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My turn ~ Another view on Reclast [Zoledronic acid aka Zometa]
If all of the comments about the horrible side effects of Reclast have gotten you petrified. Please read on.
I read many of the comments about Reclast in this support group and moved forward with my Reclast infusion with quite a bit of apprehension.
My history: I had also had a friend die due to a broken hip as a result of untreated osteoporosis. So when alendronic acid [Fosamax] quit working, I knew that I had to do something.
I started with 12 month of Evenity to build my bone. Then I was ready for the Reclast infusion. I prepared for the Reclast side effects that I had been reading about. I took five days off from work and had my cupboards stocked. As instructed, I hydrated before the infusion, 10 cups or more of liquid for three days.
The infusion itself was extremely easy.
Premedication: 2 regular Tylenol and 1 regular antihistamine.
1/2 hour of infused hydration solution
1/2 hour for the Reclast infusion, followed by
1/2 hour of infused hydration solution.
[Tip, if antihistamine makes you sleepy, like it does me, consider having someone drive you home.]
Then I waited. I took Tylenol as instructed [2 regular strength every 6 hours]. I continued hydrating. I had been instructed to follow my normal routine as long as I felt like it. So I did my normal workout the first evening, which includes a lot of stretching.
Second, third and fourth day, still thinking that severe side effects would appear, I continued the hydration and the Tylenol. Tired but no side effects.
My Conclusion:
WHY? First I am not a medical provider. But here are my thoughts.
1. I had been taking another bisphosphonate so several years and my body had become accustomed to it [Fosamax and Reclast are both bisphosphonates].
2. I took hydration seriously.
3. I went to the University of Kentucky Hospital Gill Infusion Center, one who does many Reclast infusions a week. They had the procedure down. Don't just go anywhere.
I hope this helps someone else.
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CarolynK,
There is hope that romosozumab will turn out to be salvation for our bones without cardiac risk.
The study was observational. Beyond the cautions expressed by the doctor who led the study and beyond the limitations of observational studies, this study has a very large blindfold.
All of the patients in the Evenity "cohort" had prior screening-out if they had cardiac risk. This being reason for and the result of the Black box warning. None of the patients in the bisphosphonate arm were screened for existing cardiac risk
Behind the paywall for this study may be acknowledgment of this limitation, as well as information on who funded the study.
The author of the article uses the word proof for what the author of the study calls suggestion.
I'm tickled by the neurologist's logic that because Fosamax was safe for you, Evenity should be, by percentage, safter.
I expect you will have great gains with Evenity.
Bless your bones.
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1 Reaction@carolynk what are you taking after evenity
So glad you got along well. Sometimes the initial 3 days supposedly flu etc is not severe. UT can become severe weeks to months as time goes on for the unlucky ones a lot of them it's ruined their lives. It's all about how it changes your bone mineralization or metabolism. No one knows who get the terrible sude effects and who will not. It dies not necessary mean if u hydrate enough and take Tylenol or antihistamine etc ; its just the unlucky ones that sideffect u never know when u will be that one. Or could be that you are more autoimmune than someone else if you get horrible ones or how many other bad health conditions you have but no one actually cares or do they care to find out why some get horrible ones and some dont.
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2 Reactions@carolynk Thank you so much for your experience. I am 64 and was on fosomax from 2013-2017 and then was put on a drug holiday. I am at the point now where the osteoporosis has gotten severe again and need to restart treatment. The Dr favors 2 years of Tymlos which builds bone followed by reclast for 3 years. I am not sure if I want to go through the process of daily injections. I may ask her opinion about evenity as a bone builder instead. My other choice was reclast alone for 3 years or fosomax for 5 years. So hard and a bit scared of what my reactions to these meds may be.......
@cpog I have a similar history as you. Fosamax from 2018 to 2024 then Tymlos, generic Forteo, and now Evenity. The Evenity has been the easiest for me since it’s a monthly injection for a year and with fewer side effects and less insurance company hassle as it’s handled through my doctor’s office instead of through a specialty pharmacy that requires your insurance company pre-authorization be validated every month.
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2 ReactionsHi Carolyn,
Your note is timely for me.
I start Reclast in 2 weeks and am worried with a bit of anxiousness.
After reading your post, I do feel better. Thank you for that.
I am going to an infusion center.
I have been told about the importance of hydrating and that is it, so far anyway.
I'm 68.
I took Fosamax 2 years ago and was so ill and couldn't eat much. So I stopped.
I'm told having Reclast intervenously will bypass stomach upset/gurd.
Oh, and I am now under the care of an Endocrinologist.
Thanks again. I wish you and everyone else on this site, the best!
Sue B.
@sbax75 After you are done with Reclast and your BMD improves can you go off the drugs? Curious as to what your doctor is saying. I was told you can only be a Reclast for a few years (studies were only done on 3 years).
@cpog during your drug holiday did you continue to heavy weight train and take HRT?
@oopsiedaisy If your BMD is good after Evenity are you done with the drugs?
@dvargo No, I never did HRT. I have exercised through the years and used weights.