Reclast infusion side effects?

Posted by ladybugnc @ladybugnc, May 26, 2025

I had the Reclast infusion 5 months ago in my left arm. I have started having pain in that arm now, with loss of strength. Has this happened to anyone else?

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Profile picture for niifty1 @niifty1

Your experience is encouraging! I am having Reclast infusion Nov 3 after 2 yrs of Tymlos. Could you share amounts/doses of water/meds and time line. Also your eGFR.
I am concerned about damage—my eGFR is 55 and Creatinine is 1.0! Thnx!!!

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I began taking Tylenol and Claritin 2 days before. Continued the day of and 2 days after. The Tylenol was 650 mg. One Claritin (24 hr.) per day. I made sure that I drank at least 48 ounces of water each of those days, but tried to do more when I could. I can't tell you my numbers because we just moved and everything is packed up...sorry! Just be sure to drink 32 ounces of water the morning of the infusion before you have it. They will do ( or should do) a saline flush before and after the infusion. I think that's what they call it. Insist on a 45 minute infusion. They may not want to do it, but do not allow them to do it in 15 minutes or even 30. Personally, I think the shorter times and lack of preparation (water, Tylenol, Claritin) may be contributing to so many people having acute phase reactions. I noticed that one person said they didn't even have a fever. I didn't, either. You've got this!

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I can’t thank you enough!!!
Really appreciate you taking time to give me the details and responding so promptly!!!

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I had terrible headaches...not a pain reliever person, however I had to take 2 Xtra strength Tylenol 3 times a day for relief...!!! Headaches finally subsided after 3 months...!!! I talked with (to) Dr., will not have another Reclast infusion...!!! He agreed...

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Profile picture for maryjt @maryjt

I am contemplating getting the Reclast Infusion. Is there anyone that HAS NOT gotten any reactions to Reclast?

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Hi @maryjt I had my first Reclast infusion in May 2025. I saw my dentist prior to confirm that my dental health was excellent. I hydrated well the day before and the day of. I have had no side effects whatsoever, and I hope that will continue! For reference, I've also had taken Fosamax intermittently, plus I've done one year of Evenity and one year of Tymlos. So far, so good!

Btw, many people on this site have come here to research the side effects they're having or to explore potential problems when they're considering treatment options - both very valid concerns. Therefore, the responses are about side effects and problems. There are many posts about positive responses to these meds, but you have to look for those separately. Hope that helps! Best wishes to you moving forward.

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Profile picture for hollygs @hollygs

Hi @maryjt I had my first Reclast infusion in May 2025. I saw my dentist prior to confirm that my dental health was excellent. I hydrated well the day before and the day of. I have had no side effects whatsoever, and I hope that will continue! For reference, I've also had taken Fosamax intermittently, plus I've done one year of Evenity and one year of Tymlos. So far, so good!

Btw, many people on this site have come here to research the side effects they're having or to explore potential problems when they're considering treatment options - both very valid concerns. Therefore, the responses are about side effects and problems. There are many posts about positive responses to these meds, but you have to look for those separately. Hope that helps! Best wishes to you moving forward.

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Thank you hollygs!!! I really appreciate your comments. I am planning to get Reclast soon. The pain in my leg is bothersome and keeps me from enjoying some activities. Best wishes to you! I hope you health continues to improve.

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Profile picture for maryjt @maryjt

Thank you hollygs!!! I really appreciate your comments. I am planning to get Reclast soon. The pain in my leg is bothersome and keeps me from enjoying some activities. Best wishes to you! I hope you health continues to improve.

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Thank you! Do come back and let us know how you're doing. I hope you will have an excellent response!

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Profile picture for maryjt @maryjt

I am contemplating getting the Reclast Infusion. Is there anyone that HAS NOT gotten any reactions to Reclast?

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Research thoroughly before you actually decide to go ahead, my opinion from experience

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

Research thoroughly before you actually decide to go ahead, my opinion from experience

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Thanks for your reply. I am wondering - What research did you do? Did you have a good experience?

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Profile picture for miriammoore @miriammoore

I experienced a severe autoimmune reaction to Reclast. My osteoporosis primarily is in my hips, and my endocrinologist prescribed 12 months of Evenity injections, which I tolerated without any issues. After completing the 12 months, I had another bone density test, which showed significant improvement. My endocrinologist was very pleased with the results and recommended that I receive two Reclast IV infusions, spaced 12 months apart.

I had my first infusion 7 weeks ago, and within 48 hours, I became completely stiff and immobile from my skull down to my feet, with intense pain. My doctor explained that the Reclast had attacked my musculoskeletal system, something she described as “unprecedented.” I was prescribed a 5-day course of Prednisone, but once I finished it, I relapsed completely. Another 5-day course was given, but she then advised me to “tough it out” with Diclofenac since Prednisone is counterproductive for bone health.

The Diclofenac did not help and caused severe stomach issues, so she switched me to Celebrex. By the fourth week, I was 100% back to normal from my shoulders to my feet, but the stiffness and pain in my neck and the back of my head (skull) remain relentless. Every attempt to taper off Celebrex results in such severe stiffness that I’m unable to function. In the past week (6th week) I've developed Vertigo.

Weighing only 100 pounds, I’m worried I might have been given the wrong dosage. I’m physically and emotionally exhausted from the unrelenting stiffness and pain. I’ve decided to consult a Neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders, as I’m convinced Reclast has caused lasting damage to my cervical spine. This has been an absolute nightmare, and I see no end in sight. I plan to report my case to the FDA.

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I’m so sorry for the pain you’re in.. my study is so similar to yours.. I’m on my second pack of prednisone pack. I can hardly lift my arms my shoulders hurt so bad..
The ER was totally not knowing what to do.. I said I wanted no pain meds I just wanted any answer if possible!!
I was just wondering did you see your neurologist and what did he say!
Thank you.
Hugs to you my friend!

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Profile picture for maryjt @maryjt

Thanks for your reply. I am wondering - What research did you do? Did you have a good experience?

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Unfortunately, I did no research until after the infusion. I truly wished I had. It’s been 14 months and my shoulders and left foot are by far the worse. There are day it take all I can to raise my arms ! Honestly, I push myself all the time to hopefully not allow the pain to take control. My endocrinologist wants me to try something different. He is right in a way, I’ll not be trying Anything more. I shared my symptoms and he recommended that I see a Rheumatologist. I made an appointment and not able to get in until 01/29/2026! Yet, Endocrinologist continues to call me to schedule an appointment for an injection of a different kind of medication; which I have declined. I had to start going to physical therapy biweekly since. The pain has continued since the infusion! Prior to the infusion I had zero pain and I wish I never had it done. As we age we all become more prone to bone fractures and I would have taken my chances! I hope this helps you! Really think, it’s your body and no one else can advocate for you except yourself!

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