dimdinia,
30 to 40 % of zoledronic acid patients experience an accute phase response. Medical literature describes it an intense flu lasting for 3 to 4 days. Patient reporting indicates that it can last much longer.
The md who ran the clinical trials offers this advice.
"I am an osteoporosis expert, and have treated many patients with IV zoledronic acid. I have also played a key role in the development of Fosamax, oral and IV Boniva, so I know a lot more about bisphosphonates than most physicians. There are 3 things I routinely do when I treat patients with IV zoledronic that not all physicians understand. First, I order the infusion to dilute the 5 mg of zoledronic acid (which comes in 100 mL of D5W) into 500 mL of NS (normal saline), thereby diluting the drug from 5 mg% to 0.8 mg%. Then I order it to be administrated over 60 minutes, instead of 15 minutes. Giving an N-BP more dilute and more slowly makes it even safety for the kidneys. The 3rd thing I always do is order the infusion nurses to administer 650 mg of acetaminophen to the patient during the infusion, and I tell the patient to take at home the same dose of acetaminophen (two regular strength Tylenols) with dinner and at bedtime the day of the infusion, with all 3 meals and at bedtime the day after the infusion, and a final (7th) dose with breakfast the 2nd morning after the infusion. These 8 doses total of acetaminophen reduce the chance of a symptomatic APR from 20-30% to < 1%.The other thing to consider is that in most patients, a 5 mg infusion of zoledronic acid will control the rate of bone turnover for at least 24 months, so most of my patients do not get annual infusions."
Zometa is marketed for cancer. Reclast is marketed for osteoporosis. Same drug zoledronic acid. Zometa is 4mg. Reclast 5mg even though they know that 4 mg is equally effective as 5mg for osteoporosis.
If you can get Zometa it would be better than Reclast because of less unnecessary exposure. You might print the above advice and give it to your prescribing physician so that they can direct the infusion center.
Some people don't have adverse effect.
Best wishes