Reclast infusion long term side effects

Posted by tiza @tiza, Feb 4 7:41am

Hello,
I’m new to this forum.
I had a Reclast Infusion in May 2025. After a year dealing with knee pain issues my Dexa Scan results were terrible.
My endocrinologist had already suggested I’d need it, after doing some research I refused it for about 5 years.
Since the infusion, I’ve had digestive problems and pain on my left ribs. Strangely, on the first 24 hours after the infusion this is the exact place where I had intense sharp pain. It’s mostly during the night and in the morning.
Anyone experiencing the same?
Thank you!

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tizza, I haven't taken Reclast, but have been following this thread, which may give you hope for the long run. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reclast-side-effects/
Welcome to connect, Your post will elicit new answers as well. I think you'll hear from dannyanddebbie.

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Good morning! I can relate to your on going issues since receiving your Reclast infusion. It has been 19 months since I received my Reclast infusion and I still have lasting results. Both shoulders, left foot, nausea at times and now the back sides of both legs. Some days are better than others. One can never really plan anything because one day I’m feeling better and the next day not so good. If I had this to do over again, I definitely would not have received the infusion. My endocrinologist continues to say my symptoms are not from the infusion but I think he needs his head checked. Don’t get me wrong, l am better than I was after the infusion and I go to physical therapy biweekly. I keep praying that things will improve. I find a little has to do with one’s mood; try to stay positive knowing that you are in control of your energy and emotions; it does help. My endocrinologist has sent me to various specialist doctors to see what the issue might be because he really don’t understand the medication, only my bone density! When I felt like I was just going in circles I stopped going to any doctors and just continue physical therapy and try my best to remain positive that this is not life long; I will outlive this pain! Lots of luck and try to stay positive!

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

Good morning! I can relate to your on going issues since receiving your Reclast infusion. It has been 19 months since I received my Reclast infusion and I still have lasting results. Both shoulders, left foot, nausea at times and now the back sides of both legs. Some days are better than others. One can never really plan anything because one day I’m feeling better and the next day not so good. If I had this to do over again, I definitely would not have received the infusion. My endocrinologist continues to say my symptoms are not from the infusion but I think he needs his head checked. Don’t get me wrong, l am better than I was after the infusion and I go to physical therapy biweekly. I keep praying that things will improve. I find a little has to do with one’s mood; try to stay positive knowing that you are in control of your energy and emotions; it does help. My endocrinologist has sent me to various specialist doctors to see what the issue might be because he really don’t understand the medication, only my bone density! When I felt like I was just going in circles I stopped going to any doctors and just continue physical therapy and try my best to remain positive that this is not life long; I will outlive this pain! Lots of luck and try to stay positive!

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@dannyandebbie I read so many statements from women on this site who experience side effects from various bone medications, while their doctors insist their symptoms are not related to the drug. I don't understand how the doctors can be so uninformed. A quick google search shows many sites, such as Drugs . com that include a long list of side effects.

This is from AI Assist: "Common side effects of Reclast (zoledronic acid) include flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, headache, and bone, muscle, or joint pain. Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, and unusual fractures, so it's important to monitor for any concerning symptoms and consult your doctor."

REPLY
Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

Good morning! I can relate to your on going issues since receiving your Reclast infusion. It has been 19 months since I received my Reclast infusion and I still have lasting results. Both shoulders, left foot, nausea at times and now the back sides of both legs. Some days are better than others. One can never really plan anything because one day I’m feeling better and the next day not so good. If I had this to do over again, I definitely would not have received the infusion. My endocrinologist continues to say my symptoms are not from the infusion but I think he needs his head checked. Don’t get me wrong, l am better than I was after the infusion and I go to physical therapy biweekly. I keep praying that things will improve. I find a little has to do with one’s mood; try to stay positive knowing that you are in control of your energy and emotions; it does help. My endocrinologist has sent me to various specialist doctors to see what the issue might be because he really don’t understand the medication, only my bone density! When I felt like I was just going in circles I stopped going to any doctors and just continue physical therapy and try my best to remain positive that this is not life long; I will outlive this pain! Lots of luck and try to stay positive!

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@dannyandebbie
Thank you so much for your reply and insight.
I have the same relationship with my endocrinologist. It would make sense for them to at least report these symptoms to the drug companies or the FDA for data purposes, but hey! Why bother?!
I have done an MRI of my back and ultrasound of abdomen. My PC is sending me to all these doctors to try and find out what’s happening… some do listen and agree that the Reclast infusion is not a good idea.
I do meditation and exercise daily. It’s just very uncomfortable and unusual the pain on my side ribs.
I hope you will keep getting better. And yes, positive thinking is the key. 🙏🏼

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Profile picture for gently @gently

tizza, I haven't taken Reclast, but have been following this thread, which may give you hope for the long run. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reclast-side-effects/
Welcome to connect, Your post will elicit new answers as well. I think you'll hear from dannyanddebbie.

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@gently
Thank you! I’ll check the link.

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Profile picture for tiza @tiza

@dannyandebbie
Thank you so much for your reply and insight.
I have the same relationship with my endocrinologist. It would make sense for them to at least report these symptoms to the drug companies or the FDA for data purposes, but hey! Why bother?!
I have done an MRI of my back and ultrasound of abdomen. My PC is sending me to all these doctors to try and find out what’s happening… some do listen and agree that the Reclast infusion is not a good idea.
I do meditation and exercise daily. It’s just very uncomfortable and unusual the pain on my side ribs.
I hope you will keep getting better. And yes, positive thinking is the key. 🙏🏼

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@tiza my endocrinologist sent me to Rheumatology; did blood test and x-rays and could not find anything out of the normal for a man my age, sent me to neurologist, who did more test and X-rays and found nothing and suggested I return to my primary for any follow up! I do not see my endocrinologist reporting anything because he supports the Reclast and sent me fishing for a potential issue outside the Reclast. It is also my understanding that participles continue to travel around inside the body. That being said, something could be bothering you today and gone tomorrow or move to a new location. I read this from some one earlier today and I agree with this statement!

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Profile picture for daisy17 @daisy17

@dannyandebbie I read so many statements from women on this site who experience side effects from various bone medications, while their doctors insist their symptoms are not related to the drug. I don't understand how the doctors can be so uninformed. A quick google search shows many sites, such as Drugs . com that include a long list of side effects.

This is from AI Assist: "Common side effects of Reclast (zoledronic acid) include flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, headache, and bone, muscle, or joint pain. Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, and unusual fractures, so it's important to monitor for any concerning symptoms and consult your doctor."

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@daisy17 I agree with you. However, being a veteran I go through VA for treatment. I’ve thought a lot about seeking a community primary physician because the VA doctor seems to carry the attitude “ you need to do as I say or why are you here wasting my time “ attitude. The more I see doctors the more I want to Stay clear!

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@daisy17 I agree with you. However, being a veteran I go through VA for treatment. I’ve thought a lot about seeking a community primary physician because the VA doctor seems to carry the attitude “ you need to do as I say or why are you here wasting my time “ attitude. The more I see doctors the more I want to Stay clear!

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@dannyandebbie are you going to take the shot again?

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Profile picture for dannyandebbie @dannyandebbie

@daisy17 I agree with you. However, being a veteran I go through VA for treatment. I’ve thought a lot about seeking a community primary physician because the VA doctor seems to carry the attitude “ you need to do as I say or why are you here wasting my time “ attitude. The more I see doctors the more I want to Stay clear!

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@dannyandebbie so sorry the docs gave you a run-around…if you can, seek a doc who will be more a partner in health/healing…they do exist…good luck !

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