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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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Thank you!!
I finished one year of monthly Evenity last month and will be having the Reclast infusion next week on the 19th. I just sent a note to my endocrinologist with a copy of your infusion information and asked for the same. I've had a rough few years medically and I am concerned about possible side effects from Reclast. My endocrinologist is not very responsive so please send up a prayer or two. I so appreciate your post and the positive nature that gave me hope to make this road easier. This will be one of 3 yearly Reclast infusions. Stay well and thank you, Cynthia
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1 Reaction@jimmy05: I am so very sorry you are experiencing these side effects. I am only on Prolia now, but doctor said if I ever have a fracture I would need to go on Evenity or Reclast. My friend went to Stanford last week and the endocrinologist she saw said Reclast over Evenity. So, you did your best based on the advice you received. I hope you are feeling back to normal soon. Please let us know.
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2 Reactions@jimmy05 I hope your side effects don't last long. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.
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1 Reaction@jimmy05 Would you mind sharing how you got your fractures? I have several OP in my spine and worry about getting them. Thanks.
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1 ReactionI am one of the “rare” people that had horrible reaction to Reclast. NEver again.
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3 Reactions@daisy17 I had my 1st compression fracture T7 lifting my father off the toilet. My father had a diamond Lou Geherigs disease so he list the use if his legs I went to lift him and heard a bone break I thought at first it was his ribs then I felt the severe pain in my chest. The 2nd compression fracture was at T8 I'm not quite sure how i did it either lifting a piece of equipment at work or help lifting a dresser at first I had a severe pain in mid back for a few weeks then I bent over awkwardly to be picked up up a bag of groceries.. so both of my fractures came from lifting heavy objects that I will not be lifting anymore..
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2 Reactions@gabby56 what side effects did you get from your reclast infusion? So far ny side effects were body aches, chills and fever.. yesterday was awful but today seems a lot better! Chills are gone and fever broke for now, hoping it's gone.. I still have body aches..
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2 Reactions@ginger1957 thank you!!!! Yesterday was awful!!! I just woke up at 3:30 pm today from last night. My chills are gone and fever has broke!! I still have bad body aches hopefully they subside soon..
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3 Reactions@mkoch Mary Ann, I feel a lot better today!!!!! My fever is gone and chills hopefully for good.. I still have body aches but I can deal with that. I've done so much research on these drugs and there side effects. Ultimately I was leading towards reclast because it's been out for over 30 years with so many studies and trials done on this drug. I know 6 other friends of mine currently taking it which also helped with my decision. I am 57 years old I had to do something to stop from fracturing my thoracic spine.. so I'm praying this works for me. I read that you are taking prolia, how long can you take that medication for?? Did you have any side effects that you could share.?? My rheumatologist had mentioned that nah be my next drug to take.. thank you again! Hoping alls well with you!
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3 Reactions@jimmy05: My endocrinologist said once you start, you shouldn't go off because you can suffer more bone loss than when you first began in a short amount of time. You are taking reclast for bone growth and then Prolia "locks it in" (endocrinologist talk) as the Prolia slows bone break down. I have been on it for almost 6 years and never had a side effect until I went for my bi-annual injection and was told that on that particular day I wouldn't be receiving the Prolia version of denosumab but the new-on-the-market biosimilar, Jubbonti. I had terrible bladder pain that kept me in bed with a heating pad most of the day. I also made a video visit with my primary care doctor and got an antibiotic. I informed my endocrinologist that I would never have another Jubbonti injection. She got permission from my healthcare organization to allow me to continue with Prolia. But as an advisory, always drink plenty of water after your injections if you go that route. Glad to hear you are doing better.
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