, but have you experienced any side effects since you posted your positive review in January or are you still doing well?
MELISSA
west of atlanta, ga
My mother had a Reclast injection in September because she had broken her back and the doctors thought she had weak bones. They recommended the Reclast.
The had the typical flu-like symptoms for the first few days then felt good for about 4 or 5 days. After that, the symptoms came back but worse. Her back has been killing her ever since. She’s not herself. She’s confused. Her vision is blurred. She has huge swollen elbows and knots (mainly the area of the injection site). It’s as if the medication has deposited into her joints as opposed to traveling to wherever it was supposed to go.
My mother is getting worse with these symptoms and I’m really worried. Her doctor blew it off as side effects from this Reclast injection and suggested maybe she had had a stroke. She had her do more bloodwork and a brain scan, etc. All came back fine. My mother is physically and mentally suffering from these side effects and getting worse and we don’t know what to do.
She’s 70 years old and her quality of life has gone from good to very poor.
Please help if anyone has any suggestions.
Beware of Reclast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It may help some, but there are terrible dangerous side effects that are unbearable to live with. Not worth it.
Carol
Nevada
RECLAST INFUSION can destroy your quality of life – it’s absolutely a drug that can poison your system and cause you to be ill for at least the year following the infusion…and beyond!
Carol
Nevada
My daughter is an ER Physician in Berkeley, CA, so I am not a “doctor basher”, BUT I am sick and tired of being told I am imagining symptoms or that whatever I tell them simply has no basis in any physical condition that can be explained. They always say the drug (i.e., Reclast) has nothing to do with anything I have told them. I do know my body and I don’t read side effects on any new drug I take until I have been on it at least two months.
I am nearing the one year mark since I had a Reclast Infusion and I am praying that the symptoms of side effects I have experienced over this last year will finally improve and/or go away. I am 72 and have felt I was suddenly advanced to 85 yrs old this past 10 months.
Nearly incapacitated most days…it has been truly horrific and I am absolutely convinced it has been the result of taking the Reclast. I was doing so well before the infusion. BAD drug – too many victims for it to be coincidental and I will take my chances on future bone health. Not worth the poisoning from Reclast!
Lori Ann
Ocala, Fl.
I have just had my 5th reclast infusion 5 days ago. I had not experienced any side effects until now. I am experiencing bone pain on both arms,(upper & lower); have had a pain in the back of my head that is painful to touch; and my right eye hurts terribly. I will call my M.D. on Monday but in the meantime, does anyone have any ideas on how to treat the pain????
Cantrell
Fl
I am thankful for the comments shared in this article and sorry that you all are going through this. My Doctor last week prescribed Fosamax for my recently diagnosed osteoporosis and after reading the side effects and comments I will not be taking the Fosamax. I already have AFIB and burning in my esophagus and inflamation in lungs from breast radiation therapy. Enough!
Kenneth
Howell, NJ
I am 75. I took the generic for Boniva. My legs hurt so bad there were a couple of days I could hardly walk. That has eased but my thigh muscles hurt every day. I took it for 3 months. It has been 3 weeks since my last one but I am not renewing it even though I have osteoporosis of both hips.
Robert
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Having been diagnosed with osteoporosis the doctor recommended Reclast infusion. I had the infusion on a Tuesday and within six hours I began to feel flu-like symptoms. An hour later the symptoms elevated to very severe joint and muscle pain. I could not get out of a chair or walk unassisted. I developed a headache, fever and nausea. The following day my symptoms worsened. My fever spiked at 105.1.
I visited the ER but no one seemed to be familiar with Reclast. Blood was drawn and I was given fluids. It’s now four days since the infusion and while the symptoms are less intense they still prevail making getting around difficult. The fever continues going up and down often high at night causing extreme sweats. I’m a very active 77 year old male who walks 2 miles a day and visits the gym at least 3 days a week doing weight resistant exercises.
I’ve got to assume that given the severity of the pain I experienced from the symptoms it had to have resulted in considerable stress to my body, stress in and of itself, that could be harmful. I will not be taking any more Reclast infusions. I choose quality of life over the risk of a broken bone.
Mary Lou
Texas
Doctors who prescribe these drugs can be irresponsible. My mother was prescribed one (I can’t remember which….it was taken once a week and you could only take it if you could sit upright for 30 minutes after taking it). She had been in a car accident and had some fractures from the accident. Not serious fractures, hairline fractures. She did not have osteoporosis. Soon after taking this, she developed problems swallowing and lost peristalsis in her esophagus. To make a long story short, this situation hastened her demise.
On the other hand, I have a friend who is nearly 80 years old who took up yoga two years ago. The last time I saw her, she told me her bone density had improved since she started yoga.
For myself, I will never take those drugs, and I will never take statins (I just finished reading about them, too). Yoga and water aerobics are two really good ways for us older folks to keep ourselves mobile. They are good weight-bearing exercises with low impact on the joints. There are probably other options as well. But taking a drug for no reason other than the doctor prescribed it is not the way to go!
Nadine
To M. McClain–I have been on Forteo now for 11 months. I had another DEXA scan done to compare and the Forteo is working! I can now schedule my surgery. The problem is I wonder if I will still have this pain after I recover from the surgery itself. I want this surgery to take care of this pain in my back, and I want to have a half way normal life again. I wonder if this will ever happen?
Nadine
Brownsburg, Indiana
I have real bad osteoporosis. All the doctors say that is because of my past lifestlye, (I was a surgical technologist and a nurses assistant/aide for for 24 years), or because I was a smoker (less than 1/2 pack a day for 20 years), because I am over weight (20 to 30 pounds), but no doctor has said that a drug I was on for 16 years, called Prilosec, could have been the reason or part of the reason for this real bad osteoporosis at age 58.
Prilsec and other PPI’s have some real bad side effects–even kidney failure. Bad, bad drugs!!! But no doctor would ever tell me about the FDA reports and no doctor would help me get off of the Prilosec. It took me almost 2 years and websites like yours to get me totally off of the PPI’s and now, I only take papaya emzymes and chew peppermint gum now when I feel heartburn coming on. I could turn this into a very long letter, but I am sure you do not have the space for that.
The neurosurgeon is now telling me I need a 7 hour surgery (or longer), that rods, pins, screws, and etc will be put in my back from T7 to my tailbone!! Rehab could be up to a year, with 3 months or so in the in-patient rehab!! My life has been robbed from me because, I believe, the Prilsec was a major contributor if not the only contributor. Has any one out there had any thing similar happen to them? Please, please, tell your story.
Katherine
Durham, NC
One morning in 2005, I took my first and only dose of Fosamax. That night, after I went to sleep, I awoke with SEVERE, TERRIBLE pain in my right humerus and in the joint where the humerus joins the clavicle. I have never been injured in that area and had never before experienced pain in that location.
After a while, that pain went away and I became aware of a very mild, quiet, pulsing pain in my left hip. Then came medium pain in my fibula below my left knee. My saliva was thicker than usual, and I was tasting a medicinal taste. Eventually those symptoms went away and I returned to normal. The reason I can tell you this in such detail is that it was such a horrible and frightening experience that I wrote it down and put it in my file of medical papers.
Renae
OR
After all the negative comments and experiences I have to add something positive. I am 49 years old and getting ready for my fourth Reclast treatment. I am not able to take any of the oral treatments due to severe digestive issues. Many years of malabsorption from digestive issues and being on Prilosec has caused osteoporosis. I drink plenty of water before hand and have not had side effects from the Reclast.
susa
CA
I took Evista and my gums dried up so badley, the dentist sent me to specialists So, the MD put me on Actonel. I did not have any osteopenia, it was to be a preventative bone loss med. Well, after almost 7 yrs on it, I developed osteoporosis. I went in as I had severe pain in the pelvic and upper thigh area. 3 wks before that, the TV had warnings about Fosamax and fractures. I told the MD that I am quitting it. He agreed, as he wasn’t aware that it would do the opposite of what it was/is intended to do! I couldn’t find any law firm handling class action for Actonel, just Fosamax and Boniva. I now take strontium citrate, boron, hyaluronic acid folic acid, calcium via dairy, bambbo and vit c. I also heard to jump up and down to tell the brain to develop bone. My tests did show a small improvement in 1 yr..
