1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time

Posted by cindydee @cindydee, Mar 20, 2018

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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callalloo | @callalloo | Aug 20, 2022
In reply to @notmoff "I am new to the Bones, Joints and Muscles Group and unsure how to introduce my..." + (show)
@notmoff

I am new to the Bones, Joints and Muscles Group and unsure how to introduce my issue, so am taking a chance on using the "Comment" window.
I'm a thin 80 yr. old who declined bisphosphonates for my osteoporosis 15 years ago, now in chronic pain from my most recent spinal L1 unstable compression fracture. I began Miacalcin and am considering my Kaiser internist's suggestion I begin a biphosphonate.
I foresee a dreary future of paraplegia.
Others' thoughts?

Jump to this post

There are alternatives to bisphosphonates and they can actually grow new bone. An internist might not know about all of the alternatives. Many of us end up consulting endocrinologist who have subspecialty in osteoporosis. I would recommend that as the best drug choice(s) may require starting with a drug that actually can grow new bone and then, later, seguing onto a different drug to help maintain it. There's a lot to consider in terms of where to start for best likely results. And you might also be prescribed physical therapy or another protocol to help with the fracture while it heals or stabilizes?

REPLY
1 reply
jmanj | @jmanj | Aug 20, 2022
In reply to @notmoff "I am new to the Bones, Joints and Muscles Group and unsure how to introduce my..." + (show)
@notmoff

I am new to the Bones, Joints and Muscles Group and unsure how to introduce my issue, so am taking a chance on using the "Comment" window.
I'm a thin 80 yr. old who declined bisphosphonates for my osteoporosis 15 years ago, now in chronic pain from my most recent spinal L1 unstable compression fracture. I began Miacalcin and am considering my Kaiser internist's suggestion I begin a biphosphonate.
I foresee a dreary future of paraplegia.
Others' thoughts?

Jump to this post

Tymlos and Forteo are drugs that help regrow bone. I had gains while using Forteo.

REPLY
1 reply
notmoff | @notmoff | Aug 20, 2022
In reply to @callalloo "There are alternatives to bisphosphonates and they can actually grow new bone. An internist might not..." + (show)
@callalloo

There are alternatives to bisphosphonates and they can actually grow new bone. An internist might not know about all of the alternatives. Many of us end up consulting endocrinologist who have subspecialty in osteoporosis. I would recommend that as the best drug choice(s) may require starting with a drug that actually can grow new bone and then, later, seguing onto a different drug to help maintain it. There's a lot to consider in terms of where to start for best likely results. And you might also be prescribed physical therapy or another protocol to help with the fracture while it heals or stabilizes?

Jump to this post

Thank you very much for the prompt reply Callaloo.
I was referred to PT for daily exercises to maintain my leg strength - some challenging due to fracture & unrelated pain barely controlled by acetaminophen.
I will ask my internist about a referral to a Kaiser endocrinologist specializing in osteoporosis.

REPLY
1 reply
callalloo | @callalloo | Aug 20, 2022
In reply to @notmoff "Thank you very much for the prompt reply Callaloo. I was referred to PT for daily..." + (show)
@notmoff

Thank you very much for the prompt reply Callaloo.
I was referred to PT for daily exercises to maintain my leg strength - some challenging due to fracture & unrelated pain barely controlled by acetaminophen.
I will ask my internist about a referral to a Kaiser endocrinologist specializing in osteoporosis.

Jump to this post

Maybe there will be helpful information in the video and text on the website below:
https://melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/treat-compression-fracture/

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1 reply
notmoff | @notmoff | Aug 20, 2022
In reply to @jmanj "Tymlos and Forteo are drugs that help regrow bone. I had gains while using Forteo." + (show)
@jmanj

Tymlos and Forteo are drugs that help regrow bone. I had gains while using Forteo.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I see that Forteo is on my Kaiser health plan, but with many limitations.
May I ask for more information about your experience with Forteo?
Is there a separate thread in this Bones, Joints & Muscles group for medications or treatment?

REPLY
2 replies
jmanj | @jmanj | Aug 20, 2022
In reply to @notmoff "Thank you. I see that Forteo is on my Kaiser health plan, but with many limitations...." + (show)
@notmoff

Thank you. I see that Forteo is on my Kaiser health plan, but with many limitations.
May I ask for more information about your experience with Forteo?
Is there a separate thread in this Bones, Joints & Muscles group for medications or treatment?

Jump to this post

I am also with Kaiser here in Virginia and I had a small co-pay. My gains after two years were 12% in spine and 5% in hips. I had no reactions or problems.

REPLY
notmoff | @notmoff | Aug 21, 2022

Thanks for the details. Glad to hear your bone density improved without new problems.

If you are comfortable answering , I have a few more questions . . .

Did it decrease your fracture pain?

Have you continued with the Forteo or another medication for the osteoporosis?

REPLY
1 reply
egrolman | @egrolman | Aug 21, 2022
In reply to @notmoff "Thank you. I see that Forteo is on my Kaiser health plan, but with many limitations...." + (show)
@notmoff

Thank you. I see that Forteo is on my Kaiser health plan, but with many limitations.
May I ask for more information about your experience with Forteo?
Is there a separate thread in this Bones, Joints & Muscles group for medications or treatment?

Jump to this post

I just finished two years on Forteo with zero side effects. My gains were modest—between 3 and 5% in various spots. My endocrinologist said that the two year limit on Forteo has recently been lifted and approved my continuing on it for one more year. I’m hoping for bigger gains in the coming year.

REPLY
jmanj | @jmanj | Aug 22, 2022
In reply to @notmoff "Thanks for the details. Glad to hear your bone density improved without new problems. If you..." + (show)
@notmoff

Thanks for the details. Glad to hear your bone density improved without new problems.

If you are comfortable answering , I have a few more questions . . .

Did it decrease your fracture pain?

Have you continued with the Forteo or another medication for the osteoporosis?

Jump to this post

I didn’t have fractures, so can’t help with that question. I followed up with a Reclast infusion last year. Now have to decide what the next step is tot’s year.

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