Zoledronic acid User Reviews & Ratings

• active...
• September 3, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I am 73 years old and had my first infusion of Reclast two weeks ago. I fought doing this for the past three years. I had been on Fosamax for over 10 years but went off it over 7 years ago when I had some questionable side effects (jaw and chest pain) that could not be explained as coming from any other medical problem. My dexa scans had been getting continually worse (now -2.8) and a rheumatologist told me I really did not have a choice- I needed to do SOMETHING, so I relented. I followed all the recommendations about drinking a lot of water and taking Tylenol. I am elated to report that I had no ill side effects - not one! I've been able to continue my daily walking regimen without any problems. I am writing this review in the hopes that it might encourage others who might be terrified as I was after reading so many horror stories. I am hoping that after another dose my next scan in two years will show some improvement."

• Wendy
• August 16, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I am 71 years old w/ a Dex of -2.9. I just got my 1st Reclast Infusion this past Thursday (Aug 13, 2020). I was petrified walking in the door. I made sure I followed all the prep instructions they gave me. I drank more water than normal, and took Calcium w/ D3 (x2 times a day) 1 week prior. 2 days before, I started taking X-strength pain reliever (2) once a day. The day of infusion, I took 2 pain pills 2 hrs prior, and drank a lot of water (64 oz). These 2 things I believe are the key (water and pain pills). The infusion was simple and easy. After, I felt no pain or confusion. It is now Sun, 3 days later and I feel exactly as I did on the first day. I’ve drank a total of about 60 oz of water a day, and taken the max dosage of pain relievers a day for the first 2 days. They say we might feel flu-like symptoms for a few days, I only feel a little tired. No fever either. I wish you the best."

• First...
• April 23, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I am 51 years old with no health issues, and had my first Reclast infusion one week ago. After the 10am procedure, I felt ok until the evening, at which time I developed a 101 degree fever, chills, elevated pulse, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. I did not take Tylenol or pain relievers of any kind, either before or after the procedure, although most of you will be advised to do so (as was I). By the next morning I felt much better, but definitely not back to normal. But felt increasingly better as the day progressed, to the point that in the afternoon, I was able to resume my weightlifting and walking routine. By the next morning, I was back to 100%, feeling wonderful and eating well. I have felt great ever since. I hope this post will make you feel better if you have a bad first night. Hang in there, my prayers are with you!"

• Mcme
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "Short & sweet - Never, ever again will I take this drug. This knocked me on my butt and took everything out of me for several days. The worst headache I've ever had in my life (could not even open my eyes it hurt so much) excruciating bone pain, (pain you don't understand unless you've experienced it), fever, severe weakness, etc. My doctor was extremely vague and aloof. When I called to explain what I was experiencing and asking if I should go to the hospital because seriously I thought I was dying, he was so callous and unsympathetic and just said "yeah, those are side effects, just take Tylenol". It's been a year and I still have negative effects of this drug! Awful experience!"

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

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Prevention of Osteoporosis "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???"

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion on August 27, 2020. I had an appointment on August 25, 2020 with my primary care doctor. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis recently. I'm 64 years old. She told me this was the same medicine that the oral was. I tried the oral for a few month but it made me severely constipated. So I ask what the side effects were and she says constipation lol. She doesn't mention the preparation before receiving the infusion. Six hours later the body aches and fever started. Then the nausea started. Then the vomiting. My highest temperature was 103. Taking tylenol helped bring down the fever some but after it wore off it would come back. Today my bones hurt so bad I can hardly move. My ribs hurt to the point I feel like they are broken. I'm not sure I want to go through this again"

• Konas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "Just completed a full year after my Reclast dose May 2019. Very, very important to follow instructions of prepping for dosage of Reclast! Water and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) will be your best friend!! I messed up AFTER my dosage. I felt fine with the pain meds in my system and as the day progressed, I decided to not continue with pain meds. Very bad idea!! That night I felt like a freight train hit me and then ran over me. I had to get up in the middle of the night and start the Acetaminophen again. It took a while but It finally kicked in and I was back to normal. Lesson learned, Follow your Doctor’s orders!!! I did find out that my bone density improved significantly, so I am very pleased with the whole situation."

