I also had very severe bone and joint pain. This improved after almost 5 months. However, I also have high blood pressure and now am on medication for that.
I also have experienced severe bone and muscle pain. Reclast has thrwon me into oesteoarathritis in arms, shoulders, knees,legs and fingers. I can hardly use my fingers. I had my injecion in March 2008 and pain started in April in my arm. I have never had any type of arthritis before April. Best part is Drs. really don’t know how to treat us. I would love to talk to someone regarding this problem. I have been bedridden for 3 months. Hopefully, this will wear off in time. Hope it doesn’t take a year. Help if you can.
within a few weeks of having my infusion of reclast I began experiencing heart pounding and some irregular heart beats, i went to a cardiologist who put me on a 24 hr monitor and was told there were a few skips, etc but nothing to worry about…i dont know if it is just coincidental with the reclast and was curious to hear if anyone else is experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms…btw, i am 48 years old and other than breast cancer 9 years ago, i am healthy …thanks for sharing your stories.
I had my RECLAST on THURSDAY, NOV, 6th at 1:30 in the afternoon. I started out with a slight headache, 8;30 p.m.I had the worst chills I have ever experienced in my life..I am 71 yrs old.My family ended up putting 8 blanketson me. I don’t know if it was all the covers on me or my 103+ temperature, I finally started to get warm. I had such a severe headache, & my bones felt like someone was breaking them,all over my body. My family put 4 different calls into the dr. only to be told this is normal. I would love to know if any dr. or nurse ever had this injection. I THINK NOT. WE ARE THIER GUINI PIGS. You have heard the saying the cemetaries are full of drs. mistakes. It is Sunday the 9th,& I still feel awful. I will pray for all of you that you will get better. I know one thing they better never ask me to get another shot. My bones hurt terrible.
For 3-1/2 days after my injection I had severe pain in my spine and hips. I missed 3 days of work because I could hardly move. Two weeks later I began waking in the middle of the night with extreme pain in my shoulder and spine. After taking tylenol and applying heat, it subsided but the next morning my spine was sore. It wore off during the day, but returned again in the middle of the night. This pattern has been going on for 7 nights!! I called the doctor who gave me the infusion and she said I must have the flu and told me to call my primary physician!!
Since I just got the infusion a month ago, I’m concerned that I’m going to have recurring pain for the next year and a doctor who does not seem very concerned!
I had my first Reclast treatment on 9/11. Sometime in November, I began to experience horrible arthritis pain my left thumb. Now, I have it in both thumbs and my right arm. It is so uncomfortable and I generally feel terrible. I cannot take the orals b/c of esophogeal problems with Fosamax.
There was nothing written about thumb pain until recently, where I have found many articles on people experiencing the same symptoms.
New drugs … how do you make an intelligent decision when you’re faced with thining bones and little or no options?
“Association does not equal causation”: posters seem to assume that any symptom occurring within a year of the Reclast infusion is caused by Reclast (just noticing that, and wondering whether the manufacturer needs to do a better job of educating and reassuring patients and physicians). Following my first Reclast infusion I experienced moderate bone pain on Days 2 and 3; it was relieved by Advil. I had no fever, chills, or malaise and have since had nothing unusual happen. Discussions on an osteoporosis forum suggested that those of us who hydrated VERY thoroughly before and immediately following the infusion were less troubled by side effects. My second infusion is coming up now in a month and, as before, I will drink at least 2 quarts of liquid a day the day of the infusion and for two days preceding it. I refused oral osteoporosis drugs because of the esophageal and gastric hazards, and I am very grateful for Reclast. Disclaimer: I don’t work for the company that makes it and am not a medical professional.
IN APRIL 2008 I WAS GIVEN A RECLAST INFUSION AND HAD NO PROBLEM UNTIL JUNE, WHEN FINGER RINGS WERE ADJUSTED, AND PRESSURE CAUSED BONE SPUR GROWTH TO THE PALM OF MY LEFT HAND. THE FINGERS ON BOTH MY HANDS ARE STIFF, ESPECIALLY MY MIDDLE FINGERS, AND CONTINUOUSLY STRETCH THEM FOR SOME RELIEF. GLUCOSOMINE CHONDROITEN , WHICH OBLITERATED ARTHRITIS PAIN AND OUTWARD SIGNS OF BONE PROTUBERANCES ARE NOW INEFFECTIVE. THIS DRUG, ADVERTISEDE BY NOVARTIS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS INADVERTENTLY HAS MADE BONE MORE BRITTLE, CAUSING TWO TOES TO BREAK. WHERE, BEFORE, THERE WAS NOT THAT MUCH PAIN TO MY BROKEN LEFT HIP AND BACK FRACTURES , FROM A SCALE OF
1-10, IT NOW IS A 9. IF THOUSANDS WERE TESTED FOR RECLAST, THEN ALL THOSE WITH ARTHRITIS MUST HAVE GOTTEN THE PLACEBO.
WHAT WORRIES ME IS THE DEROGATORY LASTING EFFECT THIS DRUG WILL HAVE PAST THE YEAR ADVOCATED.,
I had the Reclast infusion on December 17, 2008. I have never ~ ever in my life been as sick as I was for 4 days. High fever, complete confusion, unable to walk without help, had trouble being able to talk and express my thoughts. I was aware that I wasn’t making sense and it frightened me horribly. Now, over 5 weeks later I am left with no energy at all and my sense of balance is off ~ I just feel generally awful. I’ve suffered severe pains in my jaw and legs. This drug should not be used!
I had the Reclast infusion on December 17, 2008. I have never ~ ever in my life been as sick as I was for 4 days. High fever, complete confusion, unable to walk without help, had trouble being able to talk and express my thoughts. I was aware that I wasn’t making sense and it frightened me horribly. Now, over 5 weeks later I am left with no energy at all and my sense of balance is off ~ I just feel generally awful. I’ve suffered severe pains in my jaw and legs.