Barbara
NY
I’ve had two Reclast infusions and so far, so good.
carol
Florida
I have had two Reclast innfusions. However, my rheumatologist advised last year that a new study indicated that the drug actually works better if it is administered every other year – so I will not have another until 2017. My osteoporosis has actually improved considerably since my first infusion, and I no longer have it.
My condition has been reclassified to osteopenia. My suggestion to those have side effects – which I did not experience – is to see a rheumatologist, not a general practitioner, and to ask about recent studies into any drug treatment that is recommended by any doctor. There is a lot of information available on the internet. Pharmacists can also answer questions about medications. All patients should read up on the prescription and be prepared to ask questions before actually
Martin
Spokane, WA
I am a 70 yr old male. Long time runner (since 35 yrs old) with osteoporosis. I was placed on fosamax at 66 but because of serious reflux could not tolerate it. I went 2 yrs taking no meds. Then my new doctor asked me if I’d like to try Reclast. I agreed and have had 2 infusions in the past 2 years with absolutely NO side-effects. It is working well for me.
Betty
Wisconsin
Sometimes I would rather die of the condition than of the medication.
Mardi
Dallas, TX
Thank goodness for being able to read all of the above. Evidently my osteopenia has worsened. I will not be taking any of the possible meds for osteoporosis until I have educated myself on the possible or probable side effects. I feel forewarned!
Barbara
nc
Would Reclast cause an elevation in liver enzimes? I’ve been getting the injections for several years.
Terry Graedon
That has not been flagged in the prescribing information. That doesn’t mean it couldn’t be responsible, just that it hasn’t been reported.
Linda A
Mt. Pleasant, SC
About 15 yrs ago, I was diagnosed with Osteopenia. I was placed on Fosamax and instructed to take large doses of Calcium. Let me just say, as a RN, I like to analyze for myself. It didn’t make sense to me that a calcium deficit was the problem, since my intake of calcium had not been changed. I couldn’t accept that calcium was the problem, so I refused to add more calcium to my diet.
Several years later, I read what Dr Mercola said the government was researching the actual cause of osteoporosis and they had found that people were deficient in vitamin K2 and if you took one of those drugs, it would cause weakness and fractures. I researched this at gov.com and indeed found hundreds of articles written proving that lack of vit. K2 was found to be the culprit for osteoporosis.
I took one of the articles to my doctor and we decided to do our own study. I stopped the Fosamax and took MK7 (vit K2) x 2 yrs. Then I had another bone density test that showed my bones were now normal. Needless to say my doctor and I were both surprised and pleased. I’ve cont’d this OTC supplement and every bone density since then has been normal. I find it interesting, when I ck. the gov.com site occasionally, there are hundreds more researches done and concluding the same findings. So why hasn’t the public been made aware of this finding? and who has the most to lose?
PS…need to know there are 2 different kinds of Vit k..vitamin K1 has to do with blood coagulation but Vit.K2 does not. People: educate yourself. Don’t leave it up to the pharmaceutical companies.
H
MD
I started taking Forteo (teriparatide), a different osteoporosis drug, in Jan. 2015. It is a daily injection, self-administered at home. I also have multiple food sensitivities that keep changing. They cause digestive issues and insomnia.
In June, I noticed that I was having numerous new sensitivities, after eating amounts of certain foods that I used to be able to tolerate. I finally linked the problem to Forteo and stopped taking it in Sep. 2015. However, 14 months later, I still have this side effect. I fear it is permanent.
TINA
FL
I was prescribed Boniva in 2010. Developed several food sensitivities which continued for several years. had to start using bottled water. It was such a pain I decided never to use one of these drugs again. But, in late 2016 my doctor talked me into a Reclast infusion. Now I can’t eat anything with high fructose corn syrup, xylitol, and several other ingredients. If I do, I get severe spasms in my calf and stabbing pain in my hip and knee. I assume I will be stuck with these side effects for years. My doctor says it has nothing to do with Reclast.
Anne
Pittsboro, NC
I have had two Reclast infusions. I have had no problems or side effects with either. I as switched to this after Actonel stopped being effective in preventing bone loss. I have a superb endocrinologist who requires testing of kidney function before the infusion and personally reviews the results before infusion. I receive follow-up calls inquiring about any reactions I might have experienced. I needed dental surgery post infusion once and she monitored the timing and any reactions with my periodontist. I will soon have a bone density test to compare the results with Reclast and Actonel.
There is simply no substitute for a thorough, vigilant, fast-acting physician when using almost any medications.
Whitley
NC
I can’t add a word to why the drugs did what they seemed to have done. I can explain the doctor’s reactions – fear of adding evidence to a lawsuit the patients would file against them. That is a part of the doctor/patient dynamic these years.
About 10 years ago, I nearly died from a reaction to something involved with an endoscopy. The doctor made one brief visit to my hospital room (during my 2 week stay) to assess his chances of getting sued. He stood in the doorway/would not come near me.
He brought a cute office staff member along as witness. The worst part of the whole deal was I did not sue the jerk. I have no idea why but I didn’t.
Patricia
Canada
I have taken many osteoporosis medications over the last several years with varying side effects. My doctor prescribed Prolia and then I started having severe back and hip pain. C scans, ultra sounds and MRIs did not show anything. I refused the last injection and my hip pain went away!
M. McLane
Oklahoma
I have severe osteoporosis and have tried Fosamax, but it was too hard on my stomach. The Doctor arranged for me to take the daily injections of Forteo for 2 years, which helped, but 2 years is the limit. After being off the Forteo for about a year, she started me on the infusion of Reclast. The first year was no problem, but my second infusion, which was earlier this year, has caused me more pain and serious problems than anyone can imagine. Here it is 6 months later and I have severe pain, have no appetite, and can hardly eat because my mouth and throat are so dry and raw, plus my lips (especially at the corners) are constantly split. I am so weak and shaky that I just have to do the necessary things, bit by bit, resting in between.
The Doctor says, “unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to reverse it, since it’s made to work in your body for a year or so”. If I had read the information about it, I would have NEVER have taken it, but the drug was sent directly to the Clinic where it was infused and never dreamed that anything this bad could happen. NOW I read that even the FDA has been questioning Novartis about this.
janet o
glenwood, il
I had my third Reclast infusion 5 weeks ago. I had no side effects from the first two, but have had severe bone pain, especially in my ribs, since. I have had two rib fractures years ago and this pain is worse than that and all the time even when I breath deeply. I have stomach pain and heart palpitations also. Reported the side effects to the FDA and my doctor. He didn’t make anything of it. Will never get it again if I ever get better and this gets out of my bones. i really watched the infusion in the glass bottle until it ended and they told me I could leave and did not see the saline drip administered afterward so I think they did not flush this out. I also contacted the infusion facility when they sent me a a questionnaire about their services. Heard nothing.
Patti
Patchogue NY
Ayer Bonita IV for a few years and are dis IV 4 times I was given a shot of reclast dr reassured me if I tolerated the boniva Reclast would be no problem Immediately after the shot thigh pain and aches then every day got worse until 3 weeks later a shattered femur first surgery did not heskl Even bone stimulated in a wheelchair 5 months later a severe surgery a rod in hip down thru femur to my knee with clips and stents Its now Aomost 3 yrs later SEVERE horrible pain in both thighs especially when it rains I was active now bedridden on dilaudid Dr reduced my dilaudid in half and only 1 muscle relaxer a day not 3 I am bedridden in terrible pain with the reduced dilaudid prescribed I’m on anxiety melds and scared to death I have no life im in my 60s and in pain every day deep severe excruciating bone pain Afraid to go back to surgeon because the pain is so bad there must be more bad news all because of a Reclast I’m sitting up in bed it’s raining and crying from the pain in both legs Surgeon told me years ago it would probably break my other femur and in my system for 20 yrs NO CURE Should never have gotten that shot I have nothing but pain in my life now
Margaret
Oh
Have you gotten over any of your side effects from the Reclast.
