Reclast infusion long term side effects

@tummis05
I had 2 of the 3 Reclast imfusions. After the first, but before the second, I began having dental problems. At that time, I did not associate it with the Reclast. After my 2nd infusion, my dental problems escalated. I now have had both canines and a couple of other teeth removed. I currently have several teeth in stages of decay, along with teeth that are in various stages of breakage, and now my bridge is loosening. I can also feel with my finger, the bottom ridge of my teeth where the gum is receding. And, while not being actually diagnosed with it, it has been suggested that I may also have Osteonecrosis. Within the past few days, I have noticed a swollen gland right at my jawbone, which hurts when touched, and the pain goes up into my bone and teeth on that side. Needless to say, I refused the third infusion of Reclast, and am searching for a dental specialist (unsure of proper dental title). For diagnosis and treatment. I think you made a very wise choice to refuse Reclast!

@maine The infusion is once a year for 3 years for reclast. I have had one so far with no side effects so far. I’m debating if I will continue. I had Evenity and then Prolia for 2 injections and now reclast. Hopefully my next DEXA will be better and allow me to see if my hormone replacement will give me enough protection.

@pattwc Like you, my doctor recommended Fosamax. I have severe osteoporosis and decided not to take it based on articles I read that said it offers minimal fracture prevention benefits in postmenopausal women without a prior fracture or vertebral compression. It does make your DEXA numbers better because you retain old bone.

There are many articles about studies done on this, here is one. The last paragraph offers a summary of findings. https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(24)00101-3/fulltext

And an older arcticle, https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/popular-osteoporosis-drugs-come-with-mounting-concerns/index.htm

@tummis05 after refusing for 10 years, I went on risedronate (weekly oral) for 5 years. I had improvement, but then it declined and by the end my lumbar spine was down to -3.6. So I switched to Tymlos then. I felt so weak on the full Tymlos dose, that I reduced it to 6 clicks (full dose is 8), and felt better and that way could actually take it for the 2 years. My lumber spine improved to -3.1. Yes, I would have liked better improvement, but beggars can't be choosers. Osteoporosis is a wicked disease with no cure, only some mediocre medications that slow down the decline. Call me a feminist, but I think if this was a man's disease rather than primarily a woman's disease, we would have more investment in research.

Thank you so much for the links. The more info the better. I am leaning
toward not taking the Fosamax...it is one scary medication.

Wishing you all the best in this journey. It is nice to know we are not
traveling alone.

As I have been posting on other pages…Reclast is very hard on kidneys…if you gave concerns—lab results out of range for kidneys—Reclast is not the med for you…good idea to research this issue, among others, while deciding what meds to take..

@pattwc My endocrinologist is a highly respected doctor and does not agree with me about my decision to refuse Fosamax. He even offered to lower the dose by 1/2 which he said would still be effective, but I still resisted. He believes it does help prevent fractures, making it worth any possible side effects which he said are rare. However, he does respect my decision not to take it although I think it's frustrating for him.