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Reclast infusion long term side effects
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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@tiza true…my concern is protecting my kidneys, where I have borderline numbers —from unnecessary toxins…want to avoid CKD !… Reclast helps many, but absolutely not for me… thank heaven for good research info available online and connect Mayo…we must be good self advocates to get the best medical care !
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1 Reaction2 weeks before I was due for Reclast infusion I learned I needed a tooth extracted and a bridge put in. The endocrinologist said to not reschedule Reclast until all the dental work was completed. I come from a family of dentists and dental hygienists. They have all told me NOT to do Reclast. Even the oral surgeon that extracted my tooth was lecturing me (angrily) on not doing it. I have a temporary bridge right now and soon getting the permanent one put in and I have had a lot of time to think about Reclast and decided against it. The risk isn't worth the reward bcz there doesn't seem to be any reward in doing it! When I first saw my endocrinologist she asked me if I had heartburn or stomach issues and bcz I said I had heartburn she said I have no option but to do the Reclast. I am weary of this response also. How bad are the oral meds for us folks with occasional heartburn? Are the endocrinologists told to push the Reclast on their patients?
I have a bone scan and appointment with endocrinologist in May and at that time I have to re-evaluate this whole situation. I am having a hard time believing that there is a medication that can restore bone health. Can anyone make me a believer?
@tummis05 A 2025 overview of medications by a Dr Michael Lewiecki presented to doctors and researchers. Quite technical, but very helpful .
Treat-to-target for osteoporosis
Thanks again to the person on this forum who pointed out that there is a link to the slides & graphs there also so that you do not have to freeze the presentation and zoom into the video a bunch of times like I did 🙂 Further thanks to the person on this forum who first posted this link. Sorry I did not keep your names.
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1 Reaction@tummis05 I would guess that if you already tend to get heartburn, beware of the oral meds…I am recovered from CRC and my oncologist advises against them, as I have a sensitive reconstructed gut. She wants me to do whatever I can to treat OP—BUT the choices are really not easy, and being on bone meds for life is very serious issue .
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1 ReactionThere is no medication that can restore bone health. Period. The gain from Reclast is temporary. You can only have the infusion ONCE. Then the next year they will be pushing a different infusion while you're still reeling from the side effects of the first one. I've been there, my advice is don't do it.
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3 Reactions@maine
OMG! Thank you!
As I wake up everyday with stomach and rib pain! Every morning I think of my endocrinologist! Isn’t that miserable?
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1 Reaction@tummis05 I also need a tooth pulled. I have been on Tymlos for 2 years, and the doctor will have me continue until the extraction has healed, before having me stop (2 years is the FDA approved max) and change to either Prolia or Reclast. I have been told by the dentist, the periodontist, and the endocrinologist that since I was on a bisphosphonate (Risedronate, oral) for 5 years prior to Tymlos, there is STILL a risk of jaw necrosis, because bisphosphonates actually stay in your bones for a very long time! I think Reclast is also a bisphosphonate. Anyway, I would say Tymlos or Forteo is a better gamble than Reclast or any bisphosphonate, as the first line of defense. It is an anabolic. I was too stubborn to go on any meds for the first 10 years after diagnosis, had considerable degradation of my spine, and finally went on bisphosphonates because I refused the anabolics. I wish I had done the anabolic first. That's my 2 cents!
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3 Reactions@susyt
I looked up both Tymlos and Forteo. Did you experience any side affects? I am curios that since you decided to go on meds after 10 years and now have been on Tymlos for 2 years has your bone scan shown any improvement??
Hello, I am new to this forum but have learned much from reading all the questions and comments. I am 75, small frame female and on my last scan, I dipped to -2.5 in the lumbar region. My primary care physician immediately said to start taking Fosamax. I am very hesitant to take this drug. I felt alone in this decision until I stumbled onto this group. I have not yet decided what to do.
pattwc,
Fosamax lowers bone turnover. The usual cause of osteoporosis is a lowering of bone turnover. Endocrinologist are questioning the wisdom of lowering bone turnover further when bone turnover is already lowered. The bisphosphonates don't trigger the growth of new bone; they collect older bone to increase bone density.
You might consider seeing an endocrinologist, or asking your primary for an anabolic medication like Forteo, which focuses on remodeling (increasing bone turnover) in the spine.
Or you might just decide keep it simple and take Fosamax from your doctor. While I'm not fond of the way Fosamax works, it does help prevent fracture, is less expensive and may be sufficient.
I sometimes wish that our PCPs and PAs were not prescribing osteoporosis drugs. Often they don't seem to have read the entire warning labels about side effects.
Welcome to the forum. I'm confident there is enough information here to guide your decision. And I hope if you have any questions, you'll present them for our varied responses.
Bless your bones.
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