Beth
West Virginia
I had a reclast infusion three weeks ago and I am so I’ll I can barely function. The stomach pain has me doubled over often and the nausea comes and goes. I am so weak I can hardly walk and everything hurts from head to toes.
My thighs hurt so bad I can hardly stand and my jaw hurts so much I can hardly eat much less swallow. I have another appointment with my doctor next week if I don’t die before then. Will never, ever do this again and no one should take these meds.
Marion
I wish I had read this forum two weeks ago. Two months ago I was diagnosed with stage four, inoperable Adenocarcinoma lung cancer and a spot on my ribs. The Dr prescribed GILOTRIF for the lung and then this Zoledronic Acid (Reclast) to strengthen my bones. I had my first infusion last week on September 1. After 24 hours I had flu-like aches and pains and a slight fever, that lasted about 24 hours. I thought I could handle this once a month. Yes, I said once a month was the recommendation. Then on Sunday night, September 5, it started in the body, bone aches and fever again. Took Ibuprofen and tried to sleep. Maybe got a few hours. When I got up yesterday morning I could not put any weight on my left leg. I called the Dr, he sent me for a Doppler ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. The swelling and the pain have gotten progressively worse throughout the night. I’m feeling the same symptoms now in my right leg now that started in the left leg. It’s 2 AM and I just read all the other comments and now I’m furious about how little I was really warned about. When we read the side effects on the list the Dr gave us it mentioned a broken leg. We kind of laughed about it because I was given this to strengthen my bones and this sounded absurd. I’m not laughing anymore. I was doing well and being active even with my cancer diagnosis, now I can only hope that these symptoms go away. I have severe doubts that I’ll agree to take this infusion once a month. Praying for all of you to heal.
Rosemary
New York
I also had a very bad reaction to Reclast and will NEVER take it again. The flu symptoms were much worse than expected but the worst thing was crushing chest pain that lasted for days. I could not turn over in the bed or even get up without my husband lifting me (and almost fainted from the pain the first time). Joint pain started around the second day, as well as nerve problems in my left hand (similar to what I had experienced after a surgery 30 years ago ). The joint pains remain and my hand is very weak with numbness and some pins and needles.
Mary Lou B.
Land o lakes. Florida
I am a 59 year old female that had my first reclast infusion. I have osteoparosis. I was told to push water and would possibly have flu-like symptoms. I drank 6 bottles of water and was feeling ok. So, I went to bed and now 16 hours later, I am in so much pain.
My right ankle (which I had broken years ago) hurts so badly. I have severe pain in my back and neck. The nausea is incredible. So, here I sit at 3am and have no idea how long this will last. A hot bath has some relief but I can’t stay in a tub all the time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. God bless you all and good luck.
Mickary
CT
I have taken the drug Reclast for three consecutive years. The last injection was June of 2012. I want to tell everyone how this drug has changed my life. The first two years I had the typical side effects…achy all over and a lot of bone pain. The third injection is when everything changed. I had severe bone pain. A pain that didn’t feel like it was in the joint but a pain that felt like it was inside the bone. After the third day, I woke up to find my eyelid drooping. Now worrying about my eye I made an appointment with my opthamologist. I was told I needed surgery to lift the eyelid. One surgery later my eye progressively became worst. I ended being sent out of state to see a specialist. I had an orbital mass that wrapped around two-thirds of my eye. I had been the sixth patient that had taken Reclast that this Dr. had operated on. Not all the mass was removed but enough to make my eye look normal. (It had become diagonal to the other.)
It is now four years later. I live with daily pain. My immune system is now compromised. IThey tell people to do research before you try a new drug…I did. There was nothing that I read that said how this drug can alter your body. I was given no information about the drug and it is nearly impossible to have a Dr. to link the drug to the reaction. If I can convince anyone that is considering this drug not to do it, then that was the purpose of my post. For those that are going through what I have been, I am sending my prayers.
joanne
NC
I am 58 years old. My doctor told me I have osteopenia. She recommended reclast infusion. 48 hours later I developed an adverse reaction to the drug. Sever swelling and inflammation of the knee area. I was unable to walk. Inflammation markers from my blood tests were off the charts. I was then referred to a rheumatoid arthritis doctor. He appeared unconcerned that my symptoms were as a result of the reclast infusion. More blood tests were done and the results were getting back to normal. The doctor does not appear to know how to treat my problem. I got knee injections. It made me pain free for 2 weeks then it was dejavu all over again. My quality of life has been altered. I think it is time for Novartis to label this medication reaction to their side effect so that a patient can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the drug. This drug is highly potent and produce toxic results. The FDA should closely examine this drug and determine if it is safe for human consumption.
Just Me
Michigan
I had flu-like symptoms at first. Then, I developed the all-over bone pain. I had relapses every 3 months of the horrific bone pain so bad that I would have an asthma attack with each relapse, usually awakening me from sleep. By the time I could get to my doctor’s office, I had pneumonia. It also compromised my immune system, so I was sick all the time. I was put into a chair at that time. After nearly 6 years, I woke up one morning and, like a miracle, the pain was gone. About 9 months or so later, the bone pain came back. It was not of the same intensity as at first, but enough to stop me completely. I am now in a chair again. I have had relapses about every month where the pain gets pretty bad. I don’t think it will ever leave me.
Claudia
Florida
I’ve been taking Reclast for the past 3 years with no side effects. I just got the infusion a few days ago and as soon as I got home, my taste had changed. Whatever I ate or drank tasted strange. The following day it felt like my mouth was on fire. I overall felt bad. I had a bronchoscopy done yesterday due to a lung infection. Not long after I got home from the procedure I got progressively worse. I got very weak and started running a 102 fever. In the morning my fever was lower but I’m still very weak. When the infusion nurse asked if I had an infection and I told her about my lung infection and she said it would be OK for the infusion. I’ve also had sores in my mouth for the past couple days too. I feel that since I had the lung infection, she shouldn’t have given the infusion to begin with. I’ve had both the Reclast and bronchoscopies in the past and never had any side effects, like I do now. I can’t be treated for my lung infection until the dr gets the test result, so I’m sure I’ll continue to feel this bad until I can get the antibiotics. I will not take Reclast again for sure!
Cindy
California
After finding out I have Osteoporosis and Osteopenia my doctor prescribed RECLAST. It was done much like chemotherapy, injected into the vein. I was told that I could possibly experience slight flu-like symptoms. SLIGHT?!!!! I went home and was “ok” until around 8pm. Then I started with pain and fever. The pain was INTENSE and ALL OVER. My fever was up to 103.6. I called the doctor and was told I had the flu. No, I have had the flu, this was MUCH MORE. I was like this for 3 days so I went in to Urgent Care. They also said I had the flu and put me on antibiotics.
After another 3 days I returned to Urgent Care and told them something was definitely wrong because I was itching all over, and I was swelling. I had absolutely NO PROBLEMS with soreness or fever, itching or swelling until I was administered the RECLAST. This was when they finally agreed I was allergic to it but nothing could be done to help me. They told me to take Benadryl. I was told because of the way it is administered and the way the medicine works it would have to run it’s course in my body, and that would take 6 to 12 months.
It has been 9 months, and I STILL am paying the consequences. Sore muscles, swelling, itchiness, etc., etc., etc. To those of you who can take this medicine from hell, more power to you but I for one will NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER let anyone come near me with the stuff again!!!!! Oh, and by the way, I am not allergic to medicines.
Angel
48166
I had recast April 1st it is now the 12th. I was told that any reaction or bone pain would only last 3-4 days. I have severe osteoporosis of the spine. My back hurts so bad I can hardly breath. I am tired of pain meds and muscle relaxers. How long will this last? Can’t take much more. I need to be well so that I can have my knee replaced in e week s
Deborah K
Levittown, NY
A few hours after Reclast I became violently ill, I was having chills and pain that I woke up screaming. I was vomiting, fever, severe chills,pain. The next 2 days I could not lift my head. I was unable to even eat or watch tv. I slept until Thursday. I then started to get headaches and electrical feelings in my hands. As frightening as all that was today I was unable to put weight or bend my left knee. I was screaming when it would bend naturally. If it is not better tomorrow I am going to the Hospital for Special Surgery. I am not able to walk.
