Reclast pro and con

I wonder if you are just hearing from people who had a negative experience?

I have nit heard from anyone yet. Or maybe I just do not know where to look.

hedynevada01,
I feel the same way you do about Reclast. But if you did decide to risk it, there are ways to protect yourself. It is known that 4mg works just as well as 5mg. Some people are taking a very low dose 1mg to test their reaction. If you have a longer infusion time with more dilute IV, you can avoid some of the adverse reactions. It does work well for some. It prevents fracture. It is one injection thought to last 2 years. And it will provide some fracture protection for ten years.
If you have any autoimmune activity you are more likely to have adverse reactios. This small 13 person study from Israel is scary https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28567535/
And then Reclast doesn't build the best bone. It works by blocking the cells that break bone down, without those cells the process of building and rebuilding is slowed down. Your bones collect older bone that is avascular and more brittle. The best bone is the remodeled bone built by Forteo or Tymlos. Given a choice I chose Forteo. These drugs have the disadvantage of cost, and you have to inject them everyday. But, if you have an adverse reaction to them or a side effect, you stop taking them and they leave your system within 24 hours.
If you scroll to the top of this page and write Reclast in the search box, you'll find warnings and encouragement going back years. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=Reclast or you could tap the link.
Welcome to Connect. Traffic is a little slow these days, but you'll get more responses.

I too am very concerned about possibly doing Reclast after I am
done with Tymlos.
I’m going to have to choose something so I don’t lose any gains in bone from Tymlos.
Question:
Remember the drug boniva?
My mother took it for years and says she had no side effects.
I heard there’s a generic version still available.
Why is no one talking about it as a bisphosphonate to take ?
And is Evista ( which my mother is on now and no side effects)
The end of the line bone drug saved for people in their 80’s ? Or can
Someone take it in their 60’s ?

Hello @hedynevada01, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Many members have expressed concerns about starting powerful medications such as osteoporosis medications. With only a handful of options currently available, it is understandable to have reservations. Many members have also recently discussed the impact of reading so many negative experiences on community forums has had on their treatment plans.

You may find the following discussion a good counter-balance to your feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive:

"Reclast - Please share your positive experiences"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reclast-please-let-me-know-your-experience-with-this-infusion/
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Another discussion you may find worth spending some time participating in focused on Good Vibes Only is:

"Positive vibes ONLY thread"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/positive-vibes-only-thread/
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These discussions focus on what some members feel is a "pile on" effect of bad experiences vs. getting to also read when treatment is successful for many. As with any medication, we all react so differently to each and every medication and it is difficult, if not impossible, to know exactly how another member will react to their medication.

@hedynevada01, Have you had a chance to talk with your prescribing provider about your concerns and what you should be looking for after taking the medication in addition to possible alternatives if you react poorly?

hi. Boniva the brand name for ibandronate is not longer available. Generic ibandronate is available by injection, usually given every three months. It is also available in pill form. There isn't a limit to the amount of time you can take Evista, but should be reviewed every five years according to the literature. But I add the opinion that osteoporosis and drug use should be reviewed every year. And at three months for every new medication.
There are other oral bisphosphonates, alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate
(Actonel).
You can certainly take Evista in your 60's. After a break you might consider Forteo or another round of Tymlos. Some are being prescribed third and fourth years of each.
The endocrinologist I see kept threatening me with Rcclast after Forteo. I didn't protest, but I'll never take it. His intention now, after two years of Forteo, is to keep me on Forteo until my T score i -1. Which take to mean forever.
Don't worry about Reclast, Just say, no.
Hello to your mom. Happy Mother's Day, too.

Hi
I had a compression fracture in 2022.When I found out I had osteopenia. My doctor sent me to an endocrinologist who started me on reclast. In canada it is Called zoldronic acid. I have been on it for 3 yrs. My bone density had improved in my spine. I just fractured again Apr 18. My t9 and t10. I am devastated to go thru this again. I don't understand why. I am going to talk yo my endocrinologist because I am suppose to have another I.v. in June. I do not know if I want to continue with this medication I am terrified. I did not have any major side effects just felt fluish the day after. You have to really hydrate prior to the infusion.And the day of.

You seem
Knowledgeable and helpful.
I think all of us in this osteoporosis world are looking for best solutions with least side effects .
Not easy to navigate .
That’s why I look at this website !
I’m on step one of this journey- a bad dexa scan result in my early 60’s ,
Now on Tymlos , but worried about what to do next after Tymlos.

2024tymloshelp,
Helpful is the best compliment. Thank you.
The powerful posts are from those who generously tell us their experience--warning us and encouraging us.
I have little experience.
Knowledge is elusive. Question everything. We aren't helped in that pharmaceutical advertisements are our source of information, or that physicians either aren't aware or don't warn us sufficiently about side effects.
I suspect that after a brief break from Tymlos, Tymlos might be the best next thing to take. You'd want to watch with the serum bone markers P1NP and CTX.
Research may provide us with even better choices.

I have had reclast infusions twice. I did fine and density continues to stabilize. They did a test for ionized calcium with a very expensive handeheld device before my last infusion, and if my score would have been too low, I wouldn't have been given the infusion. Some of the pain I was having that I didn't realize was caused by osteoporosis began improving within weeks. If there was something better and my doctor could get it authorized, I'm sure she you would have me on it. I must admit I am lucky to have complete faith in my doctor. I have vile GERD so oral wasn't an option.