I got infusion of Reclast almost a month ago. Two weeks later I had severe pain in knee that went away in two weeks. NOW I have SEVERE pain in back and hip. Cannot walk hardly. I am bent over in pain. Pain med does not even help it. I am crippled!!! Now what?
I had my infusion in March 2008 and I’m still suffering with shoulder, wrist, fingers, hip and ankle pain. My fingers and wrists are swollen and it is very hard to use my fingers. Reclast has ruined my quality of life. Now I have osteoarthritis thru my whole body. Never had a touch of arthritis before receiving this awful drug. Pain can be severe at times still. Already spent 3 months in bed as I couldn’t move. Pain med doesn’t help much. What are we to do
I got infusion of Reclast in December 2008 and experienced no side affects until a few weeks ago. Now I know I have some osteoarthritis & scoliosis, but have never experienced pain so severe & disabling. I haven’t altered my routine in any way & haven’t suffered any injuries so the only thing I can attribute the change to is that Reclast infusion. I’m trying (despite the pain) to keep doing yoga stretches and tai chi to keep as limber as possible & to drop the extra 10 lbs. I seem to put on every winter. I agree, pain meds don’t help much at all.
I had my reclast infusion a week ago today. Two days after that I experienced low back pain and now I can hardly move. I’m 56 and I feel like I’m 86. I can barely walk and my doctor’s office has not returned my phone calls.
I had to be out of town last Thursday and Friday and it was agony to get up-and-down from the bed or even a chair. It’s only getting worse. I’m using heat therapy, OTC meds and nothing works.
My Dr. is trying to persuade me to get Reclast, as I could not take Actonel. It gave me Acid Reflux. I hace cured it after 6 mos. with natural vinegar, 3Tbsp a day. 1 before each meal wth a glass of water. I am so glad I have read all your experiences with this Reclast. I am not going to get it. I do have a bad case of Osteo, but I can deal with that better than more pain. Thank you so much, & may God bless each of you for your honest information to help others.
Beverly
I was searching the internet this morning looking for side effects of Reclast infusion which my dr. is insisting will be the only “cure” for my osteoporosis! My numbers really aren’t that bad, especially when you look back over several years… one year I actually improved!… but the doc said that was a fluke… they have an answer for everything! He said my bones are so brittle that I would be in a sad state of affairs if I fell… well… I did fall about 2 months ago, bruised some ribs and my knee quite badly. Didn’t need medical attention… what would they tell me?… oh, you bruised some ribs and scraped your knee. Anyway, I didn’t bother telling doc about the fall… he would have called it a fluke that nothing broke! So, he is insisting that I have this Reclast drip, but now after reading everyone’s testimonial, there is absolutely no way I’ll have that done to me. I have enough pain with arthritis in my knees… I don’t need any more pain! And yes, I’d love to see the docs and nurses get this infusion… it might make them think twice about prescribing it to their patients. Thank you ALL for your candid remarks… I’m so glad I stumbled on this website! Gina
I took reclast five days ago, and I feel terrible. My back hurts; my neck hurts; I am having terrible headaches. I have just been going home and going to bed and I can’t hardly get out of bed. I will not take it again.
Just heard from the dr an hour ago that my latest dexa scan shows more bone loss but still in the osteopenia stage. She is recommending Reclast. I was taking Fosamax until last year when severe pain in my upper right side caused me to stop. After reading all your stories I have no intention of taking Reclast, not worth the risk but I thank all of you so much for being so candid and helping those of us that are on the fence to make a decision.
I took Reclast on May 6, 2009. Had first low back pain one week later. It has lasted one week. It seems to be receding somewhat. Don’t know what to expect next. I won’t take Reclast again.
I had reclast two weeks ago. I now have severe back and shoulder pain and am taking celebrex for the arthritic pain I am experiencing. I would never take it again. I have been back to my doctor and he is going to file a complaint with the drug company. This is no fun. I hope I get better soon.
I am so sorry to hear so many of you are having adverse reactions to Reclast. I had my infusion on Oct. 16,08 and was in the ER AM Oct. 18. Because I have RA the doctors contributed the pain to an RA Flare. I told them it was not and that I thought it was due to the Reclast,the doctor then spread his arms and shrugged his shoulders,gave me a shot for pain and nausea and sent me home to follow up with my rheumatologist, of whom was too booked to see me that Friday. Makes you really feel cared for. Long story short, I was home for the next 10 days with pain that went for one part of my body to another. Since then I have had four other bouts of pain.This last week being the worst. Scares me of whats to come. All I can say is any woman out there that’s contemplating taking Reclast, think long and hard. When we say the pain is extreme and debilitating we are not exaggerating. Good luck to all of you that know what I am talking about, May God Bless you with no more pain.
I had the Reclast infusion on 02-18-1009. Twelve days later, I experienced a heart attack. While in the hospital, extensive Pulmonary Emboli were discovered in both lungs. I spent 28 days in the hospital and have been under several specialists care every since I was discharged on March 30, 2009. At this time, I am on O2 24 hours a day and I have pain in almost every part of my body. My joints hurt and I also have deep muscle pain.
I wouldn’t recommend Reclast to my worst enemy.
I took the Reclast infusion one year ago and had 1 day of flu-like symptoms….body aches, fever, chills, lethargy, etc. I told my doctor about it and he gave me some Zyrtec tablets to take before my second infusion. I will have it in a couple of weeks. I am so sorry for those of you who have had long-term symptoms. In a few months I will have another bone scan and I hope that an improvement will be seen.
I had the injecton one week ago and was really sick for two days and now I have joint pain in my knee and can’t bend it and my wrist and shoulder and ankle and back hurt too.. I hope it goes away soon, every day new spots are painful. I won’ t take it ever again.. If you do take it, drink a lot of water before and after taking it, I heard after the fact that that helps. Good Luck
OH MY GOD! I wish I had never had this infusion in Dec. 2008. I have had 2 TKR, 2 neck infusions, 1 lower back infusion because of DDD, this was before the Reclast. Now these areas are so painful I can’t walk, bend, sit,sleep or do any normal things like put on my clothes. No doc. will listen to me. no pain killers take the pain away. Dose this8s stuff wear off in a year? Will I be back to normal. Someone HELP me understand whats happening. At 69yrs. old I do not want to spen my remaing years like this. Whould you?
