Reclast User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Reclast has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 269 reviews on Drugs.com. 37% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 44% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Reclast
- Kam...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 10, 2020
For Osteoporosis "Ugh Ugh Ugh - think twice, think three times before EVER taking this stuff. They said minor side effects... NOT!! Never been this sick in my life, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in my joints like a sledgehammer hit me, dizziness - by far worse than when I had influenza. I will NEVER EVER take this again. I hope they have a class-action lawsuit put against them. This is horrible stuff!"
- Kee...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 28, 2020
For Osteoporosis "I am a 58-year-old woman, and yesterday afternoon I had my Reclast intravenous procedure done for the first time. I drank plenty of water (64 oz) the day before, and drank more water (32 oz) the morning of. I took two (2) Extra Strength Tylenol one hour prior to the procedure. The nurse first administered the saline and then the Zoledronic Acid (Reclast). I was also given juice to drink during this time. The whole process took about 40 minutes. I continued to drink plenty of liquids the rest of the day and took two (2) more Extra Strength Tylenol 4 hours later. So far, I have only felt a little tired and slightly achy. I am continuing to drink plenty of water as recommended, and hopefully all is good from here out!"
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between Prolia and Reclast?
- What medications are available to treat osteoporosis?
- Insights from a Pharmacist about Osteoporosis Treatments
- KMN...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 11, 2022
For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I have Osteopenia due to being on an estrogen blocker after breast cancer. Prolia was scheduled. When I arrived, I was told insurance wanted Reclast. Therefore, NO prep instructions. I typically drink 64 oz of water every day. Had been taking VitD/calcium for 7 days. Was told Tylenol and loratadine would really help IF I had bone pain. About 6 hours after the 30-minute infusion, I got really tired/sleepy. Also, forehead area headache & low-grade fever. Took XS Tylenol. Felt better, continued hydration. Took Tylenol again about 5 hours later. Went to bed, ribs, shoulders, feet, fingers pain. I'd rate an 8. This is with my normally prescribed pain meds in addition to Tylenol. Hard shaking chills, continuing pain, nausea. More Tylenol, added Zofran for nausea. Only able to sip water... tried ginger ale sips. So I am 6 hours in and writing this while there is a break in chills. Pain now 6. Would not choose this medicine."
- Don...
- August 11, 2020
For Osteoporosis "I was 64 when I received my first dose of Reclast several months ago for osteoporosis. I was nervous prior, having read about potential side effects, but I figured 3 days of discomfort or pain would be better than a fractured hip or worse. I did follow my doctor's advice and drank plenty of water and took Tylenol. I was very pleased, my symptoms were mild, only slight muscle aches, and I felt fine within 24 hours. Fingers crossed my yearly check-up will reveal an improvement in my bone density. Hopefully, my second dose will be as easy."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 22, 2021
For Prevention of Osteoporosis "My mother is very healthy at 83. She takes only one medication for reflux, has full mental capacity, and above-average strength. She had one infusion resulting in severe bone/joint pain, high fever, complete incoherence, a cough, dizziness, and ocular palsy. C-19 was ruled out, as were other diagnoses. After eight months, some of these symptoms continue. Since this Rx is supposed to be given in a series of three, the full effectiveness will not be realized since she obviously will not be getting the remaining two infusions. Do not, under any circumstances, inject this stuff into your body. Find some alternative therapies and supplements instead."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 6, 2012
For Osteoporosis "I have read many bad reviews on this treatment, so let me tell you my positive one. I am early 60s, very active, slightly built and failed my bone density scan. Did my research (very important) and found a fabulous young female rheumatologist. After viewing all of my prior Dexa scans, we tried one Fosamax (I had been on Evista for four years prior due to healed multiple ulcers). The Fosamax reaction was very bad, but the gastric distress eased up finally. We decided on the Reclast infusion. The injection was pleasant, the people were great. I went to work. Had a headache for three days, took medicines for the headache but carried on my regular business. This was one week ago. I feel great."
- Ire...
