Zoledronic Acid (Reclast) can I have just one infusion?

@grrranny got it on the radiation. It is surprising he had a fracture with a score of -2.7, which is close to borderline. Was the fracture caused by the cancer? Did the DEXA take the fracture and cancer into account? I wonder if some docs would not prescribe for -2.7 even with a fracture, if the fracture was not caused by osteoporosis. I have no idea!

@bonana Reclast does not grow bone, but affects turnover so density increases over time- so it seems plausible that it is not a risk factor if you have had chondrosarcoma. Even Forteo and Tymlos , which do build bone, didn't scare me but my cancer wasn't in cartilege or bone. I hope your doctors can answer this question. It is hard when oncologist don't know osteoporosis and endos don't know cancer!

Nobody knows what caused his 2 compression fractures (resulting in kyphoplasty surgery.) He had the first one 2 years ago, and the last one 2 months ago. We suspect the methotrexate he was taking for RA for 20 years prior had something to do with it, and his severe kyphosis, as well as his pulmonary fibrosis. He was switched last year to azathioprine for his rheumatoid arthritis.

Hello Andrea, I also live in BC Canada and asked for a referral to the Osteoporosis Pacific Geriatricians Clinic in Vancouver. I initially asked to see the local endocrinologist, then asked for the Vancouver Clinic referral I thought would be more specialized. My appointment is in May also with an Internal Medicine female doctor who helped establish the BC coalition of Osteoporosis Physicians. Is this the same clinic you were referred to? My T scores are similar to yours at -3.5 in the spine. From my research and following Keith McCormick I am also surprised and wondering why you were put on Zoledronic Acid first. I appreciate you sharing your experience as it helps prepare me for what I may encounter at this clinic. I was diagnosed in late November 2023 at age 66 and have only seen my primary care physician so far.
Debbie

My understanding per my oncologist is that Zometa is favored to help prevent Mets to bones but side effects can be rough and biophosphates are now often first line. I’ve just started Fosamax (weekly oral) and still anxious about side effects. Is this what other folks have heard? Xo

Zometa is a bisphosphonate. It is zoledronic acid, the same med as Reclast with a slightly different dosage. Zometa seems to be used more to prevent mets, Reclast for bones, not sure why.

Thanks windyshores! Yes I just realized Reclast is the trade name and I can tell you that endocrinologists at Brigham Woman/Dana Farber, Boston would offer Reclast as I just spoke to my oncologist at Dana Farber. My very knowledgeable endocrinologist at MGH and I am trying Fosamax - no specific reason other than symptoms seemed to be bit more bearable but If no improvement in a year I guess I will try Reclast. Perhaps I should have started with Reclast - how are people feeling after Reclast? xoxo

Hi Andrea - thanks for sharing as at 58 yrs, my breast cancer drug, Letrozole has put me deep into osteoporosis similar to you and I'm started with weekly oral pill, Fosamax. If it doesn't get absorbed I will switch to IV Reclast but I'm very worried as Reclast seems bit more harsh. Please keep us posted on how your are feeling one month after your first Reclast infusion. Is this an annual infustion? xo

I've had 3 reclast infusions (2019, 2021, 2023). I was sick for several days after the first, mostly fatigue and joint pain, and 1.5 days for the last two. Those were the only reactions. My osteoporosis was not severe, but it did reverse/stop bone loss. I also do weights and other resistance exercises and take calcium and magnesium citrate. A friend has been on reclast pills for a few years for fairly severe osteoporosis; negative effect is mainly loss of smell and taste. I'd rather be sick for a few days then take pills (the infusion lasts for more than a year at resorbing calcium into bones).

Thanks for weighing and super happy to hear your side effects so manageable. I guess I'm worried that the fatigue would linger - I've never heard that loss of smell/taste is a side effect.

I have a few autoimmune diseases so my reclast reaction was likely more severe than the average. The reclast reaction was gone after several days. I suspect my friend's smell/taste loss is a rare reaction. She started reclast pills before covid appeared.