I had the injection On June 30, 2009 and the following morning I got up in lots of pain and feeling absolutely awful. My daughter had to help be back in bed,my temperature went up to 103 and I also had a terrible headache. Today is July 5, the fever is gone but I am in excruciating pain in the muscles, bone, neck, knees. I still have flu like symptoms, headache and my right thumb is swollen and hard to move. I will call my primary care physician tomorrow (Monday but am wondering how long this will last.
augily,pain that i never had it is still here even its been almost a yearr me and my famveafter haveing the reclast my life has been a living hell fo26,2008 i had reclast i was 43 and very acti
I was just given diagnosis and options so now just checking it out. What woman would agree to this drug after reading all these horror stories? What in the world is going on? Needless to say I will not choose to have an infusion. Very scary. I’m so sorry for those of you suffering.
I had Reclast Drip about 6 weeks ago and about 3 days afterward I started icthing on my extremeties. My doctor has given me itching pills, then a pack of predisone tablets for 7 days. It has been 4 days since I finished taking them and I am still itching now. Has anyone had this reactions to the drip? Please let me know if you have. My next step is to go to a skin doctor.
Has anyone had a second infusion of Reclast? Supposedly the side effects are less severe the second time around. I had horrible flu-like symptoms the first time around, thought I was going to die, missed work, etc., and got no help from my family doctor. Now my doctor is recommending that I opt for Reclast again, and I’m waffling.
While doing research regarding my symptoms, I came upon this website. I never have replied on the internet but could not keep from doing so at this time. I am an active 54 year old woman and feel and move now like my 83 year old mother. I had a Reclast infusion the end of October 2008. I would never have taken this drug had I had the information on this website. My chest bone ached terribly when I breathed the first few days. For 3 months I experienced lower back pain, as with a fever, and constant chills for 4 months. Chonic joint/bone pain have continued. Doing simple everyday tasks has become a challenge, and I find myself in tears at times. I have had swelling of my hands since mid January and can no longer wear my wedding ring. I also experience swelling in my feet and my shoes are tight. I had minimally intrusive knee surgery May 1st to remove a tiny bite of torn cartilage, and the swelling has not subsided. Squatting is no longer an option. My understanding is that this drug causes increased inflamation in the body. I am so sorry for the suffering so many of you are experiencing. Absolutely no possible benefit of increased bone density would outweigh the side effects that seem to be getting worse than better. I am so sorry I took this medication and would recommend that no one EVER even consider it, not even oral bisphophonates. My research, including that of consultation with a nutritionist who works at a local pharmacy is: eat well, take 1,500 mgs. calcium citrate daily along with 800 mg Vit D 3, and possibly a supplement of Vit K ( if necessary) for at least maintaining your current bone density. I wish my physician, who recommended this treatment, was a well informed as so many of those of you who have replyed. May we be a WELL informed pubic, learn and share our experieces/mistakes and vow never again to be so trusting of our physicians.
I was thinking of having the Reclast infusion after being diagnosed with bad osteoporosis…..however, after reading all the bad reports here I am not going to have this treatment…I will try a nutritionist who may have other treatment..
Thanks all of you for your replies on taking this drug..
After being online most of the morning, 7/28/09, I am making a decision not to do my Reclast infusion scheduled for tommorrow. IF the side effects happen to me, it is too late, but life goes on for my doctor. I have been in that small percentage of people who have had side effects with “FORTEO”, “elevated calcium levels”. So I had to do shot every other day but it did not make a difference in my latest BMD report. I used to be on Foxamax which started a positive change years ago but I stopped it. I do have GERD as a result, but compared to these other side effects with Reclast that is minor. Google in Vivian Goldschmidt, M.A. that I discovered today. An interesting and educational read. violition
Reading through more of your comments. Gina Bruno, don’t under-estimate the temptation some doctors have to receive all those perks the drug companies give doctors to push drugs like Reclast.
I am glad I came across the woman who cured her GERD with pure vinegar. I remember someone mentioning that a long time ago and I dismissed that thought. Thank you.
I had the Reclast 2 days ago and feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I super hydrated myself and took ibuprofen but for the past 2 nights have been waking up shaking violently and in terrible pain. Last night I was also nauseated. My symptoms are much worse at night and I wonder why. How long will this last?
I had Reclast and didn’t experience any side effects at all. I’d like to see some more posting from people who had my experience. A number of my friends have had the infusion–one had a slight headache–but the rest were like me–no problems at all
I’ve had a slew of side effects from antipsychotics. I’m not psychotic- they use antipsyhotics to treat Tourette syndrome. First ones: lexapro caused the beginings of suicidal ideation and stattera (for ADHD) caused agitation.
risperdal-drowsiness and sedation, fluphenazine-acute dystonic reaction (scary! body twisting uncontrollably with intense, painful muscular spasms) abilify-vommiting, Haldol-dyskenesia, Topamax-sedation and suicidality, Seroquel-rage and mania, Risperdal-(higher dose)akinesia (inability to move) acute dystonic reaction, withdrawl dyskenesia, strange inability to speak coherently (words came out in gibberish)
Moban-dystonic reaction, emotional distress, sound sensitivity, akisthisia and dyskenesia
I’ve been to the ER multiple times over these side effects. Particularly, I was almost involuntarily committed due to the depression from the Topamax!
I’ve decided not to take any more antipsychotics. They have caused a lot of trouble and taken up a lot of time recovering from dangerous, scary and painful side effects.
