I think you can offset and prevent many of the side effects of Reclast by protocols such as:: Drinking lots of water before and after, taking Tylenol the day of and 2 days after, taking an antihistamine the day of, a slow infusion with normal saline (45 minutes to an. hour). This is what I did for my first one and I had no side effects. I know everyone is different but some others have posted on this forum. I am 72 but I don't really consider myself elderly (maybe I am but don't feel that way). I chose Reclast because I know a couple of people who took it without issues and also the ease of treatment (only once per year). Having said that you may feel more comfortable with Fosamax and there is nothing whatsoever wrong with that..that is something your provider can guide you with depending on the results of your Dexa screens.