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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@grandmaketchup

Hello everyone! I am a 76 year old female with osteoporosis. Four months ago I had 5 fractures in my spine. The doctor advised a reclast infusion. That did not go well. I was in the hospital 2 days for pain management. Doc says we going to do another infusion in a year. Hoping for some insight from others regarding reclast infusions...

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Welcome @grandmaketchup, there are quite a few members taking Reclast for osteoporosis. To connect you with members like @becsbuddy @dulu @tmtm4 @mpeters @gretchen1018 @echolsleslie and many others more easily, I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Are you taking Reclast for osteoporosis?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-you-taking-reclast-for-osteoporosis/

Grandmaketchup, do you have a pre-existing condition that causes pain or was this a new pain? How are you doing now?

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@colleenyoung

Welcome @grandmaketchup, there are quite a few members taking Reclast for osteoporosis. To connect you with members like @becsbuddy @dulu @tmtm4 @mpeters @gretchen1018 @echolsleslie and many others more easily, I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Are you taking Reclast for osteoporosis?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-you-taking-reclast-for-osteoporosis/

Grandmaketchup, do you have a pre-existing condition that causes pain or was this a new pain? How are you doing now?

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This a new and different pain. Something I have never experienced before! Thank you for the reply...

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I have not been able to tolerate an oral meds. Four months ago I experienced 6 fractures to my spine. I was given a reclast infusion
Within 24 hours I was in the hospital 2 days for pain management. I understand a lot of ppl have no problems...others, like me, have over whelming pain

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@grandmaketchup

I have not been able to tolerate an oral meds. Four months ago I experienced 6 fractures to my spine. I was given a reclast infusion
Within 24 hours I was in the hospital 2 days for pain management. I understand a lot of ppl have no problems...others, like me, have over whelming pain

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I am so sorry that you are experiencing pain !!!!!
I understand how frustrating it is to read all the information about how these osteoporosis drugs do not cause severe side effects. I originally choose Prolia because my doctor told me that it had 15% fewer side effects than all of the other choices and that any side effects would only last 24 to 48 hours. After my second injection of Prolia I had severe muscle and joint pain that lasted for months. I refused any more Prolia and choose Reclast. I had my Reclast infusion in March. So far I have experienced muscle and joint pain that I have been able to manage with Tylenol (3,000mg) per day. I am hoping that I do not have to take another infusion of Reclast and that one year of it will protect me as a transition drug from Prolia. Right now I am dealing with the fact that two of my teeth have broken off at the gum and I do not know if I can have dental work to either pull out the roots and or get inplants since these are invasive procedures. If anyone has had invasive dental work while on Reclast I would love to hear about their experience. I have an appointment with an oral surgeon to get his advice. I continue to try to use the guide of "The Risk vs The Benefit". I hope your pain becomes less severe. My endocrinologist continues to say that side effects from these drugs are "self limiting, and will subside". I hope you are doing better!

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Oh gosh- so sorry to hear that you had so much pain from Prolia! ( and reclast, too)
Also do you think those drugs contributed to your dental issues?

My teeth are in good shape and so far I’ve not had any problems with breakage or cavities, etc.. Wondering if it might pull calcium/bone from our teeth?
May I ask if you have been using Vit D & calcium supplements daily?

We we all have to do the risk/benefit calculus… I am trying to get other’s experiences to help with my own follow up decision soon. Hope things get better for you soon! 🤗

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@leslie2121

Oh gosh- so sorry to hear that you had so much pain from Prolia! ( and reclast, too)
Also do you think those drugs contributed to your dental issues?

My teeth are in good shape and so far I’ve not had any problems with breakage or cavities, etc.. Wondering if it might pull calcium/bone from our teeth?
May I ask if you have been using Vit D & calcium supplements daily?

We we all have to do the risk/benefit calculus… I am trying to get other’s experiences to help with my own follow up decision soon. Hope things get better for you soon! 🤗

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FYI...Dr put me on caltrate. Most calcium supplements creat stomach issues for me. So far caltrate agrees with me.

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@julie2020

Two days ago, I went for my first Reclast infusion. The day after, I experienced fatigue, weakness, chills, headache, and nausea, but today I am feeling good and back to my old self! I also read in advance it is advisable to drink a ton of water the day before the infusion, the day of the infusion, and the day after the infusion, which I did. Also, it is important to get in your maximum calcium dose during these days.

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I drank a ton of water and did not get the expected flu symptoms, but I have constant leg pain, really piercing and aching pain in both legs. It has been 6 weeks and they have not subsided. Anyone have a suggestion or info about this side effect?

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I have had leg pains from the thigh to the calf on both legs for 6 weeks. It is awful. Tymlos gave me a kidney stone. My Dexa score shows these treatments are not working. However, I fell down hard on my knees and hands but no bones were broken or damaged.

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@grandmaketchup

This a new and different pain. Something I have never experienced before! Thank you for the reply...

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I have the same pain from Reclast. It has lasted 6 weeks and I am afraid it won't ever subside. I don't like taking pain pills every day. Sometimes they don't even work. The pain does not subside at night. I have osteoarthritis and am used to pain, but not this constant aching and sudden piercing pain. I hope yours subsides!

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I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I had pain for over three months! A bit of encouragement for you...the pain does lighten up. My bones only hurt some during nighttime. I am able to function normally. Wishing you only the best...

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