- June 24, 2022
For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I very nearly didn’t have my Reclast infusion because of sites like this that terrify people. I have very bad osteoporosis, and I need surgery on my back to hopefully stop my pain and enable me to walk without a walker. I listened to my doctor, read everything about Reclast (it does give you all information about possible side effects, including seeing your dentist prior to getting Reclast). I am on my 3rd day after my first infusion. I have felt heavy fatigue, a bit of aching in my body, some pain in various bones that goes away fairly quickly, a headache on top of my head that is controlled with Tylenol, and some brain fogginess. As my doctor and the nurse who administered my infusion (and told me I could leave if I was too nervous) said to me - hundreds of millions of people take this medication and are fine after feeling a bit rough for about 3 days. The ones who write about their problems are in the vast minority. To others who are scared, DON'T read these negative posts!!"
- Mis...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 7, 2019
For Osteoporosis "Prior to receiving Reclast infusion 9 days ago, I only suffered back pains due to my scoliosis. Flu-like symptoms started exactly 24 hours after my infusion. I thought I was dying because of the severity of the bone aches and chills. I couldn’t walk so I stayed curled in the fetal position with pain. The next day I lay out in the warm weather to feel some relief. They told me that it would only last 2-3 days. Well, yesterday (day 8) I went to urgent care with horrible pain and unable to move my neck, only to be told that I needed to go to the ER to be treated for the pain aggressively. In the ER, I was given pain meds intravenously and sent home to take a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen at the same time. Today is day 9 and I still cannot move my neck or barely walk. When will this let up?! I will NOT do this treatment again."
- Den...
- January 8, 2020
For Osteoporosis "I had my Reclast infusion about two months ago. The first week was fine, then it was downhill from there. I get chills, dizziness, a terrible cough to the point of almost choking. The fatigue is awful, I sleep 12-13 hours per day and don’t want to get out of bed. I have been to the doctor, and they have checked me for everything under the sun, including CT scans, and nothing is wrong with me. I will never do this again, and I sure hope these symptoms don’t last the entire year."
- Bre...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 13, 2018
For Osteoporosis "My first two infusions went okay. My DEXA did not really change. Then I had my third infusion, and everything but my bone density changed. I now have an irregular EKG and heart flutters, and high blood pressure that came out of nowhere. I have felt totally unwell, dizzy, and unsteady at times. I feel that I have been poisoned. Shame on me for believing big pharma could help. Just take your calcium citrate and vitamin D, that's all you really need for your bone health. Reclast is just another poison to ruin your health."
- Bx5...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 30, 2023
For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I received my first infusion on March 22 and had no problem at all. I did increase my fluid intake the days before and after the infusion, and I also took a mild painkiller. I was extremely nervous after reading so many negative reviews on this website. The infusion was pain-free, I had no side effects whatsoever and felt completely well. I am a 72-year-old who has severe osteoporosis, and this year I have been without fractures. I am due for my second infusion soon."
- Gra...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 6, 2021
For Osteoporosis "I’m 54 and almost 3 weeks post my first infusion. Just recently diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis, and doc recommended Reclast as the easiest treatment. The infusion went well, but 24 hours, I started having muscular back pain. It’s not getting better and is fairly excruciating. It feels like back labor, spiking at 7-8 on a 10-point pain scale. After a few days, I called my MD and got muscle relaxants, ibuprofen, and topical NSAIDs (diclofenac), but they’re not really helping. I just started a new job and am trying very hard to work through this, but I’m really getting worried. I need some serious dental work, too, but I’m not really inclined to take the assurances that it will all be fine in a couple of months at face value right now. I was not warned about preparing before with water, Vit D and calcium, don’t know if it would have helped. I’ll be glad if my bone density increases, but in any case, there’s no way I’m taking this again."
- Gho...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 26, 2020
For Osteoporosis "I had the Reclast infusion in Oct 2019. During the infusion, I was so thirsty, I just kept chugging water. I went straight to work afterwards and was thrilled that I felt fine. I even went out for a nice dinner. However, exactly 12 hours after the infusion, flu-like symptoms hit me like a brick. I could barely move. Luckily, it only lasted about 36 hours. It was scary because you do wonder if you're ever going to feel well again. I don't know if this is related, but in my mind it is - about 3 weeks later, I had horrible acid reflux and bloating, I could barely eat. I could only take small sips of soup. This lasted nearly 2 months. I am improving now. I believe this is a side effect, although it is not listed as a possible side effect. Well, every person reacts differently. I do not plan to take this again. Good luck! Tough decisions here."
