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Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis User Reviews

Brand names: Reclast, Zometa, Aclasta

Zoledronic acid has an average rating of 4.0 out of 10 from a total of 58 reviews for the treatment of Prevention of Osteoporosis. 28% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 60% reported a negative experience.

Zoledronic acid rating summary

4.0/10 average rating

58 ratings from 69 user reviews.

Compare all 33 medications used in the treatment of Prevention of Osteoporosis.

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Reviews for Zoledronic acid

  • Melly...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 2, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I got my Reclast infusion almost two weeks ago. Eight hours afterwards I started feeling pain in my joints, ribs, hips, and especially my chest. I also felt this weird heartburn I'd never felt before. The pain escalated to severe: it spread to my eye sockets, down my arms to my fingers, I got a splitting headache, and started throwing up. I spent 15 excruciating hours in the ER, where a doctor eventually said that after researching Reclast, she saw that one third of every patient who receives it experiences some variation of my symptoms. I seemed to recover, but I spent last night vomiting again. I am encouraged by reports here by people who've received benefits and will cross my fingers. But why are patients not alerted to the possibility of severe side effects???"

3 / 10
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221 Report
  • Linda...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 30, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I had my infusion on a Wednesday afternoon. Woke up at 1:30 a.m. in the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. For the next 24 hours I was on pain, especially my sternum and ribs, fatigue so severe I could not walk without support, even my teeth were painful, I was constantly nauseous. After 24 hours the symptoms begin to subside but even 4 days later I experienced fatigue. Was it worth it! Don’t know yet. But wish I had been told what was possible rather than just some people “may” experience some negative effects. My experience may not be the norm but on the pain scale of 1-10 is was a 15. Do your research rather than thanking the doctor’s word. Know what you may experience."

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114 Report
  • Count...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 25, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I was told by the nurse administering the Reclast infusion that I might be “a little sore.” That was the understatement of the century! Almost immediately got a severe headache. By bedtime I was in excruciating pain in the chest, abdomen, back, shoulders, hips, limbs, fingers and toes. In other words, EVERYWHERE! The following day my temperature shot up to 103.7 and the pain in my chest and abdomen was so severe that I could only take small, shallow breaths. Went to the ER where every test known to man was performed. Nothing. The ER doctor finally said my symptoms could only be attributable to the Reclast. It’s now Day 3 and no relief except temp is now normal. Horrible experience!"

1 / 10
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87 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 2, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I am writing a positive review for Reclast, I have osteopenia, and had breast cancer in 2021 which I now take Letrozole which wears on my bones. I have no other health issues. I had my first infusion on Monday Feb 28th, drank plenty of fluids on Sunday and Monday added Tylenol. After the infusion I was a little tired and got some rest. 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. Day 3, Wednesday, moving a little slow in the morning, took my normal mid day walk and by 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."

8 / 10
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80 Report
  • KMN
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 11, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "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 0z 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 hrs after the 30min infusion I got really tired/sleepy. Also forehead area headache & low grade fever.Took XS Tylenol. Felt better, continued hydration. Took Tylenol again about 5hrs later. Went to bed, ribs, shoulders, feet, fingers pain I'd rare 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."

3 / 10
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70 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "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."

1 / 10
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81 Report
  • Bx56
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 30, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "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 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 who has severe osteoporosis and this year have been without fractures. I am due my second infusion soon."

9 / 10
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40 Report
  • Irene
  • June 24, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "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 a heavy fatigue, a bit of aching in my body, some pain in various bones that go 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 one’s who write about their problems are in vast minority. To others who are scared DON'T read these negative posts !!"

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53 Report
  • 2023
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 25, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "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."

1 / 10
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30 Report
  • Joni
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 12, 2019

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "HORRIBLE!! The injection itself was a piece of cake and first night 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 as I was feeling very restless, 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!"

3 / 10
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81 Report
  • DR LEE
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 13, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "After having a Reclast injection I had three days of low fever of 100.5, headache, stomach ache, and lupus-like rashes. It reduced renal function and caused dark foaming urine. More harm than any good to my health, a huge mistake."

1 / 10
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24 Report
  • Rmc
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 2, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "72 year old female, in excellent health, except for the usual arthritis. I was infused with Reclast at our Osteoporosis Center. That night I awakened with pain all over my body , I could barely move, terribly nauseous, my hands were the worst. The nurse called the next day FRIDAY to check on me, I told her what was happening she said flu like symptoms were normal ( what was she thinking) I said these aren’t flu like she said someone would call me MONDAY! I hung up on her. Monday I was in the ER, all my blood work was abnormal. This has been the worst experience of my life. It’s been 2 weeks ago since I had Reclast and I cried myself to sleep last night from the pain in my hands. Why aren’t people warned about this? And since the drug company knows these side effects hit 1 in 6 patients why isn’t there a protocol for doctors to follow to relieve the pain? I pray every night this medicine strengthens my bones and all this suffering was worth it."

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39 Report
  • jmotta
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 18, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "Received the first dose of Reclast yesterday, and never again. I can tolerate the fever, chills, and even fatigue but the severe muscle pain is nothing like I've ever experienced before. The flu, covid, and covid vaccine side effects are a walk in the park compared to the Reclast muscle pain. This was my first and last dose. I didn't tolerate oral Fosamax either, so I'm done with osteoporosis treatment."

