Reclast infusion long term side effects

I had a reclast infusion in May of 2025 as well I didn't feel the effects in my bones or anything but I believe my bone density went down cuz I noticed I had a rib fracture on an X-ray and I think there was something in my pubic bone and I had increased bone density for 2 years after using for tail and my doctor told me to do the reclast and I completely regret it I think it hurt my bones. Side note my legs have become really really weak I believe it's from my herniated disc or something neurological but part of me is kind of questioning the reclast

@serahjane
I’m sorry you’re going through so much. I also feel my legs have become weaker, but I’ve had these issues with my knee so I keep blaming it. This medication is very toxic and can cause harm, I wonder if it really is worth the risk.
Take care of yourself with exercise and positive thinking. Thank you for sharing.

The nightbof the infusion I had fever and back and right rib pain. My knees a,so hurt plus my hands swelled up snd joints hurt. It is seven months noww and my knees still hurt some but the rib pain is just about gone.

@nycmusic I have thought about doing this. However, I would then have to sign up for different health insurance to seek a new primary outside of VA. A friend recently shared that this Reclast Infusion can last and move throughout one’s body for up to 10 years. Guess the right way to look at that is to tell myself, I only have about 8.5 years left at this rate. For the most part I do pretty good. Once in a while when I am trying to do something productive and my shoulders really start to hurt it frustrates me because I am independent for the most part. I just try to give myself a bit of a break, take my two K9’s for a walk and walk off the frustration. There are times I think my wife is thinking that I am procrastinating and maybe once in a while I am but usually I am not, if that makes sense. I did not have these symptoms before the infusion. Having had bladder cancer 5 x , when someone suggests something I feel like I acted without research….a lesson learned. Honestly, today seems like one of those days where I feel totally frustrated and that is okay, we all deserve a break periodically.

@laniphil54 The first infusion a few years ago was without any issues or problems. The day after the second infusion I felt like I was hit by a train. Sweats, fever, aches from head to toe. I had taken the flu shot and covid shots weeks before this. I sent my PC a message and she asked if I had done the Reclast infusion. I was surprised and said why? She explained it sounds like the effects from the infusion. I was furious. Why didn’t the Endocrinologist warn me of this? I knew from previous discussion with dental surgeon that I should put off Reclast until having any oral surgery done. Holy crap!!!! My Endocrinologist swore the effects I had were not from the infusion. I must have the flu. I put off going for any further infusion. Last year when I saw the Endocrinologist she insisted I get another Reclast infusion. She gave me an Rx for a steroid to take 2 days before the day of and day after. Appointment scheduled, Rx filled then I read information on the infusion again. I canceled the appointment and I am changing Endocrinologist. I will not go again!

I've had three RELCAST injection's over a three year period. The first infusion was the worst. At first I thought had the flu. The Pain was so bad my wife took me to the ER. As soon as I informed them I had a RELCAST injection that day they gave me a morphine shot and admitted me. The next day I was fine. The second and third infusion there was no pain. My Orthopedic physician did another DEXASCAN the third year and the bone display it was getting stronger. The reason for the RELCAST was a fractured my femur twice. My question to the doctor was why didn't the start the RELCAST after the first fracture. I never received a good answer. Good Luck.

The first fracture required four plates, 16 bolts & nuts and 200 staples. The second fractured added 2 more plates, 8 bolts & nuts, and 20 staples.

P.S. I have fallen several times after the RELCAST infusion treatments and have NOT fractured anything. The weakening of the bone is primarily due to having Type 1 Diabetes for 67 years and getting old. LOL

I’m glad to find this forum, and sad to hear that Reclast long term side effects are a thing. 63 (F), height loss of 1” in a year, -2.7 lumbar score—thus Reclast.
I’m six days out from my first infusion. Ten hours after infusion I had chills, a fever of 101, nausea and vomiting, intense shoulder pain, and overall muscle and joint pain. Couldn’t leave the house the next day. Symptoms continued and I went to ER where they insisted I probably had the flu, so tested me. Negative, of course. Also gave me a CAT scan because I had stomach pain—at least they gave me Zofran first. But the fluids I was desperate for came only 3 hours later.
Day 6, appetite poor, slight nausea, low grade fever, total exhaustion.
I feel like this isn’t getting better anytime soon. Will ask for blood work next week if there’s not significant improvement.
Interesting: I asked the infusion nurse if I could get a bag of fluids after the infusion, knowing dehydration was a possible side effect. She said they used to do that before Covid, when fluids got scarce. They never resumed them because they were expensive and “nobody died” without them.
I hear your all’s frustration about Drs insisting symptoms aren’t related. Keep pushing to be listened to. Refuse to be pushed aside.

lollyb, I wanted to like your post for the advice about refusing to be pushed aside. I don't want register as liking your painful experience with Reclast. You are close to the 6th day I hope the effects are subsiding. If there isn't significant improvement you might ask for a 5 day prednisone taper (5 day medrol pack). I've read that it is easier on the bones than continual inflammation. I wish your doctors had been able to warn you of possible side effects.

@gently I too tried the prednisone 5day pack; did not phase my symptoms, maybe a little more energetic for a few days. 21 months out; stay awake all day, go to bed, wake in the morning feeling like I never went to bed, shoulder pain constantly, weak muscles, nausea and fatigue and yet my endocrinologist want me to have another infusion. I honestly wish I had never allowed them to give me that infusion. It’s our body and our choices. It amazing how easily we can let others recommend something and we are eager to participate. Then, when we start experiencing all the negative side effects we can become our strongest self advocate; not sure about the dollar but definitely a day late! I’ve also asked why I truly received this infusion because I was feeling fine prior, oh! My bone density is low, best received Reclast before you fractured a bone; should not break to many if I cannot move from the pain from the infusion, I guess! Best of luck !