- Pla...
- August 27, 2013
For Osteoporosis "I had my first Reclast IV injection last winter, just prior to the holidays. I had about 5 days of severe flu symptoms and seriously considered not repeating the injection the next year. However, my bone scan was so positive and even with several falls, I have not broken anything. Prior to the Reclast, I had, in 2 years, a fractured hip, wrist, and ankle. Surgery on the hip showed a femur like Swiss cheese and the severe fall seriously impacted my life. This year I'm 70 and preparing for my second IV, seeing a dentist to make sure I don't have any serious issues that need to be dealt with. I also quit taking steroid spinal IVs for chronic pain this year, thinking I could deal with the pain and perhaps not have further breaks. I endorse Reclast."
- Jon...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 12, 2019
For Prevention of Osteoporosis "HORRIBLE!! The injection itself was a piece of cake, and the first night had zero problems. Night #2 started off with some muscle aches. NBD (no big deal), the doctor warned of flu-like symptoms. The aches got worse as the evening progressed. I got up feeling very restless, and when I touched the floor, I realized I was FREEZING COLD! The coldest I have ever felt in my life. At the same moment, starting with my feet, I had severe muscle cramping up the entire length of my body. I was scared to death! I thought I was having a stroke or something as I lost complete control of my body. I lay back down and willed myself not to pass out. I’m not sure whether I did or not! Several hours later, I was able to get up and take some Motrin to help with the muscle pain. Semi-normal by morning, but completely freaked out! Now, several weeks later, I am having massive hair loss! This drug SUCKS!"
- Vim...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 31, 2019
For Osteoporosis "Had my first Reclast infusion on 12/20/19. The worst I have ever felt, and I live with chronic pain every day! But this was the most uncomfortable feeling I’ve ever been through, with having had the flu when I was in my early 30s. This medicine made me feel like I had an elephant sitting on my chest, approximately 12 hours after the infusion, along with flu-like symptoms! I was bedridden the whole next day and still a week and a half, still have pain in my chest. I could not eat and had to force trying to drink water, to try and take Tylenol for the pain, which didn’t help!!! Please read reviews on this medicine before you get it!! I WILL NEVER HAVE THIS AGAIN!!!!"
- Hom...
- March 21, 2017
For Osteoporosis "I would never have a Reclast infusion again. Felt okay for a couple of weeks and thought I had missed all the problems people reported from it. After that, my joints all started hurting and hurt for about 6 weeks. I felt so bad I didn't feel like doing anything, just sitting in a recliner hurt. It started to get somewhat better and then my jaw started to hurt, it even made my teeth hurt on that side. I could hardly chew. It has slowly gotten better, but still hurts some, but has taken 6 months to finally start to feel normal. Will not do that again."
- ish...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 15, 2023
For Osteoporosis "I am a 55-year-old female with a complicated medical history. Due to high amounts of cortisone during my childhood, I have compromised bones. Despite this, I agreed to receive the Reclast infusion on June 1st. In the afternoon of the same day, around 11 PM, I experienced a fever of 103.3°F, accompanied by body shivering and teeth chattering. It was quite frightening as I live alone. I took Tylenol, although it was challenging to retrieve due to my condition. The fever persisted for two days, reaching 103.3°F again. I contacted my doctor on Sunday, and he acknowledged that it was unusual but assured me it would subside. However, for the following week, I continued to experience fevers ranging from 101°F to 100.5°F. Frustrated, I reached out to my doctor again, expressing my dissatisfaction. During my appointment on Monday, he mentioned that he had never encountered such cases, but a senior doctor had seen similar situations and explained that it might take a few weeks to resolve. Every day, I still have a low-grade fever, which makes me feel unwell, but I have to continue working. I have decided that I will never take Reclast again. Furthermore, I am disappointed with my doctor's reaction and his inability to provide empathy. His demeanor has been peculiar throughout this experience. In conclusion, I do not recommend this treatment."
