Reclast and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• Gai...
• August 23, 2020

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 the 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 actually went away after a while. Don’t know if I can do this again. I had been on Prolia and it didn’t work as the doctor expected."

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

For Osteoporosis "I had a Reclast infusion 10 days ago. I had flu-like symptoms for two days and femur and pelvic pain one day. Thought I was past it. On 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!!!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Rmc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "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 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."

• nom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Ten days after getting this, I had flu-like side effects briefly, and my whole body was itchy with hives. Went to UCLA urgent care last night, I was put in a room with a burning and dying sensation, and I waited and waited. I finally ran out asking for Benadryl, and unfortunately was disapproved. I ended up walking out, thinking I could do better at home. The rash looks like Shingle hives, which I am vaccinated against. An antihistamine saved the unbearable itchiness on Sunday. Will never take this in my life and never go to urgent care."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I’m 58 years old and had my first infusion in 2018 and then again in 2019. I just had another bone scan and found out my score is exactly the same. Luckily, not any worse, but it did not improve after 2 transfusions. I did have flu-like symptoms for 24 hours after the first infusion, but was fine after the second one. I take a daily calcium supplement plus D3. I was just curious if it’s normal for no improvement after two treatments. My score was -2.6."

• Bam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Had my first infusion Nov 15, 2019. I started getting the flu-like symptoms about 8 hours later. Thought it was the end of me. I shook for 2 days with chills. Couldn’t pick my arm up to get the Tylenol off my nightstand. 5 hours later, I finally got them and every blanket I owned. It hurt so much. Then started with throwing up and diarrhea. It’s been 4 days, and I’m still in bed, beyond tired. Not sure how to rate the medicine because it hasn’t started to work yet. But the side effects are really bad. Make sure you have lots of water, Gatorade, and Tylenol or pain meds, you’ll need them."

• lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had the Reclast infusion on Thursday, and first my vein collapsed and fluid built under my skin. Perhaps a poor choice of veins. I am 68. My arm hurt the rest of that day, of course. Then the next two days, I have had the 'flu'-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches and pains, weakness). I am hoping this subsides soon. I have things to do, places to go, people to see. Ha, the jury is out as to whether or not I would take it again."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I received a Reclast infusion on 1/10/2019. Within 6 hours post-infusion, I started to have elbow pain, and within 12 hours post-infusion, pretty deep bone pain in the sternum, along with flu symptoms. Fevers spiked to 102 at times for over 48 hours. All joints were painful. On days 3 and 4 post-infusion, severe pain in ankles and feet - unable to get out of bed independently, but once I was moving around, things got easier. While the side effects may sound bad (and they were at times), if this increases bone density, then I have no problem sacrificing a week or two of side effects."

• rec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had a Reclast IV done on March 8, 2023, at 1:30 pm and was told to take two Tylenol and drink lots of water that will reduce the flu-like symptoms. I was fine all day when about 10:30 pm comes around, and I got really light-headed, so I went to my room and laid down. My right shoulder started hurting, thought nothing of it. When 12 am came around, I was in excruciating pain, and when I say pain, it's an understatement. It felt like every bone in my body was broken. From top to bottom: arms, ribs, legs, hips, knees, head, everything. Flu-like symptoms are an understatement. I will not recommend for anyone to take this, I know I will not."

• mcm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I am a 56-year-old female with sudden onset of osteoporosis, meaning I had no previous knowledge I even had osteoporosis until I obtained a total of 6 disc compression fractures over 2 and 1/2 months in 2022. The head of the endocrinology department told me to get Reclast, told me I have nothing to worry about, so I did so. No one, including this doctor, gave me any info as to how to prepare properly, nor did anyone state side effects. Because I am not normally ill, it did not occur to me to Google Reclast or that there could be a potential problem. Oh my God, what a nightmare! Within 6 hours, I had severe bone pain, a screaming headache, rolling cramps from my toes to the top of my head non-stop for 2 full days, and I became instantly so weak I couldn't lift my arm to cover myself with a blanket. When I thought the worst was over, suddenly I was hit with severe flu-like symptoms, chills, vomiting, all for 8 days. I literally felt like I was dying. Will NEVER do it again. The doctor thinks I'm crazy. She should be sued for malpractice!"

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I don’t know if the Reclast infusion has helped or will help. I do know that I won’t chance it again. On June 24, 2022, I received my first infusion. I was given an info sheet explaining the side effects that required you to seek medical help (which I should have done) and the ones that were common that didn’t need urgent attention. I was perfectly fine the rest of the day and most of the next (Saturday). Saturday evening, I started feeling the flu-like symptoms and took Tylenol for the aches and pain. That didn’t help at all. By Sunday, my head was hurting worse than any migraine I've ever had. My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head and were extremely painful. I couldn’t move then without pain. I had extreme light sensitivity. I was like this for three days and too sick to go to the ER. It’s July 11, and I’m still having painful reactions. Won’t be taking it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I am on day seven post-Reclast infusion. I’m still experiencing flu-like symptoms. I woke up in the middle of the night after I got the infusion… I was so cold and chilled, nauseous, and my muscles and joints hurt everywhere. It also made me constipated. I will never take this awful drug ever again!"

