I had my First Reclast Infusion today.

I had my first Reclast infusion on Friday, 4/25/25. I was very anxious about having this infusion because of some of the comments made by others who have had negative experiences with this. I expected the worst (that way, if it was not bad, I would be very pleased). I have to report that I had no side effects from Reclast. Today is Sunday, two days after the infusion. I am tired, but that may be because I have not been active after the infusion. The infusion nurse told me to rest for two days post infusion. I had the full dose and it was infused over a 45 minute period. The infusion center was very comfortable, and they were very accommodating. I was warned ahead of time to make sure and hydrate, so I started drinking a lot more water one week prior to the infusion. I was advised to take Tylenol 30 minutes before my appointment, and I did so (1000mg). I also took 2.5mg Valium at the same time, because of my anxiety about this. I am still hydrating because I think it's better for the kidneys. I think that because we are all different, some may have reactions to this and some may not, and it may depend on various factors like pre-existing health conditions, medications you currently take, etc. I don't know, but just something to consider. You can ask me anything you like about this, and I'll be happy to answer. Reclast was my only option, after having taken Fosamax, which I could not tolerate, Evista, which did nothing. Atelvia, which was fine, but I developed Barrett's esophagus, Forteo for 12 months, Prolia for 3.5 years, and Tymlos for 10.5 months. I'm glad I don't have to think about taking any drugs for this, now, for another 12 months! Thank you for listening 🙂

Thank you for this @georginas. Your report is very helpful. Do you know how many years you will be taking Reclast? It looks like you are having injections once a year? Also is this covered by your insurance (or Medicare if you have it?). thank you

Hi @deborahla,
My endocrinologist told me that I will be on Reclast for 3 years, and then I will take a drug holiday. These infusions are once per year. They do them at an infusion center because they have to start an IV drip. They can set up the drip for any length of time, but the doctor really needs to specify the infusion time in the order. My doctor was not willing to adjust the dose. I'm on Medicare (original) with a supplement (AARP United Healthcare) and they will pay 100%. I just wanted to be an encouragement, because when I read so many horrible reviews about this drug, I developed really bad anxiety. When I spoke to the NP at the infusion center, she told me that it is rare for people to have serious side effects from Reclast, and those who have those side effects should not have another infusion. She also explained that hydration is the most important thing, both before and after the infusion. Take care, and I hope you find the right treatment 🙂

hi, it is very kind of you and I would like to ask some questions!! I've been diagnosed with osteoporosis for 3 y now and i refused from to take any meds due to my anxiety and panics toward side effects. I know it is not a smart decision and starting meds is imminent... I just fantasized that something else with less and light side effects will come on the market for us, post-menopausal women... I'm 63 with t-score -2.9 active and dealing with my teeth, root canals extractions and implants. What was your score when you started meds if you don't mind me to ask that question?! Warm regards and all the best

Hi @deborahla,
My endocrinologist told me that I will be on Reclast for 3 years, and then I will take a drug holiday. These infusions are once per year. They do them at an infusion center because they have to start an IV drip. They can set up the drip for any length of time, but the doctor really needs to specify the infusion time in the order. My doctor was not willing to adjust the dose. I'm on Medicare (original) with a supplement (AARP United Healthcare) and they will pay 100%. I just wanted to be an encouragement, because when I read so many horrible reviews about this drug, I developed really bad anxiety. When I spoke to the NP at the infusion center, she told me that it is rare for people to have serious side effects from Reclast, and those who have those side effects should not have another infusion. She also explained that hydration is the most important thing, both before and after the infusion. Take care, and I hope you find the right treatment 🙂

I do not know how the nurses at the infusion center can say anything about the number of patients who have adverse effects except for those effects that are immediate. They would not be party to effects that started several days after one leaves the infusion center.

Do you know the length of the drug holiday? And what is next after that? Thank you so much for this; it relieves my anxiety to know what is ahead. I know the treatment is individual and depends on response but it's good to have an idea of what might be.

The NP told me that those who come back for a second infusion tell her how they have reacted to the drug. I asked her if they follow up with the patients after infusions, and they do not. Once they leave the infusion center, they don't really know what happens to them, unless they do come back for another infusion. In my review of the infusion center, I will suggest that they make follow up call with all patients who have the infusion to see how they react. Because I agree with you, they do not know unless the patients tell them at their next infusion.

Hi nelluna17,
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis when I was 42 years old. I had had a hysterectomy when I was 40 and was unable to be on HRT. I refused to go on drugs for a few years because I didn't take my diagnosis very seriously. I don't remember what my T score was back then (I'm 68 years old now) but I know at my worst I was -3.4 in my hip. That's when I went on Forteo. I was able to find my bone density scan results for the following years: 2009 was -2.8 AP spine and -2.3 dual femur. 2011 was -3.0 AP spine and -2.4 dual femur. 2013 was -3.0 AP spine and -3.1 dual femur. In 2018 I went to a different facilty and my results were: lumbar spine -2.6 and left hip -1.7, femoral neck -2.8. I had some improvement in comparison to 2016. But then in 2020 lumbar spine was -2.5, left hip was -2.3, femoral neck was-2.8. In 2022 (this was during Prolia) lumbar spine was -2.4, left femoral neck was -2.4. My VFA indicated a wedge compression deformity at T4. Later, I had a fracture at T2. My femur density increased by 4.8% I had to stop taking Prolia because I developed an infection in my lower jaw and had to have a tooth extracted. I take really good care of my teeth and was shocked at this diagnosis. It took me 4 months to heal from the extraction because bone remodeling was very slow due to the Prolia. I started taking Tymlos in April 2024, soon after the extraction site finally healed (the extraction was on 12/1/23). It had been 10 months since I had had any osteoporosis meds by the end of April 2024. I was only able to take Tymlos for 10.5 months because I developed high blood calcium. My new doctor ordered another bone density scan after the Tymlos and my lumbar spine was -1.6 (improved from -2.4 in 2022), left femoral neck was -2.7 (worse from -2.4 in 2022), and right femoral neck was -2.1. I would like to develop a chart with all these results so I can track improvements and/or decreases for all of these years. I hope some of this helps (and I'm not boring you!), but if you have upcoming extractions and implants you will want to wait until your dental issues are resolved, unless you are able to take Tymlos or Forteo (these drugs will not cause osteonecrosis of the jaw). My doctor said to me "so you'd rather break a hip and take the risk of being permanently disabled rather than possibly suffer some side effects from a drug that will prevent fractures?" I cried right in front of him. He left the room and sent his NP in to talk with me. Ugh. In the end, the decision is yours, and you have to weigh the risks and the benefits, and that is so hard! I am so sorry you and all of us here are going through this. All the best to you, and please let me know if there is anything else I can help with 🙂 Blessings to you.