Reclast infusion side effects?

Posted by ladybugnc @ladybugnc, May 26, 2025

I had the Reclast infusion 5 months ago in my left arm. I have started having pain in that arm now, with loss of strength. Has this happened to anyone else?

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shmbrd | @shmbrd | Mar 10 3:18pm

In reply to @kmketter "@lollyb I always get the fluid bag first! No problem for me. I just had my..." + (show)

@kmketter If I may ask, what is your height & weight? I'm very small and thin. I've been prescribed Reclast but the more I learn the more hesitant I become, so I'm trying to get more information before starting. thank you.,Sarah

dannyandebbie | @dannyandebbie | Mar 11 6:55am

In reply to @shmbrd "@kmketter If I may ask, what is your height & weight? I'm very small and thin...." + (show)

@shmbrd not sure if you were asking me or KMKetter; I’m a male, 5’2” around 119 weight. 21 months out and continue symptoms from my infusion. My endocrinologist says it is not from the infusion, I say it is….did not have these symptoms ( shoulders and left foot pain, fatigue, nausea and aches and burning in my lower backside). I have Ankolosing spondylitis (50 years) and have had bladder cancer 5 times over the past 16 years. Retirement two years ago and was feeling pretty good until infusion. My endocrinologist say I need additional infusion, Reclast did not cause these symptoms, sent me to rheumatologist, who sent me to neurologist; both had no explanation for my symptoms. I go to physical therapy bi-weekly, helps some….just try to stay positive and as active as I possibly can! Best of luck!

shmbrd | @shmbrd | Mar 11 1:09pm

In reply to @dannyandebbie "@shmbrd not sure if you were asking me or KMKetter; I’m a male, 5’2” around 119..." + (show)

@dannyandebbie Thanks for taking time to reply. Take good care of yourself, I hope your symptoms will lighten soon.

dannyandebbie | @dannyandebbie | Mar 13 6:23pm

In reply to @shmbrd "@dannyandebbie Thanks for taking time to reply. Take good care of yourself, I hope your symptoms..." + (show)

@shmbrd seems the more I use my arms or foot the next day I pay for it, hopefully time heals all wounds!

penny57 | @penny57 | Mar 13 8:03pm

In reply to @daisy17 "@dannyandebbie I read so many statements from women on this site who experience side effects from..." + (show)

@daisy17 I had my reclast last Friday. Its been 1 week today.My joint and bone pain has been unbearable. I went to the DR today she blamed the antibiotics I was taking. I came home and looked it up, there is no real interaction with the 2 drugs. I cried like a baby, I can't bend my fingers or close my hands. It also caused me to have an eye ulcer and that is why the antibiotics.
If they would read, it says severe bone pain and muscle pain.
I told my husband we all have to take care of ourself because they don't anymore.

tiza | @tiza | Mar 13 10:27pm

In reply to @penny57 "@daisy17 I had my reclast last Friday. Its been 1 week today.My joint and bone pain..." + (show)

@penny57
I’m so sorry… this is so recurrent
We need to create a data base of these cases and report it to the FDA or the Drug Company.
I hope you feel better.

gently | @gently | Mar 14 12:10am

In reply to @tiza "Hello, I’m new to this forum. I had a Reclast Infusion in May 2025. After a..." + (show)

penny57. I don't know if this is relevant to your situation. Reclast causes uveitis in some people because it excites inflammatory cytokines. Uveitis is often mistaken as an eye infection. Uveitis needs to be treated because it can cause permanent damage to vision. The treatment is ocular steroid. A five day oral steroid pack would relieve some of the pain you are experiencing in your joints.
You are so right about our need to take care of ourselves.
I hope you are feeling better soon.

daisy17 | @daisy17 | Mar 14 12:16pm

In reply to @shmbrd "@kmketter If I may ask, what is your height & weight? I'm very small and thin...." + (show)

@shmbrd Have you considered taking an oral form of a bisphosphonate instead of an infusion? At least then you would be getting a lower dose and could stop the drug if you have side effects.

I don't mean to provide medical advice but check into the "absolute risk" and benefit ratio of bisphosphonates. Several studies show they may improve DEXA scores but offer minimal benefits on fracture prevention. Doctors disagree but that's what I've read. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK598429/

daisy17 | @daisy17 | Mar 14 12:23pm

In reply to @tiza "@penny57 I’m so sorry… this is so recurrent We need to create a data base of..." + (show)

@tiza I agree, patients must inform their doctors and report side effects. to the FDA. https://www.center4research.org/report-problems-medical-products-fda/

However, the FDA and Novartis, who sells Reclast, are aware of the side effects, as they are stated in the drug literature given when the meds are prescribed. In addition, Novartis has been sued regarding the side effects. https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/reclast-lawsuit/

daisy17 | @daisy17 | Mar 14 12:33pm

In reply to @penny57 "@daisy17 I had my reclast last Friday. Its been 1 week today.My joint and bone pain..." + (show)

@penny57 I am so sorry to hear about those side effects, they sound horrible. Was that your first infusion?

I know Drs often minimize reports of side effects. Sometimes I wonder if that's so they don't have to deal with the problems from it, so they blame the side effects on another drug, illness or something else.

That's one reason that, so far, I've refused any of the bone meds. I can't take Forteo or Tymlos due to parathyroid issues, so that leaves Evenity and bisphosphonates as my only options. Evenity is so new, and bisphosphonates don't offer much fracture prevention. For now, I am just doing all I can to remain fracture free.

I hope your symptoms resolve soon. Keep us posted.