Reclast - Please share your positive experiences

@deborahla I share your concern. That’s one of the main reason I’m hanging back on the Tymlos for the time being. Taking Tymlos means I’ll have to have another round of Reclast at the end to lock in any gains. I’ve already had 5 years (over the past 12 years) of bisphosphenates— 2 of Actonel and 3 of Reclast. Not excited about adding more bisphosphenates.

These decisions are so hard!

I wish I had known about this forum prior to receiving my first infusion of Reclast on April 1st of this year and had done more research. I know initial poster @jjpoodlespress had wanted to hear good results but I'm sorry to say that I don't have any to share (yet) and instead wanted to post my current experience so you can consider it in making your decision.

Was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in 2021 at age of 56. Initially tried to reverse bone loss with weekly Osteogenic loading, diet and supplementation. When second dexa scan in 2025 continued to show decline (while not a significant decline it did concern me), my doctor suggested I try a Reclast infusion. I was told I was not a good candidate for other treatments as I have Barrett's esophagus and acid reflux.

I did everything I could to set myself up for success. Researched preparation that resulted in those who reported no side effects (Super hydrating 2 days prior (62 oz. of water a day) and day of. Taking Claritin which has histamines and Tylenol to minimize pain, before and after. During endocrinology consult requested 45 minute drip instead of usual 15 minute. Had wanted to break 1 year infusion into 2 half year infusions but was denied this request because was told there was no research to back up the efficacy of this reducing side effects.

Felt fine 4/1 after morning infusion, continued to hydrate, take Tylenol, and Claritin, was a little tired so took a nap, by evening started feeling pressure and tightness in my chest which gradually became worse and sent me to the ER at 2:00 am. It was not my heart that was causing me pain, and was verbally stated it was probably musculoskeletal pain due to infusion. Chest pain subsided over next day and by evening of 4/2 was gone, but also noticed my left eye and then my right eye the following day was a little red and irritated. Started having eye tightness and pain upon movement and ended up going to urgent care on 4/6. Shared my suspicions with Doctor on-call that it was possibly a rare side-effect due to my recent Reclast infusion and also an article from NIH - National Library of Medicine "Diffuse ocular and orbital inflammation after zoledronate infusion - case report and review of the literature" which talked about use of steroids in treatment. She prescribed me oral prednisone 20 mg. Unfortunately after taking one tablet the next day my vision went blurry and 4/6 was the last day I have been able to see clearly (20/20 after Lasix surgery 20 years ago). Not sure if this blurriness was the result of taking Prednisone or if it was the natural progression of my eye condition.

Saw opthamologist on 4/8 and was diagnosed with Acute Iridocyclitis in both eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome. Was prescribed Prednisolone 1% drops to place in eyes every hour while awake and a dilation drop at bedtime. At 4/14 follow-up inflammation was better and adhesions on pupil were almost gone, but vision was still blurry. Started gradual weaning of hourly Prednisolone and discontinued dilation drop. Currently doing Prednisolone every 8 hours. It is hoped that my vision will possibly return to normal when Prednisolone is fully out of my system as treatment can cause blurry vision. Vision is currently 20/350 🙁

I also have jaw and teeth pain from Invisalign retainer that I wore with no pain regularly prior to infusion. Working with my dentist to figure that out. So fearful that since I had one rare side effect that makes me a candidate for another (osteonecrosis of jaw).

I have my first trip to Europe coming up on May 15th and I'm determined to go despite all of these side effects but I really wish I had not rolled the dice on being one of the lucky ones that have no side effects, because you never know until you try it. Maybe try something less long term at first to see how you react as Reclast is in your system for up to 10 years!

My only hope is that my next bone scan will show some improvement. If it does I will post again!

Like you I was very reluctant to take Reclast, but I felt like I had to. I've had two infusions of it over the past two years and have had no side effects. Like some others on this list, I think being well hydrated before and after makes a huge difference. Best of luck.

My positive experience is that I had a negative one. I had severe side effects for three days after the infusion. No one prepared me to take the Tylenol and drink water before the infusion that was certainly part of it. The way I look at it is the reaction I had meant that my body really needed the medicine. I have had some really bad experiences with some really severe medicines and it has always been such that I needed the medicine and that was a definitive way to know I was doing the right thing.

Love the positive response!

Great positive response that OP was looking for!

It’s good to hear a positive experience. I am so on the fence about taking g this. My dr said the same exact thing. I am 71 and he is in favor of me trying it.