I had reclast exactly one year ago, having taken fosomax for a few years and hated it and told my Dr. I didn’t want it anymore. Since having the reclast I have had severe pain in both shoulders that makes it difficult to lift things or reach up. My arms have been very strong all my 89 years. I have depended on them for everything and could not figure out why they suddenly gave out on me this past year. Having read the above experienes It sounds like the reclast may be responsible. When I see my Dr. on Aug. 14th
I shall ask him to forget the reclast and other medication. I’d like to live out my last few years as free of pain as possible !!!
I just had the reclast 3 weeks ago.It seams ok until 2 days ago, I feel short of breath.- I had heart effusiond last year and it has been getting better. My Dr. advise me to take the “reclast, once ayear” without telling me about those horrible side effects. Now, after reading all your reports. I really scare: if the side effect would be only short times, it won’t be that scare. I am afraid that that side effect is permenent!!!! Like one writer said:” if it is takinga pill, we can stop taking it; but, this is for atleast one year, we can not stop it. I am wonder why FDA and those DR.s not warning us. We truth them so much, suddenly… like this! Where are the good Dr. do????
Had relacast a week ago and not I am on crutches, my right knee is so swollen I am unable to walk. Called the dr. to advise her of my pain and I was told to contact the dr. that was taking car of my knee. I will not take another infussion.
It has been almost a year since my partner had the infusion of reclast. Initially she had a horrible reaction-fever,chills,muscle aches,joint pain. She seemed to do better after that,but periodically she keeps breaking out in horrible whelts,and rashes,followed by a lot of joint pain. We cannot figure out the rashes;there is no ryhme or reason as to when she breaks out. I have read rashes can be one of the side effects,but haven’t read here about anyone complaining with rashes. Is there anyone else out there having unexplained rashes? We have spent a lot of money on dermatologists,allergists,etc,but I believe now that the reclast is responsible. It is almost time for another infusion,but I think she will be skipping it!
Thank God for this WEB site. I had my Reclast infusion on 09-09-09 at 11:00AM. I went back to work that PM with a positve attitude ( I am a nurse in a physician’s office). I awoke at 11:30PM with hard chills and random body aches. Bones,joints and muscles. One quilt warmed me enough to doze only to awake in a fiery nightmare
of skin burning skin where they touched. I could continue with more details but even now it is hard to relive. At 9:00AM I could barely speak to tell the receptionist at the rheumotologist office I was having “flu like symptoms” and needed to speak with the nurse. When I spoke with the nurse she did not ask one question to verify my symptoms but immediately told me the Dr. wanted me to take 2 Tylenol every 6 hours for 24 hours and call back in the AM to let them know how I was doing!(Evan though I was told they had never had anyone have side effects?) It has been 10 days now. I missed 2days work and had the weekend before going back and I still wake up with head rush and heat in my spine. I still have transient minor bone pains in jaw and cheek. I pray that I will not have a year of more surprises from this horrific experience and I really pray for those already suffering. If this entry prevents only one person from going through what I have, it will be worth my time and effort. Had it not been for this WEB site I may have thought I was one of a kind and indeed did wonder for a while if I had been give the wrong medication. It is now quite apparent to me from these stories and other information I found on Reclast side effects that we are just not being given the full story up front.
I so wish that I had read this website before I went two days ago for the infusion. I will say that my husband had the infusion a few months ago and never had any reaction. I was not so lucky. I had the infusion in the morning and actually felt fine all day. That night, howver, I woke up with the worst headache I think I have ever experienced, the chiils and shaking, every bone and muscle in pain. I could hardly move. And I was so weak. Hardly got any sleep at all. The next morning I laid in bed with an ice pack on my forehead and a heating pad on my back. Also took some advil. Finally was able to get some rest. Still felt weak all of that day, but slept very well the second night and today has not been that bad. I have had pain in my big toe today, but not sure that could be from the Reclast, although have never had that before. I just hope that is the end of it, but from reading past posts, maybe not. One thing is for sure…I will not be back next year for the 2nd infusion!! Thanks to all for sharing your information.
I had reclast October 14 2009. NEVER AGAIN….. I am 44 . I threw up right after, and off and on that night. The pain in every joint, and Im so sore I cant stand it. Had the chills. I walk like im 90 now, Im so stiff. Serious think about it before you get the infusion. I drank fluids before the infusion. I read it helped, I would hate to think what if I had not drank fluids. I wished I had thought more on this. I was an idiot, I am one not to make jump descisions, but I let my guard down.
Thank you all for your posts. I was encouraged to take this drug a few yrs ago, but felt pressured by the doc and nurse…I belived I mifght be their 1st patient to try it, so turned it down, Recently broke my foot and now am being advised again to take something. The pills do hurt my esoph. so don’t take those. Was truly considering the reclast. Thank you all so much! I have fibromyalgia and react with lots of pain after the reg flu shot but that goes away after a month and is well tolerated. Reclast sounds like my worst nightmare. I will not even consider it. Again, thanks everyone.
I am a 65 year old female with osteopenia. I take Fosamax but my doctor said it is not working after my recent DEXA showed a decrease in bone density and wants me to take Reclast. After reading all the posts, I am not sure if I should take it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
My Mom had the reclast done on WED 16 2009 she was fealling fine on thursday on friday at around 6 PM she said she was feeling light headed and sat down at 630 PM she became unresposive and I called 911 when the EMT;s arrived her blood preasure was at 75 the got no lower number also she lost her eye sight ands was very confussed and had sevier back pain they took her to the hosp and the found out that her potasume and sodium had bottomed out they did all sorts of test for the cause but found nothing after spending a night in the hosp on a IV for potasium she was back to normal she askede if it could be the raclast but they said no. She went to our famliy doctor and he agreed it was the reclast. I would advise for nobody to take this with out a lot of thought and 911 standing by.
I have suffered with abnormal heartbeats as well as major bone and joint pain.
I also had very severe bone and joint pain. This improved after almost 5 months. However, I also have high blood pressure and now am on medication for that.
