1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health
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Reclast vs Fosamax??

Posted by sebutler @sebutler, Nov 9 8:42am

I am being given a choice of either Fosamax or Reclast starting in January, when I will have ended my two years on Tymlos. Does anyone have some evidence-based opinions/advice/medical input whether to opt for one or the other? I know that Reclast is "stronger," since it is infused. But I wonder if that is a good thing or a bad thing in terms of "locking in the gains" of the anabolic. In these Mayo Connect posts, I've read of really ill effects from Reclast, which makes me nervous (looks like one person who posted ended up in the ER; others seem to have had long-term effects). But the idea of taking one shot, then forgetting about all of this for a year is so attractive. With Fosamax, I'd have to take a pill every week, which really isn't that bad, but I would so like to be done with this osteoporosis stuff. Never had a fracture; otherwise in good health; no other meds; age 74.

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clowny | @clowny | Nov 24 9:19am
In reply to @harborside24 "@clowny I was very lucky to have a good experience with my Reclast infusion. But I..." + (show)
Profile picture for harborside24 @harborside24

@clowny I was very lucky to have a good experience with my Reclast infusion. But I followed advice on here and from my doctor to the letter...start hydrating extremely well two days before, the day of, and two days after. Take Tylenol and an antihistamine as well. These things all help with what is called an acute phase reaction. Be sure you ask for a 45 minute infusion with a "saline push", I think they call it and a flush afterward. But everyone is different, and other health issues could impact your reaction, I would guess. Good luck to you!

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@harborside24
Thank you for your advise
I will follow it to the tee

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harborside24 | @harborside24 | Nov 24 10:15am

I hope it helps you.

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horserider79 | @horserider79 | Nov 24 11:33pm

I just did my 1st Rwclast infusion last week and it kicked my butt! One of the side affects is feeling like you have the flu and body aches. I felt good after the infusion, but at 6:30 am the next morning, I woke up and felt awful! I spent the whole day resting on the couch. The only good thing about it is, you only have to do it yearly.
Good luck with your decision.

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nparadisum | @nparadisum | Nov 25 9:00am
In reply to @clowny "@sharzee I am scheduled to begin annual Reclast infusions in February when I will be done..." + (show)
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@sharzee
I am scheduled to begin annual Reclast infusions in February when I will be done with Evenity.

My friend just had a Reclast infusion and now has sores on her face and her mouth and nose. She too was okay for a day and then it hit her.
She also thought she had a cold but now discovered it is another rare side effect.

I am now very concerned about Reclast.
Dose anyone have any experience with Reclast?

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@clowny got my first Reclast infusion last week. No side effects at all. I'm 84

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clowny | @clowny | Nov 25 9:42am
In reply to @nparadisum "@clowny got my first Reclast infusion last week. No side effects at all. I'm 84" + (show)
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@clowny got my first Reclast infusion last week. No side effects at all. I'm 84

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@nparadisum
That's great news!!
Thanks for letting me know
Happy Thanksgiving!

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beachesanddreams | @beachesanddreams | Nov 25 2:54pm
In reply to @nycmusic "@beachesanddreams love your way of dealing with meds, very encouraging…i did something like it with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for nycmusic @nycmusic

@beachesanddreams love your way of dealing with meds, very encouraging…i did something like it with my CRC meds…IF someone is considering Reclast—maybe ? start with a lower dose to see how you react—they can adjust dosing and timing (not so fast), and many people do pre-meds, etc. to help with possible side effects.

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@nycmusic I find docs are funny about adjusting meds that are administered in a manner that allows adjustment.

For example, my first rheumatologist suggested I if I start Tymlos, to start at a lower dose and titrate up, to adjust to any side effects.

But a rheumatologist I saw today was very much against that, saying patients should start the highest dose.

At the end of the day, we have to advocate for ourselves as best we can.

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Nov 25 5:23pm
In reply to @beachesanddreams "@nycmusic I find docs are funny about adjusting meds that are administered in a manner that..." + (show)
Profile picture for beachesanddreams @beachesanddreams

@nycmusic I find docs are funny about adjusting meds that are administered in a manner that allows adjustment.

For example, my first rheumatologist suggested I if I start Tymlos, to start at a lower dose and titrate up, to adjust to any side effects.

But a rheumatologist I saw today was very much against that, saying patients should start the highest dose.

At the end of the day, we have to advocate for ourselves as best we can.

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@beachesanddreams absolutely well said…we are patients, but need to be active partners in healing…speaking up is one of the best ways to feel you do have a certain amount of control- don’t give that up !

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Nov 25 5:27pm
In reply to @harborside24 "@clowny I was very lucky to have a good experience with my Reclast infusion. But I..." + (show)
Profile picture for harborside24 @harborside24

@clowny I was very lucky to have a good experience with my Reclast infusion. But I followed advice on here and from my doctor to the letter...start hydrating extremely well two days before, the day of, and two days after. Take Tylenol and an antihistamine as well. These things all help with what is called an acute phase reaction. Be sure you ask for a 45 minute infusion with a "saline push", I think they call it and a flush afterward. But everyone is different, and other health issues could impact your reaction, I would guess. Good luck to you!

Jump to this post

@harborside24 great advice, very clear !

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