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 gently @gently

tizza, I haven't taken Reclast, but have been following this thread, which may give you hope for the long run. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reclast-side-effects/
Welcome to connect, Your post will elicit new answers as well. I think you'll hear from dannyanddebbie.

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@gently
Thank you! I’ll check the link.

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Profile picture for tiza @tiza

@dannyandebbie
Thank you so much for your reply and insight.
I have the same relationship with my endocrinologist. It would make sense for them to at least report these symptoms to the drug companies or the FDA for data purposes, but hey! Why bother?!
I have done an MRI of my back and ultrasound of abdomen. My PC is sending me to all these doctors to try and find out what’s happening… some do listen and agree that the Reclast infusion is not a good idea.
I do meditation and exercise daily. It’s just very uncomfortable and unusual the pain on my side ribs.
I hope you will keep getting better. And yes, positive thinking is the key. 🙏🏼

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@tiza my endocrinologist sent me to Rheumatology; did blood test and x-rays and could not find anything out of the normal for a man my age, sent me to neurologist, who did more test and X-rays and found nothing and suggested I return to my primary for any follow up! I do not see my endocrinologist reporting anything because he supports the Reclast and sent me fishing for a potential issue outside the Reclast. It is also my understanding that participles continue to travel around inside the body. That being said, something could be bothering you today and gone tomorrow or move to a new location. I read this from some one earlier today and I agree with this statement!

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Profile picture for daisy17 @daisy17

@dannyandebbie I read so many statements from women on this site who experience side effects from various bone medications, while their doctors insist their symptoms are not related to the drug. I don't understand how the doctors can be so uninformed. A quick google search shows many sites, such as Drugs . com that include a long list of side effects.

This is from AI Assist: "Common side effects of Reclast (zoledronic acid) include flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, headache, and bone, muscle, or joint pain. Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, and unusual fractures, so it's important to monitor for any concerning symptoms and consult your doctor."

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@daisy17 I agree with you. However, being a veteran I go through VA for treatment. I’ve thought a lot about seeking a community primary physician because the VA doctor seems to carry the attitude “ you need to do as I say or why are you here wasting my time “ attitude. The more I see doctors the more I want to Stay clear!

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@daisy17 I agree with you. However, being a veteran I go through VA for treatment. I’ve thought a lot about seeking a community primary physician because the VA doctor seems to carry the attitude “ you need to do as I say or why are you here wasting my time “ attitude. The more I see doctors the more I want to Stay clear!

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@dannyandebbie are you going to take the shot again?

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@daisy17 I agree with you. However, being a veteran I go through VA for treatment. I’ve thought a lot about seeking a community primary physician because the VA doctor seems to carry the attitude “ you need to do as I say or why are you here wasting my time “ attitude. The more I see doctors the more I want to Stay clear!

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@dannyandebbie so sorry the docs gave you a run-around…if you can, seek a doc who will be more a partner in health/healing…they do exist…good luck !

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Profile picture for tiza @tiza

Hello,
I’m new to this forum.
I had a Reclast Infusion in May 2025. After a year dealing with knee pain issues my Dexa Scan results were terrible.
My endocrinologist had already suggested I’d need it, after doing some research I refused it for about 5 years.
Since the infusion, I’ve had digestive problems and pain on my left ribs. Strangely, on the first 24 hours after the infusion this is the exact place where I had intense sharp pain. It’s mostly during the night and in the morning.
Anyone experiencing the same?
Thank you!

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I had a reclast infusion in May of 2025 as well I didn't feel the effects in my bones or anything but I believe my bone density went down cuz I noticed I had a rib fracture on an X-ray and I think there was something in my pubic bone and I had increased bone density for 2 years after using for tail and my doctor told me to do the reclast and I completely regret it I think it hurt my bones. Side note my legs have become really really weak I believe it's from my herniated disc or something neurological but part of me is kind of questioning the reclast

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Profile picture for serahjane @serahjane

I had a reclast infusion in May of 2025 as well I didn't feel the effects in my bones or anything but I believe my bone density went down cuz I noticed I had a rib fracture on an X-ray and I think there was something in my pubic bone and I had increased bone density for 2 years after using for tail and my doctor told me to do the reclast and I completely regret it I think it hurt my bones. Side note my legs have become really really weak I believe it's from my herniated disc or something neurological but part of me is kind of questioning the reclast

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@serahjane
I’m sorry you’re going through so much. I also feel my legs have become weaker, but I’ve had these issues with my knee so I keep blaming it. This medication is very toxic and can cause harm, I wonder if it really is worth the risk.
Take care of yourself with exercise and positive thinking. Thank you for sharing.

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Profile picture for tiza @tiza

Hello,
I’m new to this forum.
I had a Reclast Infusion in May 2025. After a year dealing with knee pain issues my Dexa Scan results were terrible.
My endocrinologist had already suggested I’d need it, after doing some research I refused it for about 5 years.
Since the infusion, I’ve had digestive problems and pain on my left ribs. Strangely, on the first 24 hours after the infusion this is the exact place where I had intense sharp pain. It’s mostly during the night and in the morning.
Anyone experiencing the same?
Thank you!

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The nightbof the infusion I had fever and back and right rib pain. My knees a,so hurt plus my hands swelled up snd joints hurt. It is seven months noww and my knees still hurt some but the rib pain is just about gone.

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Profile picture for nycmusic @nycmusic

@dannyandebbie so sorry the docs gave you a run-around…if you can, seek a doc who will be more a partner in health/healing…they do exist…good luck !

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@nycmusic I have thought about doing this. However, I would then have to sign up for different health insurance to seek a new primary outside of VA. A friend recently shared that this Reclast Infusion can last and move throughout one’s body for up to 10 years. Guess the right way to look at that is to tell myself, I only have about 8.5 years left at this rate. For the most part I do pretty good. Once in a while when I am trying to do something productive and my shoulders really start to hurt it frustrates me because I am independent for the most part. I just try to give myself a bit of a break, take my two K9’s for a walk and walk off the frustration. There are times I think my wife is thinking that I am procrastinating and maybe once in a while I am but usually I am not, if that makes sense. I did not have these symptoms before the infusion. Having had bladder cancer 5 x , when someone suggests something I feel like I acted without research….a lesson learned. Honestly, today seems like one of those days where I feel totally frustrated and that is okay, we all deserve a break periodically.

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