My turn ~ Another view on Reclast [Zoledronic acid aka Zometa]

Posted by CarolynK @carolynk, Jan 18 8:52am

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

jozer | @jozer | Feb 12 7:48am

Statistically most people do not get the truly severe side effects of a reclast infusion. Side effects are possible, not probable. I had almost nothing in regard to the actual infusion. I have had bone pain in various parts of my body on and off, sometimes severe but not worrisome as I know that is a side effect and it isn't affecting my lifestyle. I have had a comparatively easy time of it compared to many on this site. That being said it will be a hard sell to get me to do another infusion, especially if there isn't major improvement in bone health. Side effects can be severe and life changing for a drug that "might" help bone health. Jury still out on whether you take this once a year, less often, less dosage, and the length of time it is in your system. And unlike most meds you can't "stop taking it" as it is a year long (or more) dose. So a once a year powerful drug infusion with possible severe side effects would have to give me the bones of that elusive 30 year old woman for me to sign up again!

jimmy05 | @jimmy05 | Feb 12 11:32am

In reply to @vagirl57 "@jozer I was never given any prep instructions. Just show up & stick your arm out." + (show)

@vagirl57 same with me no instructions. Show up and stick out arm. I had my first reclast infusion today at Illinois bone and joint. I prepped with 64 0z of water before infusion, 1 Zyrtec, and 2 extra strength Tylenol. Praying it works with no side effects!!!! They were great at infusion center had a slow drip and saline flush once infusion was completed..

kristie2 | @kristie2 | Feb 13 10:55am

In reply to @jimmy05 "@vagirl57 same with me no instructions. Show up and stick out arm. I had my first..." + (show)

@jimmy05 I had no side effects after my infusion. Hopefully the same for you.

susanjohnston | @susanjohnston | Feb 13 12:01pm

In reply to @jimmy05 "@vagirl57 same with me no instructions. Show up and stick out arm. I had my first..." + (show)

In reply to @vagirl57 How did it go? And did you ask for a saline flush in advance? Thanks so much.

ginger1957 | @ginger1957 | Feb 13 4:26pm

In reply to @jimmy05 "@vagirl57 same with me no instructions. Show up and stick out arm. I had my first..." + (show)

@jimmy05 How are you feeling now?
After much consideration and another compression fracture 2 weeks ago, I'm going to begin Reclast. I tried Fosomax 7 years ago after my first compression fracture but could not tolerate it due to the esophageal discomfort. I chose to focus on exercise, diet, and supplements. Unfortunately my bone density has continued to decline and I am now severe osteoporosis.
I hope you are feeling well and achieve the best result.

jimmy05 | @jimmy05 | Feb 13 5:10pm

In reply to @kristie2 "@jimmy05 I had no side effects after my infusion. Hopefully the same for you." + (show)

@kristie2 yesterday I felt totally fine just extremely tired. Today I woke up out of sorts. I continued hydrating thru the night and taking Tylenol. Throughout the day I just felt weird and a little achy. At 4:00 pm my feet felt very cold and I just began running a small fever.. I pray it stays minor and doesn't get worse!!!!!!! I'm so upset... they told me 97% of people that get Reclast have no side effects, I guess I'm the 3%....

jimmy05 | @jimmy05 | Feb 13 5:14pm

In reply to @ginger1957 "@jimmy05 How are you feeling now? After much consideration and another compression fracture 2 weeks ago,..." + (show)

@ginger1957 what does your esophageal discomfort feel like I too was on alenondrate for 3.5 years as well I have hoarseness when I talk a lot..what symptoms were you having with your esophagus????

jimmy05 | @jimmy05 | Feb 13 5:28pm

In reply to @ginger1957 "@jimmy05 How are you feeling now? After much consideration and another compression fracture 2 weeks ago,..." + (show)

@ginger1957 I have chills and a low grade fever. In bed now praying it doesn't get worse. During infusion of reclast yesterday nurse said he's done over 10,000 reclast infusions over last 21 years with 97% patients having 0 side effects with only 3% having side effects... I guess I'm the 3%... so frustrated!!