Reclast and Pain: What Users Say

• act...
• September 3, 2020

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."

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

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 months, but it made me severely constipated. So I asked what the side effects were, and she says constipation, lol. She didn'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."

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

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 in pain, especially my sternum and ribs. Fatigue was so severe I could not walk without support, even my teeth were painful. I was constantly nauseous. After 24 hours, the symptoms began 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, it was a 15. Do your research rather than taking the doctor's word. Know what you may experience."

• 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."

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

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."

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

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, I 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. I 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 there's been no relief except my temperature is now normal. Horrible experience!"

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

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, I 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. I 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 there's been no relief except my temperature is now normal. Horrible experience!"

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

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, I 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. I 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 there's been no relief except my temperature is now normal. Horrible experience!"

• Lei...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2020

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."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• Wow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2025

For Osteoporosis "I just finished 8 infusions of Evenity and am thrilled with the improvement in my bone density. Eight days ago, I got the Reclast IV. The body aches and pains in my hands and feet are debilitating. My pain medicines offer minimal and short-lived relief. I have had to set up an account to have my groceries picked up. There’s no way I would make it through the grocery store. I’m very concerned and worried about when I’ll be able to get back to my routine."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I took one infusion six months ago. After taking it, I woke up in the middle of the night with nausea, and my whole body was crippled up. I got to the bathroom and took ibuprofen. Was able to get back to the bed. Better the next day. A few days later, I had trouble walking, and my toes were numb. I still suffer from lower back pain and other side effects. Never again. I won’t know for a while if it was effective. This was much worse than the flu-like symptoms I read about."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

For Osteoporosis "After having osteopenia progress to osteoporosis and not tolerating oral medications, my doctor suggested Reclast. I had my first infusion on Dec 26, 2015 and within days suffered incapacitating pain in my hands. It was so bad, I couldn't hold a toothbrush without tears due to the pain. Additionally, I started to have severe upper jaw pain. The hand pain has improved but not gone away entirely. The jaw pain has not resolved at all, making it hard to chew. I would not recommend this drug to anyone and would NEVER, NEVER use it again."

• 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."

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I just got my infusion yesterday, and about 4 hours later, I got a terrible headache. I woke up this morning and felt so awful! The pain is terrible, all over my body, and I get terrible shooting pains in my shins, thumb, and hips. My back feels like it's been crushed! Hope this goes away soon! I don't know about getting this next year."

• Luc...
• November 22, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Hard to tell if this drug worked yet or not but it definitely made me sick. Got the infusion Friday and on Saturday I had a 102 Fever and could barely get out of bed. I had chills, I'm sweating all over the place, and my husband literally had to help me to the bathroom. I was dizzy and every bone in my body ached. By Sunday afternoon, I was a little bit better but four days later I'm still feeling achy and have diarrhea. I won't be doing another infusion."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2018

For Osteoporosis "74 years old, has back pain, tests identified 2 compression spine fxs. Conservative treatment failed to give relief, had 2 ESIs (epidural steroid injections), then 2-level kyphoplasty (Vertebral Augmentation for Compression Fractures), next Reclast infusion, felt okay for about 5 hours but later back pain intensified, went to bed, started shaking like chills all over, finally fell asleep. The next morning was so weak, unable to get out of bed, husband rolled me on a rolling walker into the bathroom, assisted me on and off the commode, stayed the same the next day. On Monday felt a little stronger but severe neck and right thumb pain, mostly laying and sleeping in a recliner. Checked with the doctor and received no specific recommendations. The next day was able to go out to lunch but extremely weak, had another ESI 6 days after Reclast, got relief for that day and the next, but pain returned with a vengeance the following day and back in the recliner now 9 days post infusion. Never again."

• lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I had Reclast infusion 4 weeks ago. Felt fine for the first week and then got lower back, hip, groin, and thigh pain. Pain is getting worse by the day. I was told by 3 doctors that I needed Reclast because I have 50% bone loss due to chemo and radiation. When I questioned side effects, all doctors told me it's rare. I took a chance and I am miserable."

• lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I had Reclast infusion 4 weeks ago. Felt fine for the first week and then got lower back, hip, groin, and thigh pain. Pain is getting worse by the day. I was told by 3 doctors that I needed Reclast because I have 50% bone loss due to chemo and radiation. When I questioned side effects, all doctors told me it's rare. I took a chance and I am miserable."

• lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I had Reclast infusion 4 weeks ago. Felt fine for the first week and then got lower back, hip, groin, and thigh pain. Pain is getting worse by the day. I was told by 3 doctors that I needed Reclast because I have 50% bone loss due to chemo and radiation. When I questioned side effects, all doctors told me it's rare. I took a chance and I am miserable."

• sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Received dose at 11am, by 10pm that night I had fever, chills, severe pain in back. I was extremely ill for 3 days, such a severe headache I couldn't open my eyes. A week later my hands suddenly swelled to the point I could not use them. Now nearly 3 months later I am in physical therapy to try to regain the strength in my legs. Other side effects were less severe, such as jaw pain for a few weeks. I would never ever take this medicine again."