1 / 10
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22 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 6, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I am convinced that Reclast (along with all other bisphosphonates, Fosamax etc.) makes bones more brittle and more prone to break. My mother had Reclast in 2011, and since then has broken her kneecap, shoulder, and femur, and also has stage 3 kidney disease. I think the whole bisphosphonate drug therapy is an experiment that has gone wrong, and that they need to be sued; that may be the only way that will stop it. I asked some lawyer groups about a class action lawsuit, and they said they weren't accepting cases for it."

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • Bos...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 22, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I had my third Reclast Infusion on June 15, 2022. First two infusions were uneventful. This third infusion caused me to have body/muscle pain throughout the night. I took Extra Strength Fast Acting Tylenol to help. On the third day I experience cramping of my calves. Since then I am feeling ok. After my first infusion my doctor had said my osteoporosis had improved. My doctor told me at my last office visit that this is my final Reclast Infusion. Overall my experiences have been good."

9 / 10
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33 Report
  • Azgirl
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 23, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "Reclast has helped me a lot. Was losing mobility due to terrible bone quality in feet, fracture, bone stress, much pain. Just had 2nd infusion. No side effects. Much more mobile now, much less foot pain ."

9 / 10
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32 Report
  • Luna
  • November 22, 2019

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "On 11/13/2019 I had ReClast infusion . Today is 11/22/2019....... I have had body/bone pain, aches, malaise, fatigue , chills , and diarrhea, since the infusion . Starting yesterday severe lower abdominal cramps, not eating......having abdominal ultrasound next week. Effectiveness of this drug is NOT worth the pain and misery, and won’t know for a year if it helps. #NEVER AGAIN! Think twice before you do it!"

4 / 10
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60 Report
  • Wilson
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 24, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "Horrible. Within 48 hours of infusion I developed chills fever 101.4 subsequent joint pain and then swelling in the Carpel-metacarpal joint, right knee started with pain and within 24 hours have a complete knee effusion with inability to bear weight. Knee was swollen twice it’s size."

4 / 10
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30 Report
  • Annie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 27, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I received Reclast infusion on December 26, 2019 for osteopenia. The next night I awoke with a terrible headache & was unable to ignore it. I took a pain reliever & slept for 4 hrs only to awaken again in severe head pain. The next day I still felt truly horrible. I went to the ER because it was a Saturday where I had an X-ray of my neck & the ER dr gave me 4 trigger point injections of lidocaine in the base of my skull. Still fighting pain! Additional trigger point injections. When does it end? A month so far of pain. Don’t do it!!"

1 / 10
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51 Report
  • Melissa
  • July 26, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "Just had my first Reclast infusion on July 23,2020. Just getting out of bed for the first time in 3 days I have side effects of the worst pain ever in my bones and my head, hands , back ! I felt like every bone in my body was punched, kicked and crushed . I could feel each bone ache individually ( if that makes sense ) Headache was so bad I got sick . However, day 3 is the magic number and I am feeling much better ;). It has been very bad , but I have made it through with lots of rest laying in bed watching movies. I think for me it was worse then chemo yuck feeling . *** don’t know how effective until next year"

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  • Laura
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 31, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I had my first infusion of Reclast on a Wednesday afternoon. By 3 AM Thursday morning I had fever, chills and extreme body aches. Nauseated and a headache. Pretty extreme, took Tylenol got a little relief. The next 24-48 hrs. has been pretty terrible, still slowly recovering. Will not do this infusion ever again. I was told by the nurses well you might feel a little achy that wasn’t even close to how bad I felt."

2 / 10
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24 Report
  • Arose
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 22, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "It’s been a little over 48 hours since my 15 minute Reclast infusion. It was easy. No side effects in the first 24 hours then some pain in my hip area. I took ibuprofen and it went away in about an hour. Woke up the next morning with a sore throat and a little more pain in my hip but took ibuprofen again it did the trick. This was my first infusion. If I get a good outcome I’ll definitely do it again."

10 / 10
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26 Report
  • AvoidAt...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 26, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I had the infusion early Friday afternoon. Within 3 hours, I had a very intense headache. By midnight, the headache was unbearable, and I also experienced deep pain, chills, dizziness, and chest pain that felt like a cement block between the ribs. On Saturday, all these issues persisted, along with a fever. On Sunday, I still had the same symptoms and also developed numbness in my legs, feet, arms, and hands. I also noticed loads of small, tiny spots on my palms and fingers. On Monday and Tuesday, the symptoms persisted, and I was unable to get out of bed. Concerned about all these issues, I called my doctor, who prescribed a 6-day cycle of steroids to try to flush out the medication. While I am aware that no one can predict how a body will react to any medication, simply saying that you may feel flu-like symptoms understates what I have been going through. I have never regretted a medical decision more than this one! Please research and know that this has caused havoc on my body, and who knows if I'll ever be the same again."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Colleen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 18, 2023

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "I would never recommend Reclast. I do not believe there is enough transparency in all the things that can go wrong. I was not advised to hydrate at anytime before the procedure and was in the ER the day after. It has been over 3 months and I still suffer from significant bone pain throughout my body. My quality of life has been diminished."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • NoRec...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 29, 2018

Reclast (zoledronic acid) "1st infusion of Reclast has left me feeling fatigued with terrible pain and swelling in hands, especially thumb joints that is not improving after nearly two weeks along with overall body aches and pains, headache and difficulty sleeping . I would never consider taking this drug again!"

2 / 10
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49 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.