Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time

@bonebuddiesforlife

see https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-method-to-treat-osteoporosis-under-development/

@bonebuddiesforlife I read that the other day, as well. I'm going to send it to my endocrinologist, inc case he hasn't seen it.

@harborside24 my specialist won’t entertain listening to anything new .
She only wants to prescribe medication.
She won’t acknowledge my DEXA or REMS testing.
I have decided to move on.
Please let me know what you find out .

@bonebuddiesforlife

I have read it too. Sounds very promising, but I am afraid the development of cure based on the receptor will take too much time to be of importance for me.

@melia7
Likewise , it’ll be 15 years before this becomes available for people like us .
I have sent a referral to a hospital in Vancouver that studies each person and create a tailored made solution based on your particular issues.
I’m holding out hope this will help me.

June 18,2025 I had a reclast infusion. Initially I had no side effects. When I saw my doctor in September she asked if I had any side effects which I said no. I also told her I had unexplained severe pain in both knees and pain in my right hip radiating down (she didn’t connect the dots). I’m 75, normally walk briskly 3 miles a day and am very active dusk to dawn. After many months of increasing pain I began to do research - where’s this pain coming from - why now. The only thing that changed was the infusion. Web md said to notify doctor which I did and was rudely blown off saying I can’t have symptoms 6 months later (it was three). Now when I wake up I can’t bend my left knee and have trouble getting out of bed and walking. I have pain in both knees and left leg all day long. My question, if this is a reaction, will I get better

I got reclast infusion 12-1/25. The back of my shoulder burns and the pain radiates to my elbows which at time I can’t kick straight. It feels like tennis elbow. Then it goes to my wrists with same pain. I started taking ibuprofen which helps with horrible pain. The act of closing my car door sends me into pain in my elbow. I wasn’t going to take this crap but my dentist confirmed my mouth was healthy so I should go for it. I can’t pick up heavy things I’m so handicapped. This drug has ruined me

I received this injection about 3 years ago. About 4 hours later I experienced the WORST pain in my life. From my chest to my pelvic area. Of course, this was about midnight thru about 5:00am in the morning. Would have called doctor but not during these hours. I called the place where I received the infusion and they had no clue/help for me.
I will never take this medicine again. Getting Prolia shots 2 twice a year now and never a problem

@judydav just curious if you are still experiencing symptoms from your Reclast infusion? It has been 18 months for me and there are days I can hardly move my right shoulder / arm and my left foot is almost impossible to walk on at times. These symptoms started the day after my first and last infusion. The pain and discomfort was so great it would wake me 5/6 times a night; now, maybe 1-2 a night; hopefully the day is coming that it will be gone. My endocrinologist would like to do additional treatment; I’ve decided against any additional treatment outside of having a retest of my bone density.

Reclast (zoledronic acid) can cause pain, but not for everyone — and when it does, it’s usually temporary.
Here’s what most experience:
Common Types of Pain After a Reclast Infusion
Symptoms typically begin within 24–72 hours after the infusion and last 2–4 days (occasionally up to a week):
Muscle aches (like you’ve exercised hard)
Joint pain — especially hips, knees, shoulders
Bone pain — often described as “deep aching”
Headache
Back pain
This cluster is known as an acute phase reaction, and it happens because the medication stimulates your immune system temporarily.
How Common are they?
About 20–30% of first-time users get flu-like symptoms including body aches.
However…Pain is less common with second and third yearly infusions.
Most reactions are mild to moderate.
Who’s More Likely to Feel Pain?
1) First-time bisphosphonate users
2) People who are vitamin D deficient
3) Those who didn’t hydrate well beforehand

Ways to Reduce or Prevent Pain
Before and after the infusion:
Stay well-hydrated (2–3 glasses of water with electrolytes before and after)
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if safe for you) starting right after the infusion and for the next 24 hours
Make sure your vitamin D is adequate (many doctors aim for ≥30 ng/mL)
Red Flags (Rare but important)
Contact your doctor if you have:
Severe pain that lasts more than a week
Fever above 101°F
Pain in the jaw or groin/thigh area that is persistent or worsening
Any signs of an allergic reaction (very rare)
Don’t know if you did any of these remedies…but may be helpful for others…the doctors are terrible at educating us on how to minimize or eliminate side effects…seems like they wait to see if you call in…and then they still don’t know…maybe they should have to try a dose😊