Judy Tucker
Ellenton, Florida
I have RA and osteopenia. I was getting along very well on methotrexate injections until I agreed to have an IV infusion of Reclast. After about 2 hours my ribs and sternum hurt and it was difficult to inhale. That seemed to improve, but the next morning my right leg became so painful that I couldn’t use it anymore. I cannot put any pressure down on it, have had to start using a walker and a cane in tight spots. My doctor prescribed me a muscle relaxant and now a pain medication, and nothing is even touching this pain. I had fever and cold sores for several days after the infusion as well. Please, if there is anything out there that will help relieve this pain, contact me. My life has gone from active to constant pain.
alice
Alabama
has anyone actually filed a lawsuit aganist novias this drug has totally incapitated me I started telling my PCP last yr 2014 my last infusion I crashed in 3 days after infusion. ?He just said told you had winter crude I lost down to 93 pounds I was eating I was confined to my house the pain in my body terrible on top of osteo and fibro. last nov I told my PCP I was seeing my surgeon because I knew he would get me to the Dr, I needed I am now up to 107. horrible gastric problems. I have to have TPN but can’t medicare want pay for it in home. I have a j-tube sutured down in my swmall intestines in hurts every of my life I have to give myself supplements and medicare will not pay for thisw my husband is deceased. I am a retired RN. You might say I am very aggervated
Cheryl
Alabama
I got a Reclast infusion November 2015. I now suffer from extreme pain in both hips when I sit for ten minutes. When I do get up, I’m stiff in both hips and find it extremely impossible to walk. I’m only 55 year old and this has affected my quality of life.
Linda
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 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 and this drug almost killed me ! I had no idea before taking this awful drug that there is no recourse it takes a year to get out of your system!
alice
I would not bank on that because I am going on my 2nd year I wish I could say I was better I have only gotten worse If it wasn’t for my faith in God I could not make it. AQlice
Virginia Reed
alabama
After my 1st reclast Iv infusion within 2 days I thought I was having a severe flu I hurt and ached all over. I didn’t even think about it being the reclast, The 2nd one I had no rxn. I finish my 3rd round last november 2014 I had already started losing wt. I blamed it on grief I had loss my husband The yr before but I was eating, I was getting really sick. I mean sick weight was dropping off of me and my doctors didn’t seem to pay attention. I was not heavy at the time, I had had chemo in 2010 and got down 117 but gained back to 126-130- but now I am talking about not being able to function period I was so weak I lived in my room. I called Novartis and they put me in touch with FDA now new things have come out since I first talked with them, It has taken all my strength but I took the bull my the horns because I told my PCP what I was going to do and who I was going to see. In fact it was a surgeon I had known a long tome ago and I knew he could get me to the Dr. I need, I lost to my knowledge down to 93 pounds this past november and I eat well. I do have periodic visits in hosptical To receive parental nutrition IV because medicare denied me to have it at home. The bones in my jaws and mouth are horrible and I am never with out pain and I hate the most is I have a tube not in my stomach but sown down into my jejum and in hangs out about 12″s. I could write a book When I received a letter after another bone density they said you need 2 more infusions of reclast I was absolutely dumbfounded that they even had the nerve to ask our medical system I could rattle on forever but will rush for now
C. M.M.
rochester
OMG…..I’m not alone…..I’ve been feeling like I’m so alone and thought I was the only one with this much pain since my infusion. I’m going back to the doctor tomorrow and have been wondering all day if it’s even worth it anymore and the effort it will take to get there. The pain and stiffness seems to be getting worse by the day lately. I have all the same side effects that I just read since my reclast infusion and seriously been feeling like I’m dying slowing and painfully. I’ve been in pain for years with many problems and unsuccessful surgeries. Until now I was always able to somehow manage the pain level. Since my infusion my pain has intensified so much most days it is impossible to do much of anything. Getting out of a chair or bed is the worse and I wake up during the night with pain that feels like knives stabbing me.
I’m always so tired and have loss so much energy and very rarely ever feel good anymore. Im only 57 and feeling much older and don’t know what to do anymore. I never had pain in my knees before and now my knees hurt so bad I can barely climb up and down stairs and the stiffness is terrible. My feet hurt so bad all the time… My legs just won’t move sometimes and I have pain in places that I never did before. I’m praying for a small amount of hope from my doctor and a miracle to help me feel better. Thank you all for sharing your story and helping me feel like I’m not alone. No one knows what you’re going through nor can understand it unless they feel it. This is affecting every part of my life and for the person that said they don’t wanna be touched…Thank You because that’s exactly how I feel and know one understands…painfully sad…..
KBJ
USA
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, 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 as there is no antidote and 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 developes further.
JG
FL
I am 61 and have always been quite active. On Oct. 29, 2015I I had my first (and last) infusion of Reclast for osteoporosis. That night I had a severe headache which I thought was a migraine. My usual migraine medicine did not work. The next morning I woke up in severe neck, back, rib, hand, wrist and thumb pain. I could not use my thumbs at all. I used ibuprofen and began drinking a lot of water. I was bed-bound. This continued all night. The next day was more of the same. The third day I felt a bit better, could move around. Now, the fourth day my lower back hurts so much I cannot straighten up. I still cannot turn my head and cannot use my thumbs. My doctor tells me these symptoms can last a week or two! But I am getting worse. I file an Adverse Effect Report with the FDA today.
These adverse effects are actually happening and not rare. I was unable to attend a new job meeting today and don’t know when I will be able to. All these comments scare me, and if I have to live the rest of my life in this pain, I may as well not be on this planet.
KBJ
I filed an FDA report as well.
Cheryl
Alabama
How do you file a FDA report?
I had an infusion in November 2015. All was good, but my problem is if I sit for more than ten minutes, I experience great pain and stiffness in both hips trying to get up from my chair and trying to walk. Of my gosh, it is so painful. I’m 55 year old woman that was very active. I now feel 90 years old. I asked God to just go ahead and take me.
KM
Louisiana
I started with Boniva, I felt like some one was stabbing my gut with knives! Took Raloxifene for several years without any problems but it did not strengthen my bones. Next Atelvia since its enteric coated, I threw up for hours. I even tried it again just in case I’d had a stomach bug, nope. Hours of vomiting again. So yesterday I got a Reclast infusion. The worst S/E so far is a headache but I have migraines anyway so I’m not surprised. I have stopped horseback riding for now because of my bones and am tired of my body running me!! So I am trying.
marta
bend
I have had two infusions of zometa and will never have another. First dose approx. 1 year ago caused severe joint and muscle pain through out my body, that lasted about 6 days. It was severe enough that Vicodin was needed, missed several days of work. Almost 1 month to the day after that infusion I ended up at the ER with and irregular HR in the 160 range. Drugs would not allow my heart to return to a normal rhythm or rate so I was cardioverted. Zometa can cause severe arrhythmias.
Second dose of Zometa was last March. I was medicated with solumedrol prior to infusion. Felt fine for about 6 days and then was hit with severe pelvic, muscle and joint pain. MD’s did not put infusion and pain together but ordered CT scans which showed nothing. I am now about 6 months past that infusion and still feel badly. I have pain in my lower back area that radiates to hip and pelvic region. I also have been having bone pain to the bottom of my right foot, that makes it hard to walk at times. I seemed to have a decrease in level of pain over several months, but at this time it is not getting any better. It really has impacted my quality of life. Filed reports with the FDA and Novartis.
PamN
NJ
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 can’t move without pain. I’ve had two reclast injections the last in June 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. What to do??
Betty
Buffalo
Exactly what is Prolia? Is it like Fosamax? I am afraid to continue the infusions, twice a year….help
Jean b.