I also have experienced severe bone and muscle pain. Reclast has thrwon me into oesteoarathritis in arms, shoulders, knees,legs and fingers. I can hardly use my fingers. I had my injecion in March 2008 and pain started in April in my arm. I have never had any type of arthritis before April. Best part is Drs. really don’t know how to treat us. I would love to talk to someone regarding this problem. I have been bedridden for 3 months. Hopefully, this will wear off in time. Hope it doesn’t take a year. Help if you can.
within a few weeks of having my infusion of reclast I began experiencing heart pounding and some irregular heart beats, i went to a cardiologist who put me on a 24 hr monitor and was told there were a few skips, etc but nothing to worry about…i dont know if it is just coincidental with the reclast and was curious to hear if anyone else is experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms…btw, i am 48 years old and other than breast cancer 9 years ago, i am healthy …thanks for sharing your stories.
I had my RECLAST on THURSDAY, NOV, 6th at 1:30 in the afternoon. I started out with a slight headache, 8;30 p.m.I had the worst chills I have ever experienced in my life..I am 71 yrs old.My family ended up putting 8 blanketson me. I don’t know if it was all the covers on me or my 103+ temperature, I finally started to get warm. I had such a severe headache, & my bones felt like someone was breaking them,all over my body. My family put 4 different calls into the dr. only to be told this is normal. I would love to know if any dr. or nurse ever had this injection. I THINK NOT. WE ARE THIER GUINI PIGS. You have heard the saying the cemetaries are full of drs. mistakes. It is Sunday the 9th,& I still feel awful. I will pray for all of you that you will get better. I know one thing they better never ask me to get another shot. My bones hurt terrible.
For 3-1/2 days after my injection I had severe pain in my spine and hips. I missed 3 days of work because I could hardly move. Two weeks later I began waking in the middle of the night with extreme pain in my shoulder and spine. After taking tylenol and applying heat, it subsided but the next morning my spine was sore. It wore off during the day, but returned again in the middle of the night. This pattern has been going on for 7 nights!! I called the doctor who gave me the infusion and she said I must have the flu and told me to call my primary physician!!
Since I just got the infusion a month ago, I’m concerned that I’m going to have recurring pain for the next year and a doctor who does not seem very concerned!
I had my first Reclast treatment on 9/11. Sometime in November, I began to experience horrible arthritis pain my left thumb. Now, I have it in both thumbs and my right arm. It is so uncomfortable and I generally feel terrible. I cannot take the orals b/c of esophogeal problems with Fosamax.
There was nothing written about thumb pain until recently, where I have found many articles on people experiencing the same symptoms.
New drugs … how do you make an intelligent decision when you’re faced with thining bones and little or no options?
“Association does not equal causation”: posters seem to assume that any symptom occurring within a year of the Reclast infusion is caused by Reclast (just noticing that, and wondering whether the manufacturer needs to do a better job of educating and reassuring patients and physicians). Following my first Reclast infusion I experienced moderate bone pain on Days 2 and 3; it was relieved by Advil. I had no fever, chills, or malaise and have since had nothing unusual happen. Discussions on an osteoporosis forum suggested that those of us who hydrated VERY thoroughly before and immediately following the infusion were less troubled by side effects. My second infusion is coming up now in a month and, as before, I will drink at least 2 quarts of liquid a day the day of the infusion and for two days preceding it. I refused oral osteoporosis drugs because of the esophageal and gastric hazards, and I am very grateful for Reclast. Disclaimer: I don’t work for the company that makes it and am not a medical professional.
IN APRIL 2008 I WAS GIVEN A RECLAST INFUSION AND HAD NO PROBLEM UNTIL JUNE, WHEN FINGER RINGS WERE ADJUSTED, AND PRESSURE CAUSED BONE SPUR GROWTH TO THE PALM OF MY LEFT HAND. THE FINGERS ON BOTH MY HANDS ARE STIFF, ESPECIALLY MY MIDDLE FINGERS, AND CONTINUOUSLY STRETCH THEM FOR SOME RELIEF. GLUCOSOMINE CHONDROITEN , WHICH OBLITERATED ARTHRITIS PAIN AND OUTWARD SIGNS OF BONE PROTUBERANCES ARE NOW INEFFECTIVE. THIS DRUG, ADVERTISEDE BY NOVARTIS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS INADVERTENTLY HAS MADE BONE MORE BRITTLE, CAUSING TWO TOES TO BREAK. WHERE, BEFORE, THERE WAS NOT THAT MUCH PAIN TO MY BROKEN LEFT HIP AND BACK FRACTURES , FROM A SCALE OF
1-10, IT NOW IS A 9. IF THOUSANDS WERE TESTED FOR RECLAST, THEN ALL THOSE WITH ARTHRITIS MUST HAVE GOTTEN THE PLACEBO.
WHAT WORRIES ME IS THE DEROGATORY LASTING EFFECT THIS DRUG WILL HAVE PAST THE YEAR ADVOCATED.,
I had the Reclast infusion on December 17, 2008. I have never ~ ever in my life been as sick as I was for 4 days. High fever, complete confusion, unable to walk without help, had trouble being able to talk and express my thoughts. I was aware that I wasn’t making sense and it frightened me horribly. Now, over 5 weeks later I am left with no energy at all and my sense of balance is off ~ I just feel generally awful. I’ve suffered severe pains in my jaw and legs. This drug should not be used!
I had the Reclast infusion on December 17, 2008. I have never ~ ever in my life been as sick as I was for 4 days. High fever, complete confusion, unable to walk without help, had trouble being able to talk and express my thoughts. I was aware that I wasn’t making sense and it frightened me horribly. Now, over 5 weeks later I am left with no energy at all and my sense of balance is off ~ I just feel generally awful. I’ve suffered severe pains in my jaw and legs.
I got infusion of Reclast almost a month ago. Two weeks later I had severe pain in knee that went away in two weeks. NOW I have SEVERE pain in back and hip. Cannot walk hardly. I am bent over in pain. Pain med does not even help it. I am crippled!!! Now what?
