Does anyone have a solution to help manage Reclast side effects?

I had my first of three Reclast infusions on June 21, 2026. I wish I'd never had it. A first I had flu like symptons for a week, that I could deal with. Then the joint pain started. At first it was my rt knee and left hip . but then it became all my joints. My shoulders, neck, knees, hips and feet. Now 6 weeks later I'm still in constant pain, sometimes very severe. So I'm wondering how long this will last? Does Reclast have any suggestions to relieve it. I can't seem to find any answers from my doctors. is there any way of getting an answer from the drug manufacturers. They seem to keep themselves hidden. I was fine, able to walk and do my daily routine, but now I can't. If I'm able to walk, it is very slowly because of the pain.

@carolgrandma I don't have any great answers, but I agree with @dannyandebbie - don't ever take Reclast again. The flu like symptoms happen to roughly a third of those who take Reclast on their first dose. They can be very unpleasant but usually are gone in a week or less. The big problem in my opinion is the unknown number of people who get hit like you have, with severe life altering symptoms of unknown duration. This problem may not affect a large percentage of those taking Reclast (no studies on how often these long term problems occur) but the severity of the symptoms and the lack of warning that this could occur is really disturbing.

I do not believe the doctors or drug companies know what is happening with these long-term affects of Reclast. And of course they often just deny them.

As to what to do now that this has happened, I would suggest you try multiple AI programs to get general information. That can describe a number of possible things that might be going on and though I know the AI programs I'm experimenting with have some significant errors at times, they can be useful if you don't take what they report as the gospel. Consulting AI will give no definite answers but it should give a useful broad picture that might help in talking with doctors.

I think the world of alternative/holistic medicine might have some possibilities, but I know of nothing definite. I would look there also if I were in your situation.

I also think the standard dose of Reclast is just too strong. See my post "Are we overdosing Reclast".

And finally others have suggested for prevention: hydrating beforehand, Tylenol or similar beforehand and after, anti-histamines beforehand and after and so on. As far as I know there is no clear evidence that these strategies work. After all two thirds of those getting Reclast don't have any significant symptoms anyway. If they do actually work for those acute flu like symptoms there is still no evidence that they prevent the long term side effects. I'm not arguing they don't work, just saying it's not at all clear that they do.

Also suggested is to request (and fight for) a longer (slower) infusion of 30-45 minutes or even longer.
There is evidence that the slow infusion can help prevent the kidney damage that Reclast can potentially cause. That one suggestion I would follow for sure if I ever felt invulnerable enough to try Reclast.

Good luck to you!

@dannyandebbie @carolgrandma

I too had a serious reaction to an infusion that started 3-4 days after. The medication was Reclast for osteopenia. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis wth
permanent partial vision loss in one eye. There are recent studies looking into the connection between GCA and Reclast. I did report this to the FDA

@carolgrandma I am experiencing similar effects that I can only attribute to Reclast - a week of flu like symptoms followed by constant pain in my joints from head to toe. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen has little to no effect. My doctor says this will subside over time, but I will refuse this drug in the future due to the negative impact it is having on the quality of my day to day life. I have also had increased hair loss well beyond what is normal for me. Had I known this would be my daily battle before agreeing to the infusion, I would have refused it. Best wishes for all who are experiencing negative effects.

@carolgrandma I see that you expressed, “ first of three”. It is my suggestion that you decline any additional Reclast infusions unless your endocrinologist can provide you with the answer you seek! I am a 69 year old male who received his first and last infusion two plus years ago. Much like you, I was quite physical and had your normal aches and pains. After the infusion I too had flu like symptoms at first and after about a week, bang ‼️ shoulders, left foot, vision, lower back, hips, weak muscles and nausea to mention just a few. My Endocrinologist said, “ this is not from the infusion “ and suggested I see a rheumatologist, who suggested I see a Neurologist who suggested I see my Endocrinologist. No one can explain my symptoms! I’ve been going to physical therapy bi-weekly since my infusion. Three suggestions! Look up Reclast infusion and potential side effects, contact FDA to report your symptoms and take care of yourself! I apologize for not having better answers and should you find a solution I would truly appreciate your feed back!

@carolgrandma May I ask how you prepared for the infusion?

I’m about to start first reclast in about a mo. I just stopped Evenity for 12 mo. After reading most posts on here it has me very nervous to take. Has anyone had a good experience? I was told if I don’t continue treatment I will lose all that was gained this past year. I can’t take oral pills. Please help!!!!

@debafitz

May I ask how old you are?