Severe, episodic gastrointestinal side effects ongoing

Posted by grandmakris @grandmakris, May 21 6:33pm

Hello: I've read comments about LT side effects, but none mention the severe gastrointestinal side effects I am experiencing. Symptom pattern: vague stomach ache, abdominal cramps, uncontrollable vomiting. I started with Fosamax a year ago, which caused these same effects, then tried Boniva, then decided on Reclast without understanding that the same side effects were likely. These symptoms last for 1-6 days; I'm exhausted, can't eat, and can't do anything else. I never know when it's coming, except I've mapped it out to be approximately every 2 weeks. Please comment if you have this experience, and hopefully that the symptoms abate after a year. I've assume that they will last as long as the drug lasts in my system, which is one year.

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daisy17 | @daisy17 | May 22 12:02pm

Have you talked to your doctor? I read Reclast can cause the symptoms you describe, but they are not usually long-term. Maybe something else is going on. I read that Reclast can cause kidney issues and those symptoms can include fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, or face, and persistent nausea or vomiting along with other things.

Also, as far as the drug lasting in your system a year, I found this on-line: "after the infusion, zoledronic acids plasma halflife is about 146hours (roughly six days). However, the drug binds tightly to bone mineral and can remain embedded for years, slowly releasing in tiny amounts. That's why some side effects can surface long after you've left the clinic.

gently | @gently | May 24 1:43am

Reclast carries the risk of hypocalcemia or kidney failure. Sometimes our doctors don't recognize less common side effects. You might ask for serum calcium levels and egfr. I hope the effects just go away.