Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time
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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Never ever ever ever again.
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2 ReactionsI’ve had quite a few changes in my body since taking the Reclast. Kidney functions, arthritic pain, muscle pain. Enough to know I will not take another.
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4 Reactionsresponse to @caugie
As per my endocrinologist, Reclast does not cause Chronic Kidney Disease but if you already have CKD, it could worsen it. People with CKD are not recommended to take Reclast but offered other options like Prolia. 40% of Reclast is excreted thru the kidney so it can be tough on the kidney if you have existing CKD. I was given blood test to check my kidney function and given go signal for Reclast because my kidneys are healthy.
I had no side effects with Reclast. I drank lots of water 2 days before , day of, and 2 days after infusion , took benadryl before infusion and tylenol before infusion.
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1 Reactionresponse to @caugie : As per my endocrinologist , Reclast does not cause CKD, but if you have existing kidney issues, you will not be recommended to take Reclast but other options like Prolia. Reclast is excreted thru the kidneys and into the urine. It can be tough on your kidneys if you have existing issues but not when your kidneys are healthy. I was given blood work before infusion to see if I qualify for Reclast. Since my kidneys are healthy, I qualify.
I've had 2 infusions without side effects. Just tired for a couple of days after 1st infusion. For both infusions, I took 64 oz of water daily 2 days before, day of, 2 days after infusion, took benadryl, and tylenol day of infusion.
I had 1 hr drip both infusions.
Sorry for repeat response. I didn't see it posted the first time so I posted again.
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1 Reaction@bytheriver
I found this group today and am looking for direction with post-Reclast rapid kidney decline. My side effects from the Dec 27 2025 infusion have been numerous & severe yet my main concern now is kidney function. Does anyone know how to mitigate the damage caused. I'm open to studies and referrals.
@kannsign I don’t feel as I have had any kidney problems…yet; however; due to muscular pain from the Reclast I have taken more IBU than I like (I’ve not abused it). Two weeks ago tho during surgery I had to have my stomach pumped( it was full of fluid and I had no idea until my surgery and had to have it pumped out). Now, what caused that???? Ever had a problem before now I have something else to find out!!
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1 Reaction@pacred
Thank you for posting a positive experience with Reclast. I am really concerned about taking this, but am nearing the end of my two years on Forteo and my endocronologist insists this is the next step. I asked for a longer infusion time, and her reply is no, but if I have problems she will consider it for the next one! She also says that most people have no side effects and that reading these blogs gives me the scary bad news that most people don’t have.
I’m not sure what decision I’ll make, but hate to lose the gains I’ve made on Forteo.
Age 75
@kar50 I am 75 years old also and I am nearing the end of my two years on Tymlos. My osteoporosis doctor wants me to have the Reclast infusion next and, like you, reading the blogs about Reclast side effects makes me terrified to get the infusion. I realize that many people don't have bad side effects, but many do have bad side effects. I just don't want to take the chance that I might be one of the ones who has those bad side effects because I am doing so great right now. Have you made a decision on whether or not you will get the Reclast infusion?
@nana50
We are in very similar situations. I have not yet decided on my next step, and the frustration is stressful, as we don’t want to lose the gains, yet the side effects are potentially awful. I think I’ll set up an appointment with a Functional Medicine group called “Back on Track 2 Wellness-Chiropractor and Functional Medicine,” this week. I have a friend who has had a remarkable health rebound, and they are also treating her osteoporosis with “Ostinol,” which I’m not familiar with. I’m hesitant, but also feel really let down by our current pharmaceutical choices. I would be comfortable trying the Reclast if my doctor would authorize a lower dose and longer infusion time.
Best to you as you explore your choices. Please let me know what you decide.
@kar50 Thank you for your input regarding the Reclast infusion. I will have a bone density scan this week and I am anxious to find out the results after taking Tymlos for 2 years. I'm hoping to see some good gains, however I am still "on the fence" as to whether or not I will get the infusion. It looks like you have discovered some good choices. Let me know how that goes and I will let you know what I decide about the Reclast infusion. It is nice to have someone to talk to who can relate to my concerns.
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