• MWL...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I am sharing this because I was very reluctant about taking Reclast because it stays in your body for a long time, and I was worried about the side effects. I decided to take a half dose in 2021. Twelve hours after the infusion, I had severe inflammation in my fingers where I have slight arthritis. Then, after two days, I had a severe headache for two weeks. I took Tylenol, which helped only a bit. I was told not to worry by my doctor, and finally, it was fine. Then, the following year, I decided to take another half dose, and this time the next day my hip was on fire and hurt so much I couldn’t walk properly. Along with flu-like symptoms, I felt miserable. My hip pain lasted for about three months! My doctor finally told me that any “itis” - arthritis, bursitis, etc. - will get inflamed from the procedure. It was awful. Six months later, I wanted to do Invisalign to straighten a couple of teeth and was told I can’t because Reclast would affect my teeth and bone growth. Unreal! It’s not worth the side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I had my first Reclast infusion last year, May 2020. I was told to drink plenty of water, make sure that I am hydrated. I was also told that possible side effects would be flu-like symptoms, and if so, take Tylenol. After the infusion, which the whole procedure lasted 30 minutes. Then I waited in the office for another 30 minutes so that they could monitor if there were any side effects. I felt no side effects. I basically went home, took a Tylenol anyways, just in case. The following day, I still had no side effects. So far, so good, no complaints."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "When suggesting Reclast, my APRN said I may feel flu-like for 3-4 days. She strongly encouraged adherence to keeping hydrated and using Tylenol. I had my infusion Friday afternoon with no issues. I continued hydrating and taking Tylenol every 6 hours as instructed. I was fine on Friday but began feeling fatigued Saturday morning. This got progressively worse during the day. I moved slowly and had difficulty staying awake. By night, I had body chills. I had some pain in the area of my bladder, and several of my teeth hurt. I took Tylenol before bed and woke on Sunday feeling better, no chills, no tooth pain. I still felt tired and had some bladder discomfort. I actually slept from 1 to 2:30 pm (I never sleep during the day). I woke up feeling better and even met a friend for dinner out. Today is Monday, and I am feeling pretty normal. Maybe the best thing to do is realize you are going to feel flu-like for a few days, plan to lay low, sleep as needed, hydrate, and take your Tylenol."

• MMM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Monday morning was my first Reclast infusion. The infusion process was fine and easy. Took 1 Claritin and 325 mg Tylenol prior to the procedure. Monday night had deep leg pains and a burning sensation. Tuesday had chills, deep leg pain (like growing pains when I was a kid), and a headache. Wednesday had leg and lower back pain. Took Tylenol from Monday through Wednesday. Thursday is much better with lingering leg pain. The doctor’s office said that patients who have never taken osteoporosis meds before might have some pain and flu-like symptoms. In all, better than I expected (I was very anxious after some of the comments here), and hopefully the results will be good on my next bone density test."

• 54_...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2022

For Osteoporosis "After reading all of the really negative comments, I was very anxious. However, I'm a 54-year-old female diagnosed with the spine of an 80-year-old. I weighed the pros and cons of potentially having a really nasty flu-like several days vs. a potentially shortened and pain-filled, miserable life and decided that Reclast was worth it. I have arthritis in my knees, hips, spine, etc., so I was anticipating a nasty interaction, but that was not the case. I had my infusion at 9:30 on a Thursday morning and felt okay for most of the day. I woke up around 2:00 a.m. on Friday with aches, pains, and chills much like the flu, though the last time I got the flu, it was MUCH worse. I ran a low-grade fever for a few hours, but by Friday afternoon, I was able to go to the grocery store. I took off-brand arthritis-strength acetaminophen throughout and drank as much water as I could. I highly recommend Reclast if you're able to rationally weigh the pros and cons of being sick compared to BROKEN."

• Jus...
• August 5, 2021

For Osteoporosis "58, with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Took Boniva for about a year, but have problems with reflux. Was not given any instruction to prep for my Reclast infusion. Felt fine afterwards - even went out to dinner. Woke up at 3 a.m. with mild body aches and took 2 extra-strength Tylenol. By 7 a.m., I was in severe pain all over my body. It even hurt to breathe. Called my doctor - she wasn't in, but the other doctor in the practice said it was a typical reaction, and that I could take Tylenol - but only 3x a day. By afternoon, I was vomiting and could tell I was dehydrated. I considered going to the ER to get IV hydration, but live in a Covid hotspot, so chose to tough it out. I'm at 48 hours out now, took a dose of regular Tylenol 6 hours ago, and still have neck pain and, oddly, pain in my left thumb. Other than that, I feel kind of like I have the flu. Can only rate on side effects, since I won't know the outcome for at least a year."