- Sno...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 16, 2019
For Osteoporosis "I had this infusion of Reclast for Osteoporosis. I have had a rib fracture and L1 compression fracture. The next morning after the injection, I had side effects of flu symptoms, fever, and chills. The worst is the severe joint pain. My knees are so swollen and stiff that I am unable to walk without a cane or assistance. Also, my thumbs are swollen and painful. It has been 3 days, so I can’t really say if any of this is worth it. But, I don’t think I would use this drug again. I’m being told by the doctor that it may take a week to several weeks for the side effects to subside."
- Nea...
- April 13, 2011
For Osteoporosis "I have had good results with Reclast for osteoporosis. I've had 3 infusions in three years. I am scheduled to have my 4th this May. I have had no fractures during this time. I have had flu-like side effects that lasted 1-3 days each time I've had my infusions. However, if you have them infuse the Reclast slower over 30 minutes vs. 15 minutes, and you get well hydrated before and stay hydrated well after, it will help. There is currently a warning letter out in Canada sent by Novartis regarding Reclast causing serious kidney issues, a few leading to kidney failure, dialysis, and even death. Our FDA has not responded to this. Make sure you have your kidney doctor's blessing before you take Reclast. I see mine next week."
- kat...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 31, 2020
For Osteoporosis "I wasn't told anything about water or Tylenol before infusion till I got to the office to have my infusion (too late). I had excruciating pain about 3 am that night. Hardly walk, headache, nausea, pain in chest like I had broken all my ribs at one time. If I had been told to drink a lot of water the day before and the day before I got my infusion there may have been a different outcome. Three days later now, I am better but now have diarrhea but was constipated so I figured it was coming. My doctor is going to get an earful when I get to see her. I was told this was my only option because of stomach issues and I hate shots."
- Pil...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 20, 2017
For Osteoporosis "Do not use this drug or any bisphosphonate. The first year I used it, 3 of my fingernails had lifted off their nail bed. The 2nd year, I got osteonecrosis of my left lower jaw. I lost 3 teeth and cannot have implants due to poor bone quality. The 3rd year, my doctor had decided not to give it to me. I still suffered side effects of this drug. I was standing in one place ironing a shirt when I heard a pop in my leg and could feel my femur moving over. That was 2 years ago, and my femur is still fractured. I just had my 4th surgery and am hoping this heals my fracture."
- Ste...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 11, 2019
For Osteoporosis "Had my first Reclast infusion on 9/9/19. I was petrified after reading several reviews. The nurses reassured me they do this 5 days a week. The drug has been out for years. Glad to report no side effects yet. Think of it as a coating on your bones to keep you from breaking a bone. Will come back next year."
- 202...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 25, 2023
For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had my first and only Reclast infusion 23 days ago. About 9 hours after the infusion, I started feeling ill, I had terrible chills, shaking violently for two hours. At 2:00 a.m., I went to the ER with a fever of 102.4 and pain everywhere. I had heart surgery to repair my mitral valve 2 1/2 years ago and have been taking an arrhythmia drug for 2 years, and I’ve been fine. Since the infusion, I am tired, I have a fib and bigeminy several times a day, chest pain, and unbearable calf pain. This drug has ruined my health and my life. Do not take it."
More about Reclast (zoledronic acid)
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For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I am writing a positive review for Reclast. I have osteopenia and had breast cancer in 2021, for which I now take Letrozole that wears on my bones. I have no other health issues. I had my first infusion on Monday, Feb 28th. I drank plenty of fluids on Sunday and Monday and added Tylenol. After the infusion, I was a little tired and got some rest. I returned to work on Tuesday. My eyes began to feel a little different, but the nurse instructed me to take Claritin if the Ibuprofen did not help. I did have tingling in my fingers for a few minutes, but it went away. I was also exhausted and got some more rest. On Day 3, Wednesday, I was moving a little slow in the morning, took my normal midday walk, and by the afternoon I was back to normal. No other side effects thus far. I pray my bone density increases when I have the bone scan again in 2024."