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Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time
I just had a reclast infusion last week and have had serious side effects. I had the worst flue like aching for 5 days then my lefty arm became full of inflammation in the wrist, elbow and shoulder which caused extreme pain and I lost the ability to straighten my elbow. Ultrasound showed huge amounts of fluid throughout the arm. The right arm is now starting to have the same symptoms. The pain is excruciating. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Neither the ER doctor nor the Dr. who prescribed the procedure knew what to do to ease the symptoms. Both arms from fingertips to shoulder are swollen and neither elbow will straighten. Anyone else have adverse reactions to the reclast infusion? If yes, how long did it last?
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I went in for a Reclast infusion, which I’ve had before. But I didn’t have a current X-ray showing my previous pelvic fractures had completely healed. The nurse said she couldn’t give me the Reclast infusion until I had a new X-ray showing complete healing of the fractures. If Reclast is good for osteoporotic bones, it seems odd that they wouldn’t administer it under these circumstances. Now I’m reluctant to take it again. Does anyone have an explanation?
@onestepatatime It makes sense that you are reluctant to have another dose of Reclast infusion. I think it's wise that you are asking questions and educating yourself.
You'll notice that I moved your question to a previous discussion on this topic. I did this so you could connect with members @gretchen1018 @merie @sharronschieble @giovi @parrotqueen @migizii @lioness @contentandwell that already discussed Reclast infusion. You may wish to scroll through the comments to find information or members that can support you.
May I ask if you were able to talk to the nurse regarding the specifics of the new x-ray provision? If not, have you considered calling the nurse and asking for clarity?
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2 ReactionsWhen you decide to make OP a priority again. there is an excellent group on Facebook called Osteoporosis Natural Remedies. There is a nutritionist, Douglas Johnson, that has posted a lot. OP is his specialty. He has a group on Facebook - if you go to the Natural Remedies group, you can get the name of his other healthy bone group. I will be getting my new DEXA scan done probably in two months - although I have not been doing everything I can, I have been doing a lot. I have been reading and studying like a wild woman trying to get a grip on OP. I'll try to let you know if I made a dent in my OP. I got to the point of fracturing and then I could have no peace until I could get better. The fracturing has stopped - but I will be interested to see if I have stopped the downward progression of my bones. The deal with getting vitamin D3 from the sun is that there is too much particulate in the air these days - you just cannot get enough from the sun unless you live at the equator. But you can try. It means not using sunblock. The supplements are not so difficult. I use those daily pill containers with morning, noon, night and bed. That way I don't have to remember. I really do not trust the prescription bone-building meds. I've heard way too many horror stories. Good luck to you! I wish you only the best.
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3 ReactionsParrotqueen, I will be very interested to hear your bone scan results. Am praying it will show an improvement.
Here is some info on a new technology in addition to for DEXA scans that my endocrinologist sent to me: Trabecular bone score — Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a commercially available software add-on for late-generation DXA systems that has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a complement to DXA analysis and clinical examination for assessment of fracture risk and monitoring the effects of therapy. TBS uses data derived from lumbar spine DXA images to generate a gray-level textural index. TBS is associated with vertebral, hip, and major osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women, with major osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and with hip fracture risk and major osteoporotic fracture risk in men over age 50 years [76,77]. It can be included in the FRAX algorithm to estimate fracture risk [78].
TBS cannot diagnose osteoporosis and should not be used alone to initiate therapy. TBS does not appear to be clinically useful to monitor the skeletal effects of bisphosphonates and denosumab, but it is potentially useful as a component of monitoring the skeletal effects of teriparatide and abaloparatide, provided precision assessment has been done and the least significant change (LSC) has been calculated.
She said she would order it for me if it's available when I get my next scan. Unfortunately she's leaving her practice but thankfully has referred me to an endocrinologist who sounds great!
Blessings to all, Sunny flower
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1 Reaction@sunnyflower, It has been 18 mos since my last Reclast infusion and I'm still waiting for my referral to an endocrinologist. I am so hoping for additional guidance from the endo and appreciate the Trabecular bone score info you posted. Will add it to my "asks" at my endo visit. It is so hard to change docs. Your endo has been of real help and I'm hoping the new one will be as well.
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2 Reactions@parrotqueen, I couldn't agree with you more that using the daily pill boxes is a huge time and "memory" vbg saver! I use two sets that allow a month's worth of daily pills; one for morning; the other for evening. I'm also looking for more ways to strengthen my bones and will give the Facebook group you mentioned a look.
When I was told I'd have to go off Reclast for a yr in Aug., I was frightened because I've been on osteo meds for many years. I've been reading a lot and hope that an endocrinologist can give me more help than just suggesting Vit D3, calcium and multi-vitamins. I take frequent walks, do some light weight bearing and balancing exercises; work in my yard and prepare healthy meals. However, I am reluctant to add any supplements without the guidance of a professional. Thanks for your post.
Thank you so much and please keep us posted what happens next. Upholding you in prayer, Sunny flower
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1 ReactionI thought I would write to see if anyone has figured out any tips for dealing with the bone pain, muscle pain and other side affects of the Reclast. I had my 1st infusion several weeks ago and can't believe the pain. It is really hard to walk or do much. I have some of the other GI issues, chills, night sweats, etc. other side effect others have mentioned as well. My doctor didn't have any suggestions. I didn't realize how you could feel every single little and big bone after this infusion. I'm also curious to hear how long your symptoms lasted.
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1 ReactionHello @qigongangel, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. Hoping other members with experience using Reclast can offer some suggestions. There is some information on Rheumatology.Org that may be helpful.
Zoledronic Acid (Reclast): https://www.rheumatology.org/Learning-Center/Medication-Guides/Medication-Guide-Zoledronic-Acid-Reclast
Have you checked with your pharmacist to see if they might have some suggestions?
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2 Reactions@qigongangel Id like to welcome you as well I had my 1st Reclast and didn't have any symptoms I would check as John said with your pharmacist There might be Interaction with the meds your on and a pharmacist would know Good luck
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