Ny
I had my first infusion, per my Dr. recommendation in March 2015. I will never have another one. I have experienced bouts of severe pain in my legs and hips, arms, and knees. Swollen feet, severe chills,low grade fevers,and heavy sweats at night ever since. This is also causing other problems such as weakness and tired all the time. My doctors have not been much help. Is there anything to help me feel better. I am losing a lot of work time because of these symptoms coming and going so much, almost five months now.
KM
My understanding of Prolia is no, it’s an entirely different drug and works in a different way.
Linda
United States
I’m 70, I have Crohn’s, I take Humira, and am seeing a rheumatologist for degenerative disc disease. I have severe osteoporosis and am at high risk for fracture. My Dr. recommended Reclast, since the oral drugs are out of the question. I have had 2 infusions and am scheduled to have my third soon.
I have had absolutely no adverse reactions, not even a headache. People who take these drugs successfully do not usually post on internet sites like this, so you end up with a collection of horror stories. Most people take these drugs with little or no discomfort, let alone the serious reactions described here. I’m not discounting these experiences, but don’t assume that these reactions are typical.
However, there is an FDA study blogged in the New York Times health section in 2012. They do not recommend these drugs at all for osteopoenia, and they do not recommend them for an extended period of time even for people like me. After 5 years there is a diminishing return.
I might add that I am hearing physician horror stories here as much as drug horror stories. To say no one ever has a bad reaction is misleading, and to refuse to help if you are in pain is just coldhearted. I’m not a doctor, of course, but we are all different. Do your own research – the information is in the studies done by the drug companies, researchers and the FDA. The fractures and jaw bone problems are estimated to be 1 in 10,000 to 10 in 10,000. That’s pretty good odds – unless you are the 1. Same thing with the Humira I take. Odds are, I will be fine. The odds of complications from the diseases are certain. The odds of complications from the medications are small. I am blessed to have good doctors.
Diane
florida
I have RA for 33 yrs, I am on Enbrel shots 1 x a week, it doesn’t take all my pain away but I can usually live with it. Nov 1st 2014 Dr. put me on Fosamax for osteoporosis,1 pill 1 x a week after first dose I started having pain all over thought for some reason I was just having a flare up after sec dose I was in more pain, I had prednisone pk. so I did it for the 6 days. I felt better for the first 4 days.
After 3rd dose & sec pred. pk with 4 days of relief, I realized sometime was wrong I wasn’t just having a flare up. So I read online about this drug & seems like A LOT of patients have had this problem, but none of the Dr. I have seen so far think it is from the Fosamax, I took my last & final dose on Thanksgiving day( 3 pills total in 3 weeks).
I continued to get worse, I couldn’t get out of tub by myself or from sitting on couch, I was in severe pain from my neck to my toes, on Dec 30 my sisters took me to E.R. they couldn’t get my pain under control, I was admitted to hospital for 2 days & given IV with steroids & anti-inflammatory. Again that lasted for 4-5 days, pain started coming back. Went to my family Dr. I don’t have a RA DR. I can’t find one who take my Medicaid, so he puts me on 10 mg. of prednisone for 3 wks. My last day is tomm. My lower body is better, but I am still in a lot of pain in my neck, shoulders, down to wrist & fingers.
One day it may be 50 % better than next like today I’m in severe pain, like today. I don’t want to break bones but I don’t want to live like this in this kind of pain so I have no plans of taking any kind of these meds, ever again. But if anyone has any answers for me on how long this pain may last or if it will ever go away please let me know. I am getting so depressed & discouraged I don’t know what to do. Hopefully someone has had this happen & will have good news for me. Thank u.
Diane
Florida
This is Diane, just adding to my previous entry, my pain is somewhat under control, but I am still on Enbrel, celebrex & now back on methotrexate, 24 MG once a wk, I can’t take anymore prednisone for quite awhile, due to side effects from it. My RA Dr says I have to take something for my osteoporosis, she prescribed Boniva, but I was very leery of taking it, but ins. won’t cover it so now she wants me to take Reclast once a yr.
But after what I’ve read I am very scared to take it, I went thru 6 mo. of severe joint pain & in hospital 3 x. I don’t want broken bones, but it can’t be worse than the pain I suffered with the fasomax. I totally believe it was from that.
Jane B.
Cary, NC
I’m a 66 year old woman with osteoporosis. I’ve taken Fosamax and Forteo in the past. After being off all drugs for a few years, I took a Reclast infusion in December 2014. So far I have not had any side effects at all. I was careful to hydrate well before the treatment and continue to do so. Hopefully, with additional strength training, my next bone scan will show improvement.
Marisol C.
puerto rico
I’m a 52 year old woman who got her first infusion of reclast November 21, 2014. I was in bed for a whole week with flu like symptoms and a killer headache, after two weeks of the IV my head still hurting like crazy. I don’t know what to do. My doctor is on vacation and I have been taking ibuprofen like crazy. First and last time I will take this medicine.
Rima S.
Bethesda MD
I had a Reclast infusion two years ago, had no side effects, and felt so much better the next year that I neither saw my rheumatologist nor remembered I was supposed to have it annually. So, when I started having flare-ups, my doctor sent me for a 2nd infusion and that night I developed such agonizing muscles pains that it took me over an hour and a half to get myself up after I had fallen. Advil almost immediately began to clear that up. And despite the infusion and 2 Prednisone “bursts” am still having arthritic pain.
Margie
Indiana
I had reclast infusion yesterday and felt fine. In the middle of the night woke up with severe pain in muscles and joints.and severe headache . I have not been out of bed because I am so dizzy.
barbara
maryland
Reclast infusion after 24-36 hours caused high temperature (~103), severe chills, muscle pain in all muscles, nausea, headache and loss of appetite. I am 58. Diagnosed with osteoporosis at 43. I have to have infusions due to ulcers most likely caused by daily Fosamax in the 1990s. Has anyone had these particular symptoms?
Tracie
Austin,tx
I have celiac disease and epilepsy and osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Dr recommends Reclast because of my absorption problems. I’m 56. I’m afraid because of the negative reviews I’ve read. Can more people in Austin tell me positive experiences?
Penny
I suspect that an infusion of reclast has triggered a severe RA ‘flare’. It began 3 days after the infusion and has continued now for 10 weeks.
I am slightly improved but still must use a walker, have trouble getting out of bed, have difficulty dressing myself… I was functioning perfectly up until the Reclast! It has been a terrible shock.
Aclasta
Aclasta seems to have ruined my life! I’m now 65 years old. I have taken 3 infusions up to now. This year I decided not to take the 4th.
I have become disabled! My muscles have weakened. It has destroyed my entire life. I have read so many patient comments, but none regarding rehabilitation. So what must we do?
The doctors prescribing this deathly medication are either unaware of the side affects or just don’t care as long as they get paid for it, because as you all know it does cost a lot!
So is there anyone out there who has recovered from muscle weakness? Has anyone recovered? For the unlucky ones do we have to wait until we die? I’d appreciate a serious and professional answer from someone.
ZN
My Mom is 75, she is disabled, but can walk (slowly) on her own. Her doctor prescribed Reclast infusion once a year. After reading all these comments I’m really scared. If she get’s some of the mildest symptoms described here, and if they last for the longer time, she would not be able to walk at all. On the other side what if she breaks her hip? She would not be able to move at all. It is a really hard decision. Any advice is appreciated.
DL
I suffer from osteoporosis from long time prednisone use. I have had severe asthma all my adult life and the constant steroid shots and prednisone bursts have taken their toll. After trying Fosamax at the advice of my MD, it made me so sick like the flu all the time. I told him I wouldn’t take it anymore. He said high calcium with vitamin D supplements should help. After talking to my gynecologist about it, she asked to take over my osteoporosis care. She highly recommended the reclast treatment. She felt that I would tolerate it better. I am 49 yrs old and had my first reclast treatment on July 8. It has been three weeks of fatigue, fevers, loss of appetite, upset stomach, diarrhea, and severe pain in my neck, spine and hips like I have never known. My doctor advises to stay on tylenol around the clock and it should get better?? It has been the longest most miserable three weeks of my life. I only hope the symptoms will subside with time and give me my life back. I will never take this treatment again. I wish I had read more on peoples reactions to the drug. Please don’t take this drug!!