I had my infusion in March 2008 and I’m still suffering with shoulder, wrist, fingers, hip and ankle pain. My fingers and wrists are swollen and it is very hard to use my fingers. Reclast has ruined my quality of life. Now I have osteoarthritis thru my whole body. Never had a touch of arthritis before receiving this awful drug. Pain can be severe at times still. Already spent 3 months in bed as I couldn’t move. Pain med doesn’t help much. What are we to do
I got infusion of Reclast in December 2008 and experienced no side affects until a few weeks ago. Now I know I have some osteoarthritis & scoliosis, but have never experienced pain so severe & disabling. I haven’t altered my routine in any way & haven’t suffered any injuries so the only thing I can attribute the change to is that Reclast infusion. I’m trying (despite the pain) to keep doing yoga stretches and tai chi to keep as limber as possible & to drop the extra 10 lbs. I seem to put on every winter. I agree, pain meds don’t help much at all.
I had my reclast infusion a week ago today. Two days after that I experienced low back pain and now I can hardly move. I’m 56 and I feel like I’m 86. I can barely walk and my doctor’s office has not returned my phone calls.
I had to be out of town last Thursday and Friday and it was agony to get up-and-down from the bed or even a chair. It’s only getting worse. I’m using heat therapy, OTC meds and nothing works.
I’m sorry I ever had the treatment.
My Dr. is trying to persuade me to get Reclast, as I could not take Actonel. It gave me Acid Reflux. I hace cured it after 6 mos. with natural vinegar, 3Tbsp a day. 1 before each meal wth a glass of water. I am so glad I have read all your experiences with this Reclast. I am not going to get it. I do have a bad case of Osteo, but I can deal with that better than more pain. Thank you so much, & may God bless each of you for your honest information to help others.
Beverly
I was searching the internet this morning looking for side effects of Reclast infusion which my dr. is insisting will be the only “cure” for my osteoporosis! My numbers really aren’t that bad, especially when you look back over several years… one year I actually improved!… but the doc said that was a fluke… they have an answer for everything! He said my bones are so brittle that I would be in a sad state of affairs if I fell… well… I did fall about 2 months ago, bruised some ribs and my knee quite badly. Didn’t need medical attention… what would they tell me?… oh, you bruised some ribs and scraped your knee. Anyway, I didn’t bother telling doc about the fall… he would have called it a fluke that nothing broke! So, he is insisting that I have this Reclast drip, but now after reading everyone’s testimonial, there is absolutely no way I’ll have that done to me. I have enough pain with arthritis in my knees… I don’t need any more pain! And yes, I’d love to see the docs and nurses get this infusion… it might make them think twice about prescribing it to their patients. Thank you ALL for your candid remarks… I’m so glad I stumbled on this website! Gina
hair loss
I took reclast five days ago, and I feel terrible. My back hurts; my neck hurts; I am having terrible headaches. I have just been going home and going to bed and I can’t hardly get out of bed. I will not take it again.
Just heard from the dr an hour ago that my latest dexa scan shows more bone loss but still in the osteopenia stage. She is recommending Reclast. I was taking Fosamax until last year when severe pain in my upper right side caused me to stop. After reading all your stories I have no intention of taking Reclast, not worth the risk but I thank all of you so much for being so candid and helping those of us that are on the fence to make a decision.
I took Reclast on May 6, 2009. Had first low back pain one week later. It has lasted one week. It seems to be receding somewhat. Don’t know what to expect next. I won’t take Reclast again.
I had reclast two weeks ago. I now have severe back and shoulder pain and am taking celebrex for the arthritic pain I am experiencing. I would never take it again. I have been back to my doctor and he is going to file a complaint with the drug company. This is no fun. I hope I get better soon.
I am so sorry to hear so many of you are having adverse reactions to Reclast. I had my infusion on Oct. 16,08 and was in the ER AM Oct. 18. Because I have RA the doctors contributed the pain to an RA Flare. I told them it was not and that I thought it was due to the Reclast,the doctor then spread his arms and shrugged his shoulders,gave me a shot for pain and nausea and sent me home to follow up with my rheumatologist, of whom was too booked to see me that Friday. Makes you really feel cared for. Long story short, I was home for the next 10 days with pain that went for one part of my body to another. Since then I have had four other bouts of pain.This last week being the worst. Scares me of whats to come. All I can say is any woman out there that’s contemplating taking Reclast, think long and hard. When we say the pain is extreme and debilitating we are not exaggerating. Good luck to all of you that know what I am talking about, May God Bless you with no more pain.
I am anticipating doing Reclast soon. I have done Actonel and Fosomax and now I am ready for Reclast.
After reading all of these horrible side effects to this drug, I am very scared and concerned.
Thanks for your help.
I had the Reclast infusion on 02-18-1009. Twelve days later, I experienced a heart attack. While in the hospital, extensive Pulmonary Emboli were discovered in both lungs. I spent 28 days in the hospital and have been under several specialists care every since I was discharged on March 30, 2009. At this time, I am on O2 24 hours a day and I have pain in almost every part of my body. My joints hurt and I also have deep muscle pain.
I wouldn’t recommend Reclast to my worst enemy.
I had the injection two days ago and have had flu like symptoms since yesterday.
I took the Reclast infusion one year ago and had 1 day of flu-like symptoms….body aches, fever, chills, lethargy, etc. I told my doctor about it and he gave me some Zyrtec tablets to take before my second infusion. I will have it in a couple of weeks. I am so sorry for those of you who have had long-term symptoms. In a few months I will have another bone scan and I hope that an improvement will be seen.
