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😊