Reclast infusion side effects?

@laniphil54 The first infusion a few years ago was without any issues or problems. The day after the second infusion I felt like I was hit by a train. Sweats, fever, aches from head to toe. I had taken the flu shot and covid shots weeks before this. I sent my PC a message and she asked if I had done the Reclast infusion. I was surprised and said why? She explained it sounds like the effects from the infusion. I was furious. Why didn’t the Endocrinologist warn me of this? I knew from previous discussion with dental surgeon that I should put off Reclast until having any oral surgery done. Holy crap!!!! My Endocrinologist swore the effects I had were not from the infusion. I must have the flu. I put off going for any further infusion. Last year when I saw the Endocrinologist she insisted I get another Reclast infusion. She gave me an Rx for a steroid to take 2 days before the day of and day after. Appointment scheduled, Rx filled then I read information on the infusion again. I canceled the appointment and I am changing Endocrinologist. I will not go again!

I've had three RELCAST injection's over a three year period. The first infusion was the worst. At first I thought had the flu. The Pain was so bad my wife took me to the ER. As soon as I informed them I had a RELCAST injection that day they gave me a morphine shot and admitted me. The next day I was fine. The second and third infusion there was no pain. My Orthopedic physician did another DEXASCAN the third year and the bone display it was getting stronger. The reason for the RELCAST was a fractured my femur twice. My question to the doctor was why didn't the start the RELCAST after the first fracture. I never received a good answer. Good Luck.

The first fracture required four plates, 16 bolts & nuts and 200 staples. The second fractured added 2 more plates, 8 bolts & nuts, and 20 staples.

P.S. I have fallen several times after the RELCAST infusion treatments and have NOT fractured anything. The weakening of the bone is primarily due to having Type 1 Diabetes for 67 years and getting old. LOL

I’m glad to find this forum, and sad to hear that Reclast long term side effects are a thing. 63 (F), height loss of 1” in a year, -2.7 lumbar score—thus Reclast.
I’m six days out from my first infusion. Ten hours after infusion I had chills, a fever of 101, nausea and vomiting, intense shoulder pain, and overall muscle and joint pain. Couldn’t leave the house the next day. Symptoms continued and I went to ER where they insisted I probably had the flu, so tested me. Negative, of course. Also gave me a CAT scan because I had stomach pain—at least they gave me Zofran first. But the fluids I was desperate for came only 3 hours later.
Day 6, appetite poor, slight nausea, low grade fever, total exhaustion.
I feel like this isn’t getting better anytime soon. Will ask for blood work next week if there’s not significant improvement.
Interesting: I asked the infusion nurse if I could get a bag of fluids after the infusion, knowing dehydration was a possible side effect. She said they used to do that before Covid, when fluids got scarce. They never resumed them because they were expensive and “nobody died” without them.
I hear your all’s frustration about Drs insisting symptoms aren’t related. Keep pushing to be listened to. Refuse to be pushed aside.

lollyb, I wanted to like your post for the advice about refusing to be pushed aside. I don't want register as liking your painful experience with Reclast. You are close to the 6th day I hope the effects are subsiding. If there isn't significant improvement you might ask for a 5 day prednisone taper (5 day medrol pack). I've read that it is easier on the bones than continual inflammation. I wish your doctors had been able to warn you of possible side effects.

@gently I too tried the prednisone 5day pack; did not phase my symptoms, maybe a little more energetic for a few days. 21 months out; stay awake all day, go to bed, wake in the morning feeling like I never went to bed, shoulder pain constantly, weak muscles, nausea and fatigue and yet my endocrinologist want me to have another infusion. I honestly wish I had never allowed them to give me that infusion. It’s our body and our choices. It amazing how easily we can let others recommend something and we are eager to participate. Then, when we start experiencing all the negative side effects we can become our strongest self advocate; not sure about the dollar but definitely a day late! I’ve also asked why I truly received this infusion because I was feeling fine prior, oh! My bone density is low, best received Reclast before you fractured a bone; should not break to many if I cannot move from the pain from the infusion, I guess! Best of luck !

dannyandebbie, thank you, again. I'd wondered if the steroid wouldn't have to be given early in the adverse response. What was the timing of the steroid for you. Was it difficult to obtain. Are your kidneys involved.
No doubt your willingness to tell us about your experience with Reclast has saved some a similar reaction.
To hear the long term consequences is sad, and provides caution. There have been many lawsuits against Novartis because of this drug. I pray you get resolution of this long lasting pain.
We are supposed to be able to trust our doctors. Many of them actively discourage any patient research, laughing at the google "rabbit hole." Some doctors encourage research even providing links to reliable research. We tend to trust our doctors, tolerate side effects and then blame ourselves.
I hope you keep posting. It is unusual to hear long term effects. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

@lollyb I always get the fluid bag first! No problem for me. I just had my second infusion last week,

I had heartburn, hip, back pain in my bones for a year after my Reclast infusion. After a year the ache and pain went away. I took all the precautions suggested before an infusion. This pain came on a month or so after the infusion. No, I haven't’ gotten a second infusion.

I trusted my doctor and had 3 infusions. Instead of feeling better, I fell the first year and broke 2 ribs on my left side, I thought well the medication had not had time to make a difference.
2 years later, being last summer, I tripped twice, been hospitalized twice, first time broke 3 ribs on my right side, a few months later, fell again broke 2 more ribs on my right side. I am very distraught and now it’s too late. Damage has been done 🥲 I just pray that I don’t break anymore parts of my body