• KAano
• August 15, 2019

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "After reading all the bad experiences of Reclast I almost canceled my appointment. But there were positives comments too so I did it. I made sure to drink lots of water. I was floating when I got there. It took about 45 minutes and the people were very nice. It's been 4 days and I've had no reaction at all. So that's my experience. Hope it eases some fears."

• Gail
• August 23, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I’m a 63 year old woman who had my first reclast infusion on August 6th. So I’m 17 days out. Today I’m experiencing the worst joint pain in my legs, hips, arms and the worst is in my neck. It seems like it is progressively getting worse. I’m trying so hard to remain hopeful that this disappears. It’s very hard to get out of bed each morning. Also, I was one that the flu-like symptoms hit me hard at midnight right after I had the infusion. Worst chills ever. Couldn’t control them. My husband thought I was having convulsions. Fever spiked to 103.7. Those symptoms were gone after 3 days. But, the joint pain is more than awful. I’m looking to hear from someone with the same symptoms that the pain actual went away after awhile. Don’t know if I can do this again. I had been on Prolia and it didn’t work as the doctor expected."

• rshelin
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I am a 59 yo male with a L spine T Score of -3.9. I had ignored my osteoporosis for many, many years until I felt that I had no choice to do something. As a radiologist, I have seen many a spine with osteoporosis and multiple compression fractures that significantly reduce quality of life so I took the risk. I hydrated prior to infusion but did not immediately take NSAIDs. What a mistake. 8 hours after infusion (3 AM) I started to have severe, uncontrollable rigors (shaking chills) and diffuse bone and muscle pain that I have never experienced before. As a reference point, I fractured my right pelvis years before in the Navy and I know what pain is. Fever and chills improved with NSAID (first tried Tylenol and may switch to Naprosyn. The pain is still severe. The other testimonials are scary but I also know that there is no free lunch in medicine. Everything we do is a balance between what helps and what does not."

• Usually...
• July 10, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I am 64 and received my first reclast infusion on June 21st to treat osteoporosis. I was careful to hydrate well and didn't develop any flu symptoms. My problems started the third day when I developed extremely severe eye pain. After 4 1/2 hours in Urgent care and multiple tests, the physician didn't think it looked like a typical reclast reaction, but had no other explanation. A few days later my eye recovered, but then my hands swelled up. Fortunately, this resolved also, but then came the knee and joint pain. I suddenly have horrible knee bursitis for the first time in my life, and tendonitis in my ankles. My doctor thinks perhaps I'm dealing with some sort of auto-immune problem. I am now 18 days post-infusion, and I can barely walk or even get up out of a chair. Sheesh."

• Pione...
• February 2, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I was told IF I had any side effects it would probably take about a week and then it would be flu-like symptoms. I had the infusion about 3pm on a Tuesday and the side effects started about 8:30pm that night. It attacked my muscles and locked up my neck, hips, arms and legs. I have never felt such excruciating pain in my life. I ran a low grade fever. I vomited a couple of times. I drank a lot of water but was unable to urinate. I could barely walk, raise my arms or move. It is now Sunday and I am still suffering with pain and stiff muscles. My doctor could not tell me how long this will last. I'm taking a steroid RX now. This has completely drained me of all energy, I have no appetite and what I do eat doesn't taste good. I pray I do not have long lasting muscle pain from this. On a scale of 1 to 10, on day 5, I'm at a 5-6 pain level. I am working, active 62 year old woman who was brought to her knees with this drug. I will never take this drug again."

• Pam
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I have severe osteoporosis. When I was about 56, my internist told me I needed Reclast which was relatively new. I tolerated it well and had another infusion the next year. Because my deductible went up, I neglected getting my infusions after that. I am now 67. Last year my lumbar bone density was -4.5. I asked my doctor to order Reclast for me since I had it in the past. Again, I tolerated it well. It has been a year since that infusion. I had a bone density test 2 days ago and my lumbar spine increased 6%! I also had an increase in one of my hips which took me from -2.5 (osteoporosis) to -2.4 (osteopenia). I will be having another Reclast infusion this week. I am anxious to see what results I get next year. I started lifting light weights 4 months ago. I hope all of you having a negative reaction find a medication you can tolerate."

