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← Return to My turn ~ Another view on Reclast [Zoledronic acid aka Zometa]
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My turn ~ Another view on Reclast [Zoledronic acid aka Zometa]
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Mar 4 1:01pm | Replies (74)Comment receiving replies
@clj9821 I am new to this forum and so appreciate all of the information and shared experiences from all of you. I met with my endocronologist this afternoon and she wants me to get the Reclast infusion. I tried Fosamax a couple of years ago and after a couple of weeks, had such horrible abdominal pain I passed out and fell. Fortunately I didn't break any bones. I swore off any meds until I had my next DEXA last July and with a -4.2 T score in my lumbar spine, I was forcefully encouraged to try Evenity. I had my first injection on a Friday and Sunday I was in the ER with heart attack symptoms. Those cleared up so I had another injection 6 weeks later (typically 4 weeks but because of my first reaction, endo decided to wait an extra two weeks). I had such severe bone pain I couldn't even walk. I have had 3 total knee replacements (same knee) and a hip replacement so I know something about pain, but the bone pain from the Evenity was so much worse than post-surgery pain. So I quit the Evenity in Decemer. I am terrified of getting the Reclast infusion because of my history with side effects. My endo says she understands my hesitancy, but that since I am at such high risk, I really need to take something because I will continue to get worse and it is not a question of "if" but "when" I will have a fracture. I am otherwise in perfect health. I hike daily, lift weights and am very fit at 66 years old. My endo also thinks I will tolerate the Reclast better than Fosamax because it is infused and thus bypasses the digestive system. Based on what she told me and what I've read here, I guess I will close my eyes, hold my nose, and take the jump and pray the side effects will be managable and that my next DEXA will show improvement. I hope everyone continues to get better and stronger.
Replies to "@clj9821 I am new to this forum and so appreciate all of the information and shared..."
@carole59 Good luck and yes there is a bit of jumping in blindly. I did as above .. minus the lack of response from my Endo.. my messages were actually erased on the portal twice! As for saline infusion for 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after. Drink the water, take Tylenol. It's scary, isn't it. We are trusting something that we can't take our of our bodies. I am still solid in my decision to do it. And I will for the next two years, once a year. Best to you Carole. I'll standby.. and send up a prayer or two or ten! Cynthia
After reading about your experience, I thought I would weigh in here, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. When I was diagnosed with osteopenia on my way to full blown osteoporosis, I was given options of medications. I didn't want to take any medications after reading about them. Well 2 years later after a follow up bone scan, and worsening numbers, my endocrinologist pretty much told me I needed to take something. Well, after much discussion we started with Evenity. I only had three injections because my body really didn’t like it and I was having side effects. My doctor contacted the manufacturer and a joint decision was made for me to stop Evenity, I wasn’t a good fit. Then the next best was Reclast. I was scared to take this drug after reading about it, but I had to do something. All this said, I had two infusions over a two year time frame. After a bone scan showed that my bone mass was improving, so I was given time off from Reclast. It’s been almost two years now. After the first infusion, I felt terrible for about 6 hours with flu like symptoms. Those symptoms passed as quickly as they came on. A year later the second infusion, I had no issues. My doctor monitors my bone markers every 6 months and a bone scan appropriately. I’m sure at some point I will need to do Reclast again. I discovered that a lot of water and Tylenol prior to the infusion helps with the side affects and also lots of water after which is recommended. It’s a tough decision for anyone that has osteoporosis and medication is recommended. I discovered not all medications work the same for everyone. It truly is an individual choice. The only thing I can say is keep an open dialogue with your endocrinologist. I am 73, was diagnosed in my late sixties and last year had a knee replacement. So far so good. I only share this information because I’ve been asked in the past how old I am. I wish you success in your decision.
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@carole59 Be sure to prep with plenty of hydration, Tylenol, and your choice of antihistamine a couple of days before, the day of, and a couple of days after to minimize acute phase reactions. I'm thinking good thoughts for you!