Are you taking Reclast for osteoporosis?

Posted by Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy, Jul 21, 2020

Two years ago I was diagnosed with pretty bad osteoporosis because of the prednisone I was on for my autoimmune disease. I started taking Fosamax (a bisphosphonate) and had no problems. Today, the endocrinologist suggested that I switch to Reclast for 3 yearly infusions. Has anyone else taken this drug? What side effects have you had?
Thanks

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@julie2020

What was your experience with Forteo?

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@julie2020, Forteo was also excellent with no side effects. At the time, it was only allowed for 2 years.

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@fiesty76

@julie2020, Forteo was also excellent with no side effects. At the time, it was only allowed for 2 years.

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Thank you fiesey76 ! @julie2020

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My endocrinologist has recommended Reclast.
The FDA information (found by searching: FDA clinician information reclast) states 'Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain have been infrequently reported in patients taking bisphosphonates, including Reclast. Consider withholding future Reclast treatment if severe symptoms develop.' I am wondering how this infrequent side effect is usually treated and can it be controlled?

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@felicitypevancy

My endocrinologist has recommended Reclast.
The FDA information (found by searching: FDA clinician information reclast) states 'Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain have been infrequently reported in patients taking bisphosphonates, including Reclast. Consider withholding future Reclast treatment if severe symptoms develop.' I am wondering how this infrequent side effect is usually treated and can it be controlled?

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@felicitypevancy Welcome to our group We can't diagnose but help where we can with same problems.I have been on Reclast only a year next injection in Sept.but I didn't experience any side effects from Reclast .I will take my next Dexascan on Dec. It's important to stay on Calcium citrate 1200 mg and Vit D Dr ordered .

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@felicitypevancy

My endocrinologist has recommended Reclast.
The FDA information (found by searching: FDA clinician information reclast) states 'Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain have been infrequently reported in patients taking bisphosphonates, including Reclast. Consider withholding future Reclast treatment if severe symptoms develop.' I am wondering how this infrequent side effect is usually treated and can it be controlled?

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Hi @felicitypevancy. I second @lyoness 's welcome. You will see that I moved your comment to a conversation that was already discussing the medication Reclast. I did this so that you could connect with other people who are on it and can share their experience with it.

Felicity, have you had your first infusion already?

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@amandaa

Hi @felicitypevancy. I second @lyoness 's welcome. You will see that I moved your comment to a conversation that was already discussing the medication Reclast. I did this so that you could connect with other people who are on it and can share their experience with it.

Felicity, have you had your first infusion already?

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Thank you for responding. I have not started Reclast yet. I realize there are risks/benefits to all medications. There seems to be good protocols that help to avoid the acute reactions in the first 3-14 days after the initial infusion, (adequate hydration, calcium and vitamin D and tylenol). I was really wondering about peoples experience of successful treatments for the long term side effects, particularly the various types of pain.

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@lioness

@felicitypevancy Welcome to our group We can't diagnose but help where we can with same problems.I have been on Reclast only a year next injection in Sept.but I didn't experience any side effects from Reclast .I will take my next Dexascan on Dec. It's important to stay on Calcium citrate 1200 mg and Vit D Dr ordered .

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Thank you for your comments, and good to know that 'no side effects' is possible!

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I’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis and my doctor wants me to start on Reclast. My dexa scans could be read only from wrist and forearm. Scoliosis throughout my back prevented a good read. The doctor had me on my side. Seems to me they should try a DEXA scan with me lying flat with legs over a pillow to flatten my spine out and see if we can’t get a better read doesn’t that make sense? I’ve had hip replacements (due to arthritis) so my hips can’t be scanned.
What about Echolight scans to determine
risk? Has anyone had an Echolight scan?

I want to try something natural to help to build or at least retain what I have. I am simply terrified at the thought of putting some drug into my blood system not knowing if it will work or cause problems.
I’m 72 years old female that’s fairly active both in water activity using weights on my legs and bands for arm and back strengthening. I go walking gardening, etc.
I eat real food not processed.
Has anyone chosen to try a more natural approach ? I appreciate anyone’s comments or assistance thank you Grace 99

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My doctor wants to put me on the once a year Reclast Infusion for my bones. Questions:
1. Has anyone been on it for several years and if so has there been any improvement of your bones!
2. Required treatment is 15 minute infusion & 10 minutes rinse but I’ve heard if you go to a longer infusion time you’ll have less bone pain. Can anyone confirm this and if you were able to extend the time of infusion how did you accomplish that? Through doctor and pharmacist? Thanks for any help.

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@exaustef

My doctor wants to put me on the once a year Reclast Infusion for my bones. Questions:
1. Has anyone been on it for several years and if so has there been any improvement of your bones!
2. Required treatment is 15 minute infusion & 10 minutes rinse but I’ve heard if you go to a longer infusion time you’ll have less bone pain. Can anyone confirm this and if you were able to extend the time of infusion how did you accomplish that? Through doctor and pharmacist? Thanks for any help.

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Hi exaustef, welcome. You're asking great questions as you consider starting Reclast. I moved your message to this discussion where @bonnieh218 @becsbuddy @julie2020 @fiesty76 @felicitypevancy @grazia99 and others are sharing their experiences with Reclast and osteoporosis, and may be able to answer your questions.

As you wait for responses, I also suggest reading through the past posts.

Exaustef, have you been on other medications for osteoporosis? Did your doctor suggest a longer infusion time?

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