• Anonymous
• June 29, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion of Reclast in early March 2020. Within a day I was in the ER. I suffered greatly with nausea, vomiting, extreme bone pain and fever. The fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, malaise and other symptoms lasted for 21 days. My rheumatologist was beside herself with worry yet very helpful and compassionate. I could not eat more than toast and soup and kept a thermometer and Tylenol at bedside to treat the recurring fever. By the way I tested negative twice for Covid-19 with a negative antibody test so coronavirus was excluded as the cause. Please do your research when deciding on an osteoporosis drug. I cannot rate the effectiveness until my next DEXA scan in 2021. But in the words of my doctor, "never, ever again will you receive Reclast.""

• Beach...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "This is my 4th reclast infusion and all 4 were completely uneventful. No side effects whatsoever. Everyone is different so keeping this in mind don't let some of the negative stories scare you away from treatment."

• Linda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2022

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Prevention of Osteoporosis "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."

• Anony...
• February 7, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "This is the story of my nightmare with a reclast infusion. First I was a very active 59 year old female, I was only on an acid reflux medication. The infusion was done in August 2020. Two weeks later I started having all kinds of problems. This should not have been recommended to me due to my pre-existing conditions. Which my medical professional was aware of. I weighed 115 lbs. @ 5'2". I now weight 80 lbs. This has destroyed my health and my life. I want my life back."

• MeMe
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I’m 64 years old and had my first Reclast infusion May of 2019 after decreasing bone mass although trying several different medications. I drank at least 32 ounces of water the day before and 16 oz the morning of. I was not given any instructions but lucky enough to look it up online prior to. I had no side affects what so ever. I’m now on my second Reclast 6/2020. 20 hours later so far so good. I’ll reposts if this changes."

• CLM
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I had my first Reclast infusion on July 27. Today is August 1. I was very nervous after reading all of the negative reviews. I drank around 40 ounces of water the day before and about 20 ounces the morning of the infusion. When I arrived they gave me fluids for about 20 minutes and then the infusion for another 20 minutes. The infusion was uneventful. So far I have not had any of the negative side effects others have mentioned. Praying it helps my bones!"

• Latinlo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "The Dr never explained to me the adverse effects of this drug. I had a slight fever and severe joint pain, a headache worse than the covid19 vaccine. It is now 20 days since I had it and the severe joint pains still persist. I am very upset because they did not prepare me for it, now I have to take Tylenol when I had never done it in addition to vitamin D and calcium, also my platelets were high. Dr. says he does not know if the combination between the covid19 vaccine and this, is the problem and they claim has to do with it. Anyway t I still have bone pains .. ..The medicine came out worse than the disease !!! .."

• MAW
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2021

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I had a Reclast infusion 10 days ago. I had flu like symptoms for a two days and femur and pelvic pain one day. Thought I was past it. On day day 8 I woke up with swelling in my hands, knees and thighs. I cannot bend my leg to kneel with very bad pain. I’m 72 and very active. I easily do yoga, Pilates and Qi Gong. Currently walking like a 90 year old. I’m fatigued and in pain. It’s significantly interfering with my daily activities. Very fatigued. I drank water as instructed. Currently have a call into my rheumatologist"

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

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Prevention of Osteoporosis "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!"

• Kurt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I have -3.5 spine osteoporosis, am 76 years old, was reluctant to get the reclast infusion but finally decided to receive it on Feb 12. I hydrated with more than 64 ounces of water for 2 weeks before the infusion and took 2000 units of Vit D and consumed 1200 mg of calcium daily. Received the infusion over 40 min. The next day was nauseous, second day back and leg pain. Minor inconvenience."

• Cat
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "I had my first Reclast infusion one week ago. The night before the infusion and for 3 nights after, I took loratadine (Claritin). The day of the infusion I drank a lot of water, took electrolytes, and 500 mg Tylenol. I asked that the infusion be given over 60 minutes rather than 30 minutes, and that was done. I had some fatigue and minor muscle aches for a few days afterwards, but no other side effects."

• Leigh
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2020

Reclast (zoledronic acid) for Osteoporosis "My first infusion with Reclast was rough. Side effects lasted 2-3 weeks. I already have Psoriatic Arthritis, and a high tolerance for pain. But I was so sick with pain and nausea, I dreaded the next treatment. 6 days ago, I did it again, believing the side effects would be less. They aren’t. I can hardly get out of bed. All my bones and joints ache. I ran a low grade fever the first 2 days and vomited. I feel like I have shin splints and all I want to do is sleep. I know the medication works, but for some of us, it’s terribly difficult."