I had the injecton one week ago and was really sick for two days and now I have joint pain in my knee and can’t bend it and my wrist and shoulder and ankle and back hurt too.. I hope it goes away soon, every day new spots are painful. I won’ t take it ever again.. If you do take it, drink a lot of water before and after taking it, I heard after the fact that that helps. Good Luck
OH MY GOD! I wish I had never had this infusion in Dec. 2008. I have had 2 TKR, 2 neck infusions, 1 lower back infusion because of DDD, this was before the Reclast. Now these areas are so painful I can’t walk, bend, sit,sleep or do any normal things like put on my clothes. No doc. will listen to me. no pain killers take the pain away. Dose this8s stuff wear off in a year? Will I be back to normal. Someone HELP me understand whats happening. At 69yrs. old I do not want to spen my remaing years like this. Whould you?
I had the injection On June 30, 2009 and the following morning I got up in lots of pain and feeling absolutely awful. My daughter had to help be back in bed,my temperature went up to 103 and I also had a terrible headache. Today is July 5, the fever is gone but I am in excruciating pain in the muscles, bone, neck, knees. I still have flu like symptoms, headache and my right thumb is swollen and hard to move. I will call my primary care physician tomorrow (Monday but am wondering how long this will last.
might consider these approaches too.
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/jan2009_Vitamin-K-Protection-Against-Arterial-Calcification-Bone-Loss-Cancer-Aging_01.htm
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/
strontium
augily,pain that i never had it is still here even its been almost a yearr me and my famveafter haveing the reclast my life has been a living hell fo26,2008 i had reclast i was 43 and very acti
I was just given diagnosis and options so now just checking it out. What woman would agree to this drug after reading all these horror stories? What in the world is going on? Needless to say I will not choose to have an infusion. Very scary. I’m so sorry for those of you suffering.
I had Reclast Drip about 6 weeks ago and about 3 days afterward I started icthing on my extremeties. My doctor has given me itching pills, then a pack of predisone tablets for 7 days. It has been 4 days since I finished taking them and I am still itching now. Has anyone had this reactions to the drip? Please let me know if you have. My next step is to go to a skin doctor.
Has anyone had a second infusion of Reclast? Supposedly the side effects are less severe the second time around. I had horrible flu-like symptoms the first time around, thought I was going to die, missed work, etc., and got no help from my family doctor. Now my doctor is recommending that I opt for Reclast again, and I’m waffling.
While doing research regarding my symptoms, I came upon this website. I never have replied on the internet but could not keep from doing so at this time. I am an active 54 year old woman and feel and move now like my 83 year old mother. I had a Reclast infusion the end of October 2008. I would never have taken this drug had I had the information on this website. My chest bone ached terribly when I breathed the first few days. For 3 months I experienced lower back pain, as with a fever, and constant chills for 4 months. Chonic joint/bone pain have continued. Doing simple everyday tasks has become a challenge, and I find myself in tears at times. I have had swelling of my hands since mid January and can no longer wear my wedding ring. I also experience swelling in my feet and my shoes are tight. I had minimally intrusive knee surgery May 1st to remove a tiny bite of torn cartilage, and the swelling has not subsided. Squatting is no longer an option. My understanding is that this drug causes increased inflamation in the body. I am so sorry for the suffering so many of you are experiencing. Absolutely no possible benefit of increased bone density would outweigh the side effects that seem to be getting worse than better. I am so sorry I took this medication and would recommend that no one EVER even consider it, not even oral bisphophonates. My research, including that of consultation with a nutritionist who works at a local pharmacy is: eat well, take 1,500 mgs. calcium citrate daily along with 800 mg Vit D 3, and possibly a supplement of Vit K ( if necessary) for at least maintaining your current bone density. I wish my physician, who recommended this treatment, was a well informed as so many of those of you who have replyed. May we be a WELL informed pubic, learn and share our experieces/mistakes and vow never again to be so trusting of our physicians.
I was thinking of having the Reclast infusion after being diagnosed with bad osteoporosis…..however, after reading all the bad reports here I am not going to have this treatment…I will try a nutritionist who may have other treatment..
Thanks all of you for your replies on taking this drug..
After being online most of the morning, 7/28/09, I am making a decision not to do my Reclast infusion scheduled for tommorrow. IF the side effects happen to me, it is too late, but life goes on for my doctor. I have been in that small percentage of people who have had side effects with “FORTEO”, “elevated calcium levels”. So I had to do shot every other day but it did not make a difference in my latest BMD report. I used to be on Foxamax which started a positive change years ago but I stopped it. I do have GERD as a result, but compared to these other side effects with Reclast that is minor. Google in Vivian Goldschmidt, M.A. that I discovered today. An interesting and educational read. violition
Reading through more of your comments. Gina Bruno, don’t under-estimate the temptation some doctors have to receive all those perks the drug companies give doctors to push drugs like Reclast.
I am glad I came across the woman who cured her GERD with pure vinegar. I remember someone mentioning that a long time ago and I dismissed that thought. Thank you.
I had the Reclast 2 days ago and feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I super hydrated myself and took ibuprofen but for the past 2 nights have been waking up shaking violently and in terrible pain. Last night I was also nauseated. My symptoms are much worse at night and I wonder why. How long will this last?
I had Reclast and didn’t experience any side effects at all. I’d like to see some more posting from people who had my experience. A number of my friends have had the infusion–one had a slight headache–but the rest were like me–no problems at all
I’ve had a slew of side effects from antipsychotics. I’m not psychotic- they use antipsyhotics to treat Tourette syndrome. First ones: lexapro caused the beginings of suicidal ideation and stattera (for ADHD) caused agitation.
risperdal-drowsiness and sedation, fluphenazine-acute dystonic reaction (scary! body twisting uncontrollably with intense, painful muscular spasms) abilify-vommiting, Haldol-dyskenesia, Topamax-sedation and suicidality, Seroquel-rage and mania, Risperdal-(higher dose)akinesia (inability to move) acute dystonic reaction, withdrawl dyskenesia, strange inability to speak coherently (words came out in gibberish)
Moban-dystonic reaction, emotional distress, sound sensitivity, akisthisia and dyskenesia
I’ve been to the ER multiple times over these side effects. Particularly, I was almost involuntarily committed due to the depression from the Topamax!