KM
As a poster said earlier, very few post positive experiences. The drug would no longer be on the market if everyone had side effects that bad. Today I have a headache and I won’t be surprised to have some body aches in the next few days. It’s better than a broken hip!!
Mms
Well here I go just another negative person. Read all the negative input but decided if three doctors say you need reclast it must be ok. Drank lots of water two days before and after. Got the infusion and walked twelve miles day of felt fine that day figured everybody was way wrong about reclast!
Boy was I surprised next day fever and bone pin like I have never felt before neck back shoulders feet hips shins knees headache exhausted did I say fever and pain that was under my breastbone felt like a stabbing knife oh yeah and my eyesight hasn’t been right since. I went to ER and they had no clue how long this would last could be a day or two but could be four weeks or more! Got sent home and it has now been two weeks going on three!
Fever left me after a week and a half bad pin stopped three days ago eyesore is still blurry knees are still really stiff but I still am tired and the running up and down stairs isn’t a option right now and my long fast walks just not happening either.I am not sure this was a good option for me. The jury is still out till next year. The infusion people and ER say that I had a unusual relation only 1 to 1 1/2 % have my kind of relation.
Reading this website I am not so sure about this? has any body else had the eyesore problems and is this permanent?
Ron S
My Grandmother was advised by her doctor to get a Reclast shot.. Within a week she had a fever and her feet swelled up. Now she is a couple months in, the last week she has not slept for more than two hours a night. She is experiencing such pain that she says she can not handle it anymore..
My Grandma has been such a healthy person her whole life and if very energetic and outgoing. This drug has decreased her quality of life so much its horrible. We are praying the doctor will find something to give her to counteract the effects of this drug and she will not be taking this again next year.
My Grandma is 87, and she still cleans our house every day. Makes the beds washes the dishes, does yard work, walk a 1/2 mile to get the mail daily. She drives wherever she wants, she is just amazing and to see what this drug has reduced her to is angering! She was crying at my house this morning telling me how bad the pain is at night. These drug companies should never put something on the market that has these kind of side effects. What is wrong with these people!
SE
OMG!!! I had my first infusion of reclast on June 12th. I spent three days in bed with a temp of 102.2. I called my Arthritis doc (who gave me the infusion) and no one called me back. Since the infusion I have been in severe pain. With the arthritis I’m in pain also but this is much worse. I’m running higher temps than usual, an hour after taking ibuprofen 800 for the pain at 6am today, my temp was up to 100. May not seem like a lot but I usually run 97.4 – 97.9.
Anytime I get to “normal 98.6” I don’t feel well so going into the 100’s pretty much makes me miserable. My feet hurt to walk on them, my heals hurt, my lower back hurts, neck, middle back and sometimes my breast bone hurts. I’m talking pain that just makes me not want to move. Is this from the reclast?
History:
I’ve had pain and fever since about April of last year. This pain is definitely different so I’m concerned that either the arthritis (what ever kind I have) is getting worse, or the relcast as put me back to square one with the level of pain.
Prior to the reclast, the pain wasn’t that bad unless I was careless and overworked myself or sat up for too long. It’s definitely worse than it was in the beginning.
HELP!!!
Dr and Pt
I just had my second Reclast infusion with no side effects. My bone density improved after one treatment. It is very important to hydrate well before and after the treatment. I took 2 advils one hour before just as a precaution.
Okla
I have had five Reclast infusions. As I cannot swallow pills, this was the only answer. I have never had a reaction of any kind, my bone density test shows marked improvement. Always follow directions as to drinking water and take Tylenol. I am 89 and have a family history of osteoporosis. My daughter has the infusions also and has had no problems.
c
VS
Many years ago I was given prednisone by a Rheumatologist for supposed RA. I couldn’t stay on it forever, so I was switched to Methotrexate. And was also eventually given oral Fosamax to protect my bones. When I developed an inability to walk, my Family Doctor sent me to an Orthopedist. The x-rays of my hips showed I had severe Osteoarthritis & not RA! The x-ray of my right hip also showed evidence of a stress fracture in my right Femur that had healed over with a mound of bone! I now blame the Fosamax for that. I eventually had surgery to replace the arthritic hips with hip implants. Thankfully, I got a brand that hasn’t been among the hip implant recalls of the past several years!
When a bone density test showed I was in Osteopenia, I had a new Family Doctor who said I needed to take prescription medicine. I didn’t want Fosamax again. Reclast Infusion had recently come on the market as a once a year drug for osteopenia & Osteoprosis. I was the first patient to get this infusion at a hospital Wound Care Center! And I had no side effects from it. I got a 2nd infusion almost 20 months later at that same Wound Care Center, again with no side effects. Another density test after that infusion showed my bone structure was now in normal range. I didn’t need to stay on Reclast until a new density test showed the density was dropping back into Osteopenia. I get sufficient dietary calcium every day along with 2000 I.U. of Vit. D-3 liqui-gels daily, plus weight bearing exercises.
My lower legs already have a chronic skin disorder Stasis Dermatitis with a burning sensation. I cannot blame it on the Reclast Infusions. If I ever went back into Osteopenia, I would take another Reclast Infusion.
MKS
I have had serious health problems after having a Reclast infusion back in Sept 2013… As of today, March 29,2014, the side effects I have experienced have been serious fatigue in which walking up the stairs was an effort. One Dr. said I had a silent heart attack and after further testing I did not have a heart attack. The medications pertaining to a heart problem made me feel worse. I have more aches and pain than ever. My blood pressure was all over the place. Up/down but I have also had jaw pain and it felt like the nerves in mouth and teeth were hurting and extremely sensitive.
I now have to use a sensitive inhibitor to brush. Ever since I have had the infusion my health has not been good and am very upset that this seems like a poison put into my body and I have always taken care of myself. I am active, have healthy eating, avoid smoke and do not do anything detrimental to my health. I am very sorry I have followed a Dr.s recommendation to have this done for my bones. I do take calcium, magnesium and D3 but will also take a bone builder from the health food store…
We have so many drugs in our society some help an some make it worse. I guess one has to do the best they can but also to be more informed and take care of one’s self from a young age… but the Reclast infusion should be more carefully studied..
norma d.
mild osterposis doctors push to do recast had 2 2 years apart 72 no fractures scared to do no.3 I don’t feel good about it have osteoarthritis they claim reclast makes it worse confused.
Dan Y
I’m a 68 year old active male with osteopenia. It’s believed the osteopenia is the result of a protein of the blood that sometimes leads to Multiple Myeloma. It’s called MGUS or ‘Monoclonal Gamapathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). Because of that I have blood tests every 6 months and a yearly infusion of Reclast.
I’ve had 5 Reclast infusions, the first one was in March of 2008. After the first infusion I really didn’t think there was any side effects, none. I had my second infusion in April 2009. I still didn’t feel I had any side effects but my general mood and energy was changing along with some muscle and joint pain, especially at night. The night pain was getting so bad I started taking pain pills to sleep. The pain pills kept me awake so I also took and still take Zanax to counteract the pain pills.
Still, I have joint and muscle pain that keeps me awake. I didn’t connect the Reclast to the night pain (and some day bone and muscle pain) as it never flared up directly after the infusion. I had a 3rd infusion and my night pain and now muscle spasms (really strange muscle spasms that were very deep and couldn’t be worked out) were getting worse. I still didn’t connect it to the Reclast.
To jump to the chase, I’ve now had 5 infusions and my night pain is horrible, I’m taking a lot of meds to counteract the pain so I can sleep, my blood pressure has risen and I’m tired most of the time. This time, after the infusion I noticed a significant increase in all the symptoms 2 weeks after the infusion. My new symptom is a stiff neck with a lot of pain. It started 2 weeks after the Reclast infusion. It’s now 3 months later and the neck pain is till really bad. My stiff neck and has made driving very difficult and had made my mood generally poor.
