How long does Reclast remain in your system?

Posted by 1tabor @1tabor, Oct 23, 2025

I received the Reclast infusion 4 mo. ago. I experienced mild fatigue and headache afterwards, but overall did pretty well. However, about a month later, I started experiencing back pain that was so bad it hurt to ride in the car. Aleve helped a little, but I could barely walk when I got out of the vehicle. The ability to walk improved with movement. After a month or so, the back pain subsided, but then the foot pain began and is continuing to be a problem. After sitting for a bit, it is painful to walk. Again, it gets better with movement. After x-rays showed no visible problems with my feet, the podiatrist believes the pain is a side effect from Reclast.
I have also gained about 8 pounds since the infusion even though my eating and exercise habits remain the same. Has anyone else experienced weight gain?
How long does it take for Reclast to get out of the system?
How long do these long-term side effects last?
Will my body return to its normal weight when the medicine is out of my system?

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hi Karen, glad to here when anyone has a good result with any of these medications. Do you mind sharing if any of your other problems are autoimmune. I keep seeing a connection.
Was it easy for you, maybe because of your knowledge of medications, to get Zometa prescribed instead of Reclast.
One trouble is that the doctors often seem hard of hearing when it comes to patients complaining of side effects. One standard answer, even with signaled side effects, is that the unpleasant sensations have nothing to do with the medication. My own endocrinologist says that none of his patients have problems with Reclast 5mg, which he uses a lot. I'm focused on the horrible events experienced by women on this site. And those cited in the literature.
I think you just made a lucky strike. I'm on Forteo my strike has been lucky, as well.

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@lwidstrand try to stay positive; easier said then done I know all too well, 16 months out and now they are saying it’s arthritis in my joints, I’m thinking the Reclast infusion caused this, no more for me!

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@dannyandebbie
I am almost 12 months out and I have had severe joint pain in all joints. Saw a rheumatologist and was tested for arthritis and other auto immune and those tests came back negative for anything. Other than my anti rejection medication, causing some joint pain, I attribute it wholly to the reclast. I didn’t have any pain prior to the injection. Hang in there, you’re not alone.

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Profile picture for Mary @mmcpounders

@dannyandebbie
I am almost 12 months out and I have had severe joint pain in all joints. Saw a rheumatologist and was tested for arthritis and other auto immune and those tests came back negative for anything. Other than my anti rejection medication, causing some joint pain, I attribute it wholly to the reclast. I didn’t have any pain prior to the injection. Hang in there, you’re not alone.

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@mmcpounders it’s been 17 months since I had my first and last Reclast infusion. I’ve been sent to neurologist, rheumatologist as well as the endocrinologist. None seen to know 100% what is causing my shoulders and left foot pain. I’m told that it’s probably arthritis flaring up. I did not have any issues with my shoulders until the day after the infusion. The pain has lessened some but now my arms and hands feel numb at times; hopefully none of this is life long and eventually it goes away!

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I would ask the doctor you infused you.

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Profile picture for dvargo @dvargo

I would ask the doctor you infused you.

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@dvargo I have asked, was told, “ your symptoms are not related to the infusion “ ! To which I 100% disagree with!

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@dvargo I have asked, was told, “ your symptoms are not related to the infusion “ ! To which I 100% disagree with!

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@dannyandebbie
My endocrinologist still says that Reclast is not the blame for any of the problems that I am dealing with. However, my podiatrist admitted that my foot pain is most likely from the Reclast infusion. He agrees that since the pain started within a short time after the infusion and nothing else in my life had changed, it stands to reason that Reclast has something to do with it. He just said "hopefully it will be out of your system soon and the pain will go away".
I just keep moving and take an over the counter pain reliever if it gets too bad.

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To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS from something like Reclast infusion one might want to contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Reclast is indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@laura1970 so, I meet with an endocrinologist pharmacist and he shared that a dose of Reclast remains active for about 18 months and hopefully he is correct. It has been 16 months since my first and last infusion. I have had constant shoulder, arms and left foot pain since the day after the infusion. They are saying my issue is arthritis. Well, if that is the case it is my feeling that the Reclast caused it. I know some people have zero symptoms after receiving the infusion; I unfortunately was not one of them. I guess if one is considering taking the Reclast infusion, know the worst and hope for the best. I myself will not be getting another infusion.

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@dannyandebbie me neither, I just got my first and last one 10 days ago. My lower back hurts. All I can take is Tylenol. I only had an appetite twice in 10 days. Lost 4 pounds. Gut wrenching nausea after eating. Chewing lots of Nauseam and gas x.

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Profile picture for askjewels @askjewels

@dannyandebbie me neither, I just got my first and last one 10 days ago. My lower back hurts. All I can take is Tylenol. I only had an appetite twice in 10 days. Lost 4 pounds. Gut wrenching nausea after eating. Chewing lots of Nauseam and gas x.

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@askjewels I’ve been going to physical therapy and I too have this constant nauseous feeling most of the time and found sucking on something sweet lessons the symptoms, so I use Halls lemon / honey cough drops a lot! Best of luck to you!

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