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Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time

Posted by cindydee @cindydee, Mar 20, 2018

I just had a reclast infusion last week and have had serious side effects. I had the worst flue like aching for 5 days then my lefty arm became full of inflammation in the wrist, elbow and shoulder which caused extreme pain and I lost the ability to straighten my elbow. Ultrasound showed huge amounts of fluid throughout the arm. The right arm is now starting to have the same symptoms. The pain is excruciating. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Neither the ER doctor nor the Dr. who prescribed the procedure knew what to do to ease the symptoms. Both arms from fingertips to shoulder are swollen and neither elbow will straighten. Anyone else have adverse reactions to the reclast infusion? If yes, how long did it last?

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kaybollinger79 | @kaybollinger79 | Jul 12 4:38pm
In reply to @pattybaehr "I am 70. I had osteoporosis at age 48. Was unsuccessful with Fosamax due to GI..." + (show)
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I am 70. I had osteoporosis at age 48. Was unsuccessful with Fosamax due to GI effects. Did not start injection treatment until 57. Did Prolia w great success- no side effects and after 4 years had achieved increased bone density to osteopenia. My doctor kept me on Prolia for 12 years even though I had 3 breaks in the last 2 years. So I sought an osteoporosis specialist who told me you should have only been on Prolia for 6 years and then switch to another drug. So he started me on Evenity. First set of injections I just had leg fatigue, which I reported. 2 set within 48 hrs I had such extreme leg pain both legs from muscle contractures I ended up in the ER. They gave me Fentanyl, did blood work, and had a CT scan. Everything was normal except for a slightly elevated white count. I told my osteoporosis MD who seemed doubtful that it was the Evenity, but my husband, also a doctor said def the Evenity. So the next month I got an infusion of Reclast. I took ibuprofen before the infusion, the next day, and only the morning of the third day. By bedtime on the third day I was experiencing a lot of leg pain, both legs,and one arm. Ibuprofen helped. Then vole up this morning, the 4 th day at 5 am with a lot of leg pain. Ibuprofen helped, but very fatigued legs. I’m trying not to panic about this treatment as it’s the 4 th one I’ve done and there’s not much left. I’ve broken 9 bones since I was 48, and I don’t want my end years to be dreadful. I’m very active, healthy otherwise, and this has always been my biggest health issue. It was for my mother as well. I’m trying to put trust in this osteoporosis doctor. It’s difficult since other doctors have let me down. And very about long term side effects. Once a year infusion just sounds terrifying. Best wishes to everyone for healthy vibes

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The drs. Always think they know best. They don’t know our body like we do. I have a friend who took Ocean essence for osteoporosis and reversed it to osteopenia. Ordered some this week…hope it works. I a. Afraid f any more infusions after reclasp did me in.

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vgen | @vgen | Jul 13 8:50am

I have an appointment for my second d Reclast infusion next Friday. After hearing these side effects it really makes me wonder if i should proceed. I did. Have flu and muscle pain from 1st infusion, but doctor doesn’t think that’s a worry.

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bettythedog | @bettythedog | Jul 13 6:12pm

HI-..2021, 1st infusion, thought I was aging 50 years overnight-lasted about 4 days. 2nd infusion- took Claritin
before my infusion, and continued with tylenol every 4 hours for 2 days-all good. 3rd infusion-same protocol,
maybe a little fatigue, but all good. Drank lots of water, rested, but very very little discomfort. This was
recommended by the infusion office.

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lkf109 | @lkf109 | Jul 14 7:07am

I had similar pain in my arms, wrists and hands but they started a month and a half after the infusion and lasted for a few months. I couldn’t imagine what this pain was but then after doing some reading I put two and two together and saw that it could be the reclast. The bone pain is horrible. I’m sorry that you’re experiencing this.

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harborside24 | @harborside24 | Jul 14 7:44am

I have my first infusion this Wednesday and will heed the advice of all here who hydrated well and took Tylenol and Claritin. I don't know why doctors are not aware of this, especially the Claritin. I began my extra hydration yesterday and hope these things help. I can't take Forteo or Tymlos, and Alendronate Sodium worked for a short while, then not so much. My sister reacted terribly to Prolia (we are very similar physiologically), so the end doesn't want me on that. Since I had already taken generic Fosamax, he is hoping my body recognizes the Reclast. I hope so, too!

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ladybugnc | @ladybugnc | Jul 14 11:55am

I had my first Reclast infusion last November and had no problems whatsoever. Did not take any Tylenol etc and was fine. But then 4 months later I started having terrible pain and discomfort in my left arm, which was where the infusion was done. And now even 4 months later I still have limited use and strength. I am so thankful it has not spread to any other parts of my body. I can take a Tylenol and rest and it is bearable and may even go a few days with no pain, just limited use. I wish you the best.

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kgrainger | @kgrainger | Jul 14 1:58pm

I landed in the ER 8 hours later with severe spinal pain it lasted 5 days

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kaybollinger79 | @kaybollinger79 | Jul 14 10:12pm
In reply to @vgen "I have an appointment for my second d Reclast infusion next Friday. After hearing these side..." + (show)
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I have an appointment for my second d Reclast infusion next Friday. After hearing these side effects it really makes me wonder if i should proceed. I did. Have flu and muscle pain from 1st infusion, but doctor doesn’t think that’s a worry.

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If you had one already it is not a problem…my cousin gets them every year.

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kaybollinger79 | @kaybollinger79 | Jul 14 10:17pm

My hands swelled and I had to get rings removed at the hospital. I drank lots of water with lemon and it seemed to help. I read where someone went on medral pack of steroids and I think that helped. I think your body and mine had an autoimmune reaction and our body decided to attack the reclasp. When it did that, it attacked our muscles and joints.

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vgen | @vgen | Jul 15 9:09am
In reply to @kaybollinger79 "If you had one already it is not a problem…my cousin gets them every year." + (show)
Profile picture for kaybollinger79 @kaybollinger79

If you had one already it is not a problem…my cousin gets them every year.

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Oh thank you. That’s good news.

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