Bone Loss Drug Reclast

Welcome to Connect @seniorlady. We will get some other members to get into the discussion of Reclast.

Your doctor may have told you that Reclast is a bisphosphonate like Fosamax and other drugs in this class, which address osteoporosis by slowing down degeneration of bone cells (not helping to build new ones). For that purpose, Reclast is administered by injection by a doctor once a year. For other problems, like Paget's disease and after-effects from Prednisone, it is administered more often, frequently by the patient. Could you let us know about why your doctor has you considering Reclast? Are you considering the annual injection or something more frequent?

You'll be interested in this link to WebMD on the subject: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148235-952/reclast-intravenous/zoledronic-acid-solution---injection/details.

My wife was on Fosamax for several years to treat her osteopenia, but was taken off after its side-effects and limited ability to rebuild bones was publicized a few years ago. She's now "in recovery" without medication, combining a moderate calcium supplement, vitamin D3, and daily hour-long exercise as her therapy. But her experience may be unusual, and Reclast may be effective for you. Should you have doubts, perhaps you'll arrange for a second opinion from another qualified healthcare professional.

Thank you. My age is 82.<br><br>My recent Dexascan was compared to one in 2009 (baseline), and 2013. Compared to the baseline in 2009 and this year 2016, there has been an 8.1% change in the Bone Mineral Density of the lumbar spine and a 7.1% change in the BMD of the femur. The doctor considers these changes statistically significant. He is recommending Reclast infusion once a year for (I think) three years and then none. He has also increased my dosage for Calcium w/Vit D to 500-600mg, one per day; and, increased Vit D3 to 5000 IU per day.<br><br>My recent Dexascan report says: “This patient is at moderately increased risk for the development of fractures related to decreased bone mineral density.<br><br>I need to decide if I want to receive the Reclast infusion as above. Or, ask for the Actonel pill I was taking before. I never had any bad side effects from that; I just decided after some blood work that it wasn’t doing that much good.<br><br>Is Reclast better at doing the job? It seems like it might have bad side effects and if you take the infusion, it’s in your blood already. Not like you can quit taking a pill. You already have the drug for a year.<br><br>I think that exercise and the Calcium and Vitamin D3 increases would be the place to begin and if, after another Dexascan in a year or two, the findings are worse, then I would consider the infusion of Reclast.<br><br>My opinion.<br><br>

@seniorlady, thanks for the added information about your bone assay results. Our friends here on the Connect will have more rungs on the ladder of information they can provide.

I am still hopeful that you can do two things with your doctor(s): First, get a full explanation to eliminate your uncertainties about Reclast, particularly why it and/or other bisphosphonates (like Actonel) are being recommended; you might also ask about your parathyroid gland. Second, if your quandaries remain after that, consider getting a second opinion.

If possible, I would enroll in a group exercise program -- water workouts or yoga or other low-impact workouts -- to secure your balance, improve your movements, strengthen your back muscles. That and her calcium/D3 supplements have been helpful to my wife of 56 years. We'll be checking on you regularly as you mull your options in light of your strong commitment to live well and prosper!

I plan to discuss with my internist early this week. Yes, my thyroid is up and down and she is checking that periodicaly. I have an enlarged pituitary, so am aware of the connections. I feel that I know why the osteo doc is recommending reclast...he believes it will be helpful and he may be right. However, I believe at 82, I can afford to try the moderate approach for a year and decide other options, depending on the outcome of "my" therapy. In the end,
we all know our own bodies better than anyone else. Thanks for your input, appreciate your "second opinion". Helps to talk it out with someone.

<br> <br>I did have the Reclast drip and I had minor discomfort ( upset stomach) for a few days. It was tolerable and I had no side effects. The good outweighs the bad.. I will be receiving my second treatment in a few weeks but have chosen the newer treatment called Prolea..Best to you in your decision..     Sandicam in Agawam Mass <br><br><br>

Reply @ seniorlady. I have Reclast infusions once/ year for osteoporosis. I will be having my 3rd soon. I had another bone scan last week and a little improvement has been shown in my numbers, plus I only had Osteopenia in my hip, and it has been sustained (no Osteoporosis there). I've had no known side effects from the drug and feel it was a good choice for me. <br><br>

@seniorlady . . . Over the past 4 years, I've had two Reclast infusions; last year I was given a 'rest' from it and am due for an infusion shortly. I have osteoporosis and was on Fosomax or Boniva off and on for over 15 years, which didn't stop the bone loss. I hope to alleviate any concerns you have about side effects - I've had NO SIDE EFFECTS! The instructions given me were to drink at least 8 ounces of water 1-2 hours before the infusion, and even bring water with me to drink while undergoing the infusion. I have been on prescription Vitamin D (50,000 IUs) one day a week, and 5,000 IUs the other 6 days, as well as 1200 IUs of calcium each day. I began an exercise plan about 8 years ago -- I do both Pilates and gentile Yoga almost daily. This year I've added small weights and some workout machines a few times a week. Best wishes to you in your healthcare -- let us know how the Reclast goes for you, if you decide to go with this infusion.

Thank you. My instructions for the infusion are different: 16 oz of water on the way to the appointment; Start 5,000 IUs of D-3 and 500-600 mgs of calcium per day. Glad you had no side effects. The exercise is important. Thanks again.

@seniorlady, I think the dosage of Vitamin D, calcium, etc is determined by the level of bone loss and extent of osteoporosis. My situation has contributing factors -- about 18 years ago, I was on extremely high dosages of prednisone for 2 years due to issues with the lining of my heart. It's now recognized that high doses of prednisone affects bone loss. But the prednisone worked wonderfully and I've overcome the heart issue! Best wishes!

I am going through multiple myeloma and have had bone strengthening IV once a month. I have had no side effects from it.<br><br>