Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time

If anyone is having a Reclast infusion soon, please be sure to begin these things a day or two before, day of, and a day or two after: lots of hydration, Tylenol, and your choice of antihistamine. All of these help to minimize the potential acute phase reactions. Reading the side effects can be daunting, but keep in mind that the FDA is required to list any side effect reported even if it's rare. And of course, any other health issues you may have could possibly affect how your body responds. Make sure your infusion is at least 30 minutes, preferably 45 for some of us. I learned so much about the Reclast infusion from this group, and I am grateful for the tips shared by patients who had a positive experience. It made all the difference for me, and I'm praying that continues when I have my second one this summer. We are all in this together!

@harborside24 My endocrinologist is having me do the infusion over 90 minutes. I’m not getting it for at least a few months so I still need to get insurance authorization and have the infusion center given those instructions, but he was happy to go with my request for a longer infusion.

I have been on Fosamax for 2 years but had to come off in December due to stomach inflammation which I had never had before. Now my rheumatologist wants me to start Reclast. Has anyone had a good experience with this drug? The side effects are frightening.

I prepared for my first reclast infusion just as directed by amping up my water intake all weekend. Infusion was midway Monday and I had no symptoms leaving the hospital and thinking maybe I will be one of the lucky ones. Didn’t sleep well, body aches and headache started Tuesday morning with extreme tiredness and drowsiness. By noon my chills so bad my teeth chatter and my electric blanket on high was not enough to warm me up. My husband checking my temp stayed at 102 all afternoon. He diligently attended me with cool damp cloths for my forehead and back of my neck. And he kept up with my Tylenol intake precisely on time so I’d have in my system and lots and lots of water. I was nauseous and had stabbing pains that would make me call out Ouch! I was just so miserable! Today is Wednesday and had a up and down toss and turn night trying to find a comfortable position. My splitting headache continues with almost crippling joint pains even my skin is sore . My face feels like it’s blistered from the sun. I’m rethinking the infusion next year.

I have had two infusions of Reclast, May 2024 & July 2025. I had absolutely NO side effects!! No one told me to take Tylenol, an antihistamine and hydrate a lot before & after, but I do drink a lot of water normally.

I was a bit worried before the first one, knowing that you can’t remove a drug that’s been infused into your veins, but I guess I’m lucky. Thank God, because I have other health problems are tough to live with, so I didn’t need more!!

Before I had the first Reclast infusion, I took Forteo (daily injections) for 4 years.
My endocrinologist kept me on it after the recommended 2 years because my bone density had not improved enough. I never had any side effects/problems through the entire time I took it.

Just thought I would share my experience, in case it helps someone.

@crown7930 I had the same reaction plus vomiting. NEver again. Poison