Zoledronic acid and Body Aches: What Users Say

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

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 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."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Wonderful!! If you want to say farewell to your already healthy and happy life for months, even for years, take this rubbish, even one dose! You will get paralyzed and achy for so long! DO NOT try this junk, or you will wish for death rather than taking the side effects! Beware! You will experience all the listed side effects! Long-lasting and disastrous! Make your choice!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2019

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "My 85-year-old mother has been having this infusion every year for the last 4 years. The first time she had it, she was quite sick afterwards with body aches and fatigue. And wishing she never had it. The doctor said next time to ask for it to be slowly administered. And it did make a huge difference with no side effects. And now she makes sure it gets administered slowly. Not everyone seems to know about this."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2019

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Had an infusion of Aclasta 10 days ago. Had been diagnosed with a compression fracture of the spine a week prior. I wasn't really advised of adverse reactions and only told I would benefit due to a very low bone score. Had hyperparathyroidism which caused the osteoporosis. After Aclasta, I had side effects of a severe dizzy spell on day 2 and could not stand up, it lasted for two days. I also had nausea and a mild headache. After one week, severe pain in both wrists, could not hold anything, lasted for three days. I have pain in my jaw and eyelids. It is mild but constant. Hope all will come right shortly. I feel tired and slightly achy every day. Hope benefits outweigh side effects."

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

Zoledronic acid 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."

• Lun...
• November 22, 2019

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

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2020

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had Aclasta 10 days ago and had quite a severe reaction where my body ached terribly all over, and I could barely walk for 24 hours. The next 2 days, I was left with my body feeling dull pain all over. Since the infusion, I’ve had the worst pain in my thoracic area, like I have a knife stabbing me, and it won’t budge. I had an X-ray, no broken rib. Had a massage, nothing will fix it. So hard sleeping. I had no idea I’d be left like this."

• ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2020

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had the Reclast infusion less than 1 week ago. First day seemed fine until the evening, then a headache started. Ended up in bed for 2 days due to exhaustion, body aches, fever, and a severe headache. 3rd day, the pain in my thumbs started, barely able to use my hands. 4th day, I experienced neck pain, and I'm almost afraid of what else might come up. I'm debating whether or not I'll take this again next year. I'm unable to do my normal exercise and stretching due to joint pain."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2025

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I’m a 57-year-old woman. I had my first infusion of Reclast Monday morning. I drank water during the procedure. I was not informed to drink water prior. I felt fine after the infusion. By the evening, I started feeling achy. Tuesday, I couldn’t go into work. I had a 101.6 fever, shaking, chills, joint pain, migraine, all-over body aches, and slept pretty much all day. I cannot take Tylenol due to another medical condition, so I took Naproxen 2x that day. Wednesday, I woke up without chills, a temperature of 99.4, and ate a little something. I still feel achy and hope to feel better tomorrow. I’m rethinking taking this medication ever again. Very painful side effects."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2025

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I’m a 57-year-old woman. I had my first infusion of Reclast Monday morning. I drank water during the procedure. I was not informed to drink water prior. I felt fine after the infusion. By the evening, I started feeling achy. Tuesday, I couldn’t go into work. I had a 101.6 fever, shaking, chills, joint pain, migraine, all-over body aches, and slept pretty much all day. I cannot take Tylenol due to another medical condition, so I took Naproxen 2x that day. Wednesday, I woke up without chills, a temperature of 99.4, and ate a little something. I still feel achy and hope to feel better tomorrow. I’m rethinking taking this medication ever again. Very painful side effects."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "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 hours have 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."

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

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Had my first Reclast infusion on Wed, Aug 26. My whole body hurt that night and the next morning. Could not walk, my sciatic nerve also kicked in. Today is Fri, Aug 28. Still have trouble walking and need assistance. Was not told about water or pain reliever before the infusion. Hoping this goes away soon. I'm 56 years old with a dex score of -34 in my L-1 through L-5 and borderline osteoporosis in my left femoral neck."

• NoR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

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

• Ren...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I recently turned 67 and had my second annual dose of Reclast five days ago. After the first infusion in 2022, I developed body aches and night chills for perhaps up to one week. My second infusion experience has been quite worse, although I read that it's uncommon to feel side effects after the second infusion. My symptoms began the evening of day 2, with mild head and neck achiness. By nighttime, I had severe flu-like chills and more severe aching radiating to my arms and shoulders. Day 3, aching in legs, calves, big toes, areas where I have mild arthritis in my joints, milder night chills. Day 4, yesterday, extreme aching, now upper-mid back on both sides, radiating through my breastbone, actual spasms. Excruciating to roll over at night in bed. Today is day 5, and upper back pain and spasms are only on the left side but quite painful. Still spasming. I've been taking Extra Strength Tylenol, but it is not really helping. I decided to discontinue Reclast in the future."

• Can...
• September 17, 2016

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I am 41, with Crohn's disease causing my lack of vitamin absorption. I had my monthly Entyvio infusion, and right after my first Reclast infusion just yesterday. I was just fine