Does anyone have a solution to help manage Reclast side effects?

Posted by dingus @dingus, Aug 15, 2024

Does anyone have a solution to combat Reclast side effects. I had the infusion a year and a half ago and the side effects started shortly after I had the infusion. I still have weak legs, swelling in feet, pain in bones, dizziness (serious dizziness), cold sweats, tired all the time and nervous twitching in bones. Any suggestions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@kaybollinger79

Over long term…this is a five day pack.

Jump to this post

Good to know ....

REPLY
@dannyandebbie

Should you decide for a second infusion I would be interested in hearing your results, both bone density and pain level. 13 months and it’s at its worst in the middle of the night. All I have to do is attempt to roll over and the pain wakes me right up, sometimes 3-4 times a night

Jump to this post

Like others here, I also have had issues since my infusion about 15 months ago. For me, it's my right leg that has had flareups that are much worse at night. I also assume it's because I am not moving and then when I do it's incredibly painful. Same when getting up after sitting too long as in being in a car or other situation. Once I get moving, it's better but never completely goes away. I've been doing exercises provided by PT to improve muscle strength as now my right knee shows osteoarthritis. Some I stopped as it seemed to make matters worse. At this point, I don't see how it will ever improve to where I was before the infusion.

REPLY
@gravity3

Steroids, particularly corticosteroids can have a negative impact on bone health.

Jump to this post

I was on high dose steroids for a long time for a rare autoimmune disorder. Steroids caused my osteoporosis have had 3 infusions and funny thing is that if you have a reaction they prescribe steroids. What a cycle. Thankfully I have never had any problems

REPLY
@harborside24

I had my first Reclast infusion Wednesday, July 16th. This group was instrumental in my preparation for the infusion. I began hydrating well a few days before, in addition to starting the 650mg Tylenol and Claritin regimen that was recommended by one of the posters here (she had the protocol of the physician who ran the clinical trials). My endocrinologist and I had the same discussion about dosage, as I am very petite. But he felt it was important for me to begin with the 5mg. The nurse initially told me the infusion would be 30 minutes, and I said I needed it to be at least 45. She was fine with that. I had the saline flush prior to and after the infusion. I will continue the hydration, Tylenol, and Claritin regimen over the weekend and then call it good. I felt a bit of "something/twinge" for a brief period the day of the infusion, but nothing else. It was fleeting and did not cause concern. I am so grateful for this group!

Jump to this post

Could you please guide us to the post you’re referring to regarding the regime recommendations from the physician who ran the trials? Thanks!

REPLY
@lurawilson

Could you please guide us to the post you’re referring to regarding the regime recommendations from the physician who ran the trials? Thanks!

Jump to this post

I could not find the exact post, but below is part of another post that is essentially the same information. It will be interesting to see how my body reacts to the next dose in a year or two. I also added one Claritin per day 2 days before the infusion, the day of, and 2 days after to reduce the risk of the acute phase reaction that so many have experienced. I did not want to take steroids, as they are not good for the bones. My infusion was 45 minutes, not 60, and I began taking the 650 mg of Tylenol 2 days before as well and then followed the daily regimen below. That way it was already in my system, and the nurse did not have to administer it. Good luck to you!

First, I order the infusion nurse 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 safer 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%.

REPLY
@fabpainter

Like others here, I also have had issues since my infusion about 15 months ago. For me, it's my right leg that has had flareups that are much worse at night. I also assume it's because I am not moving and then when I do it's incredibly painful. Same when getting up after sitting too long as in being in a car or other situation. Once I get moving, it's better but never completely goes away. I've been doing exercises provided by PT to improve muscle strength as now my right knee shows osteoarthritis. Some I stopped as it seemed to make matters worse. At this point, I don't see how it will ever improve to where I was before the infusion.

Jump to this post

Honestly! I feel the same way!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.