OH, I didn’t mention that at this time in my life my wife and I were taking a lifetime adventure. We were sailing our sailboat from California to the East Coast via the Panama Canal flying home by every few months. This was to be the adventure of a lifetime and the adventure was becoming such a chore that it wasn’t fun. I struggled through 2010, 2011 and 2012 until we made the decision to sell the boat in Florida. (at least we got there).
The boat is sold, we’re home and I now believe that Reclast was and is the reason for most of my ills. I firmly believe that Reclast has ruined my life and destroyed the adventure of a lifetime. I’m 3 months into my last infusion and I need to deal with the sleepless nights with pain, the fatigue and the daily neck pain for perhaps the rest of my life. Hopefully in another year it will subside. The only caveat to that is that at 68 I’m not interested in loosing any of my remaining months and years to a drug that just won’t leave my system but must.
I’m strong and will beat this thing but it’s taking it’s toll on my daily happiness. Hopefully it will be no more than another year of hell.
If you’re thinking of taking Reclast “Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid!” (that’s from the Adams Family movie)
rcb
My wife has a dx of osteoporosis and broke her ankle from a very minor fall and followed that with a broken toe all with a year. She had her first (and last!) RECLAST infusion last September. After two weeks of the expected flu-like symptoms, pains and tingling she gradually improved and did not experience many of the debilitating sufferings that many on this blog report. However, she did almost immediately develop very painful joint pain in her hands, so bad that she needs pain meds daily and to sleep.
It has been 4 months since the RECLAST and her symptoms have not improved. Needless to say, she refuses to have another round of RECLAST. In addition, I can see that she suffers from fatigue almost constantly — previously I referred to her as “an energy bunny,” but certainly no more. All we can hope for is that the RECLAST effects will eventually wear off. Perhaps bone strength can be enhanced by a daily gym program, something she recently took up.
Belinda
I had IV RECLAST on oct 16. I drank water before, after and still to this day. AND green tea… etc. I finally called my doctor and told her I think I’m having side effects. My hands and feet hurt soooo bad I can hardly walk. She ordered a short PAC of steroids . I am in so much pain that picked up my RX and started it ASAP. Within an hour my hands felt a LITTLE better.
I will not get this IV again. Oh, and my hair is thinning …..and all within the last three weeks!
RWJ
Hi, I had adverse reactions to the Reclast that I took in February 2013. I was diagnosed with osteopenia in 2012. I had rectal cancer 2 times so my doctor did not want to give me anything that would go through the digestive tract. I felt horrible for 4 to 5 months after the infusion as I believe it “flared” my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am doing much better now… I practice tai chi and I think it has helped get me back to a good place again. I would try tai chi and see if that helps you. My instructor believes that if we stand on 1 leg for extended periods of time, it should help regrow the bones. So I am doing that as I wait for my next bone density scan. Best of Luck!
AL
I have Celiac Sprue, am 61 and have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I discussed taking the oral medications for osteoporosis with my doctor and since I have digestive issues, the Reclast seemed the best option. My doctor advised to get any major dental work I need done before getting the injection because one of the side effects is necrosis of the jaw.–I understand the percentage of people who suffered this side-effect after taking Reclast was small.
I asked my doctor how can one foresee future major dental work post a Reclast infusion. I am aware that fractures are a major cause of debility and death in the elderly and this really worries me. However, sometimes the cure is worse than the illness. Do you know of any of bone increasing medications or supplements for those who have celiac and who have an extremely low medication tolerance? Also, I understand that people with negative reactions will be the ones who comment, but one needs to be aware of a medication and its side effects. Who better to make the public aware than those who have taken it and are willing to share their experiences?
Susan G.
My daughter is about to under go treatment of zoledronic acid after finishing her 10th cycle of pamidranate, I’ve heard some awful effect what the drug has, and she took the pamidranate bad as well, I don’t know what to do. My doc said there will be mild symptoms as she is only having it every 6 months up to now she has a rare brittle bone disorder.
Janet S.
I’ve been on Alendronate for three Months now, and very nervous about staying on them. For the past few weeks I have a very bad Flu feeling and headache also pains in my Hips and Thighs, I’m not very comfortable taking it. I ‘m trying to decide if I should stop taking them. Thanks for posting those side effects.
TS
My mother is 97 years old. At her doctor’s insistence, she had a shot for Prolia. Has anybody had adverse reactions from this drug? My mother’s skin has been very hot to the touch ever since, and yet she has no fever. She also tested positive for trace amounts of UTI, although we keep her very, very clean to help prevent UTI’s.
I’m disgusted that my mother should even have been given this drug, her bones did not test unusually frail for a woman her age, and she’s in a wheelchair, so the risk of her falling is actually quite small.
Should I have stood up to my mother’s doctor?
Really would appreciate some advice.
She’s been taking an antibiotic for the UTI but I hate to do that, too…since she only tested for very trace amounts of the UTI.
Any advice would be gratefully appreciated! The dr. doesn’t have an answer.
Julie
I had reclast 2 years ago. The pain started 4 days after the injection. Fever chills. Bones hurt very bad. Bad headache. I was in the hospital for 5 days.. They called my dr since I had reclast injected. They said that would not cause those symptoms. Well I know if a fact it is. I had reclast again. Yesterday. I have all the same symptoms when I was in the hospital. I could not go to work today. The pain is so bad, light headed, fever. My back hurts very bad. It keep me up all night. I will not ever do this again. Good luck to you too. They need to reevaluate this drug.
ww
The thing that concerns me, pd, is something I don’t think they measure: Is that “denser” bone dead or alive? As I understand it, the atypical fractures that happen with these drugs are due to the fact that the bone retains the dead cells, which make it look denser, but in fact make it more fragile, and harder to heal.
pd
Diagnosed with osteopenia at age 46, when I began menopause. I’m now 58. I weighed 113 then, and now 118. I took Fosamax for 8 years, then the Reclast infusion the last 3 years. During this time I also learned more about the proper exercise for bone health, and have been very consistently faithful to my exercise.
I eat a strictly healthy diet, very consistently. Sadly, though I tolerated the Fosamax very well, my bone density only worsened, til l was classified with osteoporosis. Hence, the decision to try Reclast. I tolerate it very well, too, and have seen an improvement in bone density, finally, back to osteopenia at my last bone density test. During this time I have increased the frequency of exercise to 4-5 hours/week, and tweaked my vitamin supplements, adding vitamin D and magnesium to the calcium regimen. However, my bone density is still not great.
I am loathe to take another Reclast infusion this year, simply because I don’t like to take drugs of any sort. During all my time on Fosamax and Reclast, I have had occasional fairly mild intermittent joint pain, mostly in the last few years, but I’m not convinced the drugs caused this. I’m 58, and my joint pain is much less than many people have who are much younger than me.
Overall, so far I’ve had no side effects, but also very little progress in improving bone density. However, who knows how porous my bones would be by now, if I hadn’t taken any drugs at all for them?
Gary John
I allso had a servere reaction reclasta / aclasta on the 12.4.13 I went for the infusion at 1am Saturday I woke up in servere pain everywhere could not get out of bed ambulance was called no amount of pain relief relieved the pain . I spent 8days in hospital ct scans ,MRI full body my current conditions showed up only back and nueropathy in legs . Before reclast I was working 4days a week 4 hours copeing with my conditions apon discharge it was written chronic back pain I have never experienced this pain in my life I’m still unwell joints are paining knuckles ,shoulders ,legs how can this drug company get away with this the doctors will not beleive the troubles this poison has caused temperatures feeling unwell .what needs to happen we all need to make a noise a current affairs morn shows need to research this medication ill stop ranting now but I’m not happy i did not research this drug before hand .cmon world lets gang up on the drug company and get this reclast banned
SEM
I have had Reclast, now my eye sight is terrible. No eye doctor can get a correction for me to see properly. I am a widow, and its terrible, living alone almost blind. Where do I turn next?
RAD
LSR;
First of all I am thrilled to hear that you will not be having the reclast! YAY!!!!!! And smart smart smart!
