Reclast Infusions: Side-effects & Recovery time

Posted by cindydee @cindydee, Mar 20, 2018

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@susan30

After your 3 Prolia injections, have you had a dexascan showing increase in bone density?

Jump to this post

HELLO SUSAN, NO I HAVE’NT HAD A DEXASCAN TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY INCREASE IN BONE DENSITY I WILL SPEAK WITH MY SPECIALIST AT NEXT APPOINTMENT I HAVE ONLY HAD BLOOD TEST NEXT ONE FRIDAY. TAKE CARE TERESA

REPLY
@quiteachiver75

HELLO SUSAN, NO I HAVE’NT HAD A DEXASCAN TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY INCREASE IN BONE DENSITY I WILL SPEAK WITH MY SPECIALIST AT NEXT APPOINTMENT I HAVE ONLY HAD BLOOD TEST NEXT ONE FRIDAY. TAKE CARE TERESA

Jump to this post

Hi Teresa ~ My question should have been has Prolia stopped progression of your T-score # from going any higher from what it was when you were originally diagnosed, but you won't know that until your next Dexascan. Thx for responding.

REPLY

I had a Reclast infusion on 3/13/15 after having Osteopenia for a number of years and taking a combination of Boniva and Fossamax for 5 years. Starting that day, I have had tingling or small spasms in my feet and lower legs without stop. I briefly had mild aches, mild muscle pain and a headache, but they went away. I sometimes have learned to ignore the spasms. Sometimes I can't sleep, although "Restless legs" seems to help for a bit. My doctor sent me for an ultrasound (negative), for a painful electromyocardiogram (negative) to check my nerves and for a vein check. I have moderate vein disease and had outpatient surgery for it. When I sit too long, my legs get pins and needles. The doctor could not find anything wrong with me. It has been 4 years! Now my arms get too. Has anyone else had this issue or have any suggestions on how to at least reduce the sensations? I did not have another Reclast infusion and just learned I don't quite have osteoporosis yet. I was diagnosed with it 2 years ago, but got a better DEXA scan with a fancier 2 leg machine, and found out I still have osteopenia for the moment. I was recently thrilled to find a few new lactose free foods that I can eat, since I am lactose intolerant. Boar's Head lactose free cheddar and Fairlife milk. Still searching for answers.

REPLY
@lookingforinfo

I had a Reclast infusion on 3/13/15 after having Osteopenia for a number of years and taking a combination of Boniva and Fossamax for 5 years. Starting that day, I have had tingling or small spasms in my feet and lower legs without stop. I briefly had mild aches, mild muscle pain and a headache, but they went away. I sometimes have learned to ignore the spasms. Sometimes I can't sleep, although "Restless legs" seems to help for a bit. My doctor sent me for an ultrasound (negative), for a painful electromyocardiogram (negative) to check my nerves and for a vein check. I have moderate vein disease and had outpatient surgery for it. When I sit too long, my legs get pins and needles. The doctor could not find anything wrong with me. It has been 4 years! Now my arms get too. Has anyone else had this issue or have any suggestions on how to at least reduce the sensations? I did not have another Reclast infusion and just learned I don't quite have osteoporosis yet. I was diagnosed with it 2 years ago, but got a better DEXA scan with a fancier 2 leg machine, and found out I still have osteopenia for the moment. I was recently thrilled to find a few new lactose free foods that I can eat, since I am lactose intolerant. Boar's Head lactose free cheddar and Fairlife milk. Still searching for answers.

Jump to this post

This may hv been addressed already, but you write that you got a better DEXA scan w a fancier 2 leg machine. Is there more than 1 type of DEXA scan machine or many DEXA scan machines that would give different readings for a person ?

REPLY

I'm looking for recent users reports on reclast. Do you need to follow up with biphosphonates?? How long are you on relclast? side effects??

REPLY

Yes. See my post on 5/17. My adverse reaction hasn't left me. It has been 4 years! Unless there was an odd coincidence and this tingling/spasms in my limbs just happened to start at the same time. Fortunately, I can often "tune" it out, like my tinnitus. I am concerned that it could get worse though. My doctor couldn't figure out my problem.
I hope you are feeling better.

REPLY
@susan30

This may hv been addressed already, but you write that you got a better DEXA scan w a fancier 2 leg machine. Is there more than 1 type of DEXA scan machine or many DEXA scan machines that would give different readings for a person ?

Jump to this post

Yes. I had not heard of it before and was surprised. It is called Lunar IDexa and was more accurate. I was happy to learn I am healthier than expected.
My usual Dexa scan was done by the older machine that checks your hip, my worst spot.

REPLY

Very important that WE get the correct reading. Where did you go for the Lunar IDexa scan ?

REPLY

Arthritis And Rheumatism Center Wheaton MD.

He said Prolia was not needed at this point for me. Once started, you don’t stop it.

REPLY

<p>In reading through previous discussions of Reclast, I have seen several mentions of arm or joint pain & swelling. But I haven’t seen anyone say how long that problem lasted and what they did to get rid of the swelling. Three weeks ago I had my first Reclast infusion. I had much joint and muscle pain that traveled from one area of the body to another. Most of it has gone now except one foot and ankle still has a lot of pain and swelling. I’m wondering how long this will last and what I can do to get rid of it. My doctor has never seen anyone with a reaction like mine to Reclast.</p>

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.