I’ve decided not to take any more antipsychotics. They have caused a lot of trouble and taken up a lot of time recovering from dangerous, scary and painful side effects.
I had reclast exactly one year ago, having taken fosomax for a few years and hated it and told my Dr. I didn’t want it anymore. Since having the reclast I have had severe pain in both shoulders that makes it difficult to lift things or reach up. My arms have been very strong all my 89 years. I have depended on them for everything and could not figure out why they suddenly gave out on me this past year. Having read the above experienes It sounds like the reclast may be responsible. When I see my Dr. on Aug. 14th
I shall ask him to forget the reclast and other medication. I’d like to live out my last few years as free of pain as possible !!!
I just had the reclast 3 weeks ago.It seams ok until 2 days ago, I feel short of breath.- I had heart effusiond last year and it has been getting better. My Dr. advise me to take the “reclast, once ayear” without telling me about those horrible side effects. Now, after reading all your reports. I really scare: if the side effect would be only short times, it won’t be that scare. I am afraid that that side effect is permenent!!!! Like one writer said:” if it is takinga pill, we can stop taking it; but, this is for atleast one year, we can not stop it. I am wonder why FDA and those DR.s not warning us. We truth them so much, suddenly… like this! Where are the good Dr. do????
Had relacast a week ago and not I am on crutches, my right knee is so swollen I am unable to walk. Called the dr. to advise her of my pain and I was told to contact the dr. that was taking car of my knee. I will not take another infussion.
It has been almost a year since my partner had the infusion of reclast. Initially she had a horrible reaction-fever,chills,muscle aches,joint pain. She seemed to do better after that,but periodically she keeps breaking out in horrible whelts,and rashes,followed by a lot of joint pain. We cannot figure out the rashes;there is no ryhme or reason as to when she breaks out. I have read rashes can be one of the side effects,but haven’t read here about anyone complaining with rashes. Is there anyone else out there having unexplained rashes? We have spent a lot of money on dermatologists,allergists,etc,but I believe now that the reclast is responsible. It is almost time for another infusion,but I think she will be skipping it!
Thank God for this WEB site. I had my Reclast infusion on 09-09-09 at 11:00AM. I went back to work that PM with a positve attitude ( I am a nurse in a physician’s office). I awoke at 11:30PM with hard chills and random body aches. Bones,joints and muscles. One quilt warmed me enough to doze only to awake in a fiery nightmare
of skin burning skin where they touched. I could continue with more details but even now it is hard to relive. At 9:00AM I could barely speak to tell the receptionist at the rheumotologist office I was having “flu like symptoms” and needed to speak with the nurse. When I spoke with the nurse she did not ask one question to verify my symptoms but immediately told me the Dr. wanted me to take 2 Tylenol every 6 hours for 24 hours and call back in the AM to let them know how I was doing!(Evan though I was told they had never had anyone have side effects?) It has been 10 days now. I missed 2days work and had the weekend before going back and I still wake up with head rush and heat in my spine. I still have transient minor bone pains in jaw and cheek. I pray that I will not have a year of more surprises from this horrific experience and I really pray for those already suffering. If this entry prevents only one person from going through what I have, it will be worth my time and effort. Had it not been for this WEB site I may have thought I was one of a kind and indeed did wonder for a while if I had been give the wrong medication. It is now quite apparent to me from these stories and other information I found on Reclast side effects that we are just not being given the full story up front.
I so wish that I had read this website before I went two days ago for the infusion. I will say that my husband had the infusion a few months ago and never had any reaction. I was not so lucky. I had the infusion in the morning and actually felt fine all day. That night, howver, I woke up with the worst headache I think I have ever experienced, the chiils and shaking, every bone and muscle in pain. I could hardly move. And I was so weak. Hardly got any sleep at all. The next morning I laid in bed with an ice pack on my forehead and a heating pad on my back. Also took some advil. Finally was able to get some rest. Still felt weak all of that day, but slept very well the second night and today has not been that bad. I have had pain in my big toe today, but not sure that could be from the Reclast, although have never had that before. I just hope that is the end of it, but from reading past posts, maybe not. One thing is for sure…I will not be back next year for the 2nd infusion!! Thanks to all for sharing your information.
I had reclast October 14 2009. NEVER AGAIN….. I am 44 . I threw up right after, and off and on that night. The pain in every joint, and Im so sore I cant stand it. Had the chills. I walk like im 90 now, Im so stiff. Serious think about it before you get the infusion. I drank fluids before the infusion. I read it helped, I would hate to think what if I had not drank fluids. I wished I had thought more on this. I was an idiot, I am one not to make jump descisions, but I let my guard down.
Thank you all for your posts. I was encouraged to take this drug a few yrs ago, but felt pressured by the doc and nurse…I belived I mifght be their 1st patient to try it, so turned it down, Recently broke my foot and now am being advised again to take something. The pills do hurt my esoph. so don’t take those. Was truly considering the reclast. Thank you all so much! I have fibromyalgia and react with lots of pain after the reg flu shot but that goes away after a month and is well tolerated. Reclast sounds like my worst nightmare. I will not even consider it. Again, thanks everyone.
I am a 65 year old female with osteopenia. I take Fosamax but my doctor said it is not working after my recent DEXA showed a decrease in bone density and wants me to take Reclast. After reading all the posts, I am not sure if I should take it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
My Mom had the reclast done on WED 16 2009 she was fealling fine on thursday on friday at around 6 PM she said she was feeling light headed and sat down at 630 PM she became unresposive and I called 911 when the EMT;s arrived her blood preasure was at 75 the got no lower number also she lost her eye sight ands was very confussed and had sevier back pain they took her to the hosp and the found out that her potasume and sodium had bottomed out they did all sorts of test for the cause but found nothing after spending a night in the hosp on a IV for potasium she was back to normal she askede if it could be the raclast but they said no. She went to our famliy doctor and he agreed it was the reclast. I would advise for nobody to take this with out a lot of thought and 911 standing by.