That said, I need to reply to your question too…
My youngest daughter has been ill for 8+ years now- Since I am a single parent, it was in my life that her illness took priority- She has had, to date, over 30 surgeries- During that time I researched any/every drug that she was prescribed. Do you think I had the brains to do that to my own prescriptions? No I didn’t.
I agreed to the reclast simply because I had not done my own homework.
I would be willing to bet that the majority of people had it before they researched.
I began to research this drug after the 1st 2 major problems presented.
LSR
with all the negative comments I was wondering why you still took the reclast infusion? I’m supposed to get the infusion on Thurs. and I believe I’ll cancel. I have no idea what will happen in the future but I’m very active 60 years old and don’t want to take the chance of being incapacitated. I have a daughter in law that is an orthopedic surgeon I guess I will ask her about her opinion on this drug. I’m not sure she’s had any experience with it.
M.
My wife was given a Reclast infusion for her calcium deficiency. Within two days she started vomiting, then diarrhea, flu symptoms, muscle and joint pain and mild confusion. She already suffers from a genetic blood disorder that is slowly, painfully killing her by robbing all her organs and mesentery of oxygen.
She has endured many procedures in hopes of prolonging the inevitable outcome. The concern started when we asked the nurse who administered the infusion about possible side effects. We were assured they had “Never” heard of any side effects actually happening.
Unreal. We called back to make sure my wife’s experience was normal. (yes we were given a sheet explaining common and less common effects.) My wife had this done though she has infected teeth and gums. We are scared.
Carolyn R.
I have to say that you are one of the lucky ones. Even my new rheumatologist that I went to see said he would NEVER give that to any of his patients. He is waiting for them to remove it from the market. I am not his only patient with similar side effects. He said it is very scary…
Good look and God Bless You. I wish you the best.
Carolyn R.
I used Re-Clast the first and only time in Dec. 2010 at the urging from my doctor. It turned out to be the biggest mistake in my life. It has ruined my past way of living.
I have severe joint, bone and tissue pain, Constant fever of over 100+ every day since the infusion, I developed heart issues (high Blood Pressure 180/120 and some times higher and inverted T-wave). My heart is not pumping enough blood through the arteries. I am on four heart medications now. I developed Sleep Apnea and Apnea-Hyopnea. My Oxygen levels are around 82% on most days and lower when I sleep and that’s using a Cpap. It has caused a huge weight gain.
When I first took the medication I weighed 120 I am now at 210. My eating habits have not changed if they have changed at all I eat less and only drink water. No sweets, little if any starches. I now have also been diagnosed not only with Osteoporsis/Arthritis, I also have rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, Fybromyalgia Hypertension, Chronic Fatigue syndrome. My teeth are falling apart and so many more things. All of this is on my last nerve.
The depression is overwhelming. No-one should have to go through this. The medication is poison. They should have done more extensive testing before releasing this to the unsuspecting public. My life as I knew it is over. My husband of 33 years is about fed up with all my health issue’s and he is all I have left.
dss
I was prescribed Fosomax to treat osteopenia. The first dose was uneventful, except for a brief period of nausea. But, with each successive week I began having more and more pain. The pain started in my upper extremities and progressed to all of my joints. I took the medication for 4 weeks and finally had to stop because I was bed ridden for 5 days. I could not afford to lose that many days every week. Don’t know what I’ll do if I develop full blown osteoporosis.
Bonbon
I took Fosamax for a couple of years but had to stop because of stomach ulcers (unrelated). Then went to quarterly Boniva infusions until Medicare stopped paying for it if you only have osteopenia. Once I progressed to osteoporosis, my doctor prescribed Reclast and I have had no side effects at all. I just thought people should be aware that this is not a monster medication and it works well for most people without side effects.
Dr and Pt
Typically people who have negative reactions will be the ones to comment. I am a patient and an MD. I have a family history of osteoporosis and I do everything I can to prevent it.I am 50 years old and went through early menopause.
I take 1500mg of Calcium, 2000 iu of Vitamin D3, drink milk, eat 2 yogurts a day. I run twice a week, do Yoga, lift weights, ski 35 days a year. I wear a weight vest (12 lbs) for an hour twice a week.
And still my bone density was decreasing. I am osteopenic but not osteoporotic…yet. I took Fosamax for a year and still got worse. My endocrinologist recommended RECLAST. He thinks I do not absorb medication well so the IV would be better.
I got the Reclast and was told to hydrate and premedicate with Tylenol, which I did. I had some mild joint achiness and stiffness but no pain.
I will see next year how it worked.
I am a geriatric physician and work in a nursing home. Fractures are a major cause of debility and death in the elderly.
PG
I was diagnosed with osteopenia and prescribed Miacalcin nasal spray. After the first dose, my throat closed up. Needless to say, I discontinued using it. I have now progressed to osteoporosis and my doctor wants to prescribe Fosomax or Reclast. I refuse to take any of those drugs because of the reported side effects. Unfortunately, my doctor will not discuss alternative methods such as strontium or other supplements. I am searching for a new doctor and need suggestions on what supplements to take and the dosage.
RWJ
I’ve had rectal cancer twice and awful viral meningitis in 2011 that totally took me down and out. I fell about 10 times until we discovered hydrocephalus and had a brain shunt put in place. I’ve made progress and finally got around to getting checked for normal issues in late 2012. We found I have osteopenia after years of prednisone to assist with walking due to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
My rheumatologist prescribed a Reclast infusion to strengthen my bones (fell lots in 2012) and to leave my digestive system alone. I had the infusion on Feb 5 and have felt the worst I have in several years! Joint pain, all over pain, just like an RA flare again for over 2 months. I know meds react differently on each person but I will not do that again… I don’t want to feel that bad for that long over something that should help me! Very disappointed with the medication.
JA
I have osteopenia and osteporosis that was diagnosed in my early 50’s. I had one doc prescribe calcitonin. I believe it is not a bisphosphinate. I did not take the calcitonin and now in my mid 60’s realized I must do something. Is the calcitonin a safer alternative?
raw
I took Fosamax for almost 9 years. My first problem was taking the once a week pill on an empty stomach. Against doctors orders, I stopped taking the Fosamax —I believe it has been over two years now—after reading stories such as the ones today. I have cramps/pain in my legs and shoulder once in awhile, mostly at night. That’s not as bad as some of the problems while taking Fosamax. I too may break a bone—I just take care not to trip and fall and take a low dose of calcium and D with my one-a-day vitamin.
I’m 81, I believe I’ve earned the right to a few aches and pains. I’m also fairly active even though I’m now on oxygen (chronic COPD), but still go somewhere almost daily and still enjoy doing a little work in my yard. I’ve lived this long and never had a broken bone. As Linda mentioned, this is better than becoming a couch potato.
RR
I was given a prescription for generic Fosamax. After taking only one pill, I started getting cramps in my legs at night that were so severe that the muscles in my feet and legs were “fluttering” and causing my legs and feet to involuntarily jump. This reaction went on for several months after stopping the medication. A glass of tonic water at bedtime helped a little, but did not relieve the cramping. I refused any further osteoporosis medication. My osteopenia has now progressed to osteoporosis.
MM
I will not take Reclast! Once it is in your body it is there forever!! There is no antidote that will take it out of your system! Yes, I have osteoporosis and my doctor wanted me to take Reclast and I refused to take the infusion and instead take natural supplements
Carolyn K
I had a terrible reaction to Reclast, excruciating pain in my bones and joints for several days and continuing pain in the joints of my thumbs for many months.
I’m doing everything I can to rebuild bone density without having to have another dose of Reclast–in addition to taking calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 supplements, I’m exercising, taking strontium, drinking green tea (http://usat.ly/10ZAjye) and taking a green tea extract supplement, eating prunes (http://bit.ly/10ZBr4P), using raw molasses as a sweetener, and doing whole body vibration (http://bit.ly/10ZA5Hs) twice a week.
And there are even more things we can do to maintain and even increase bond density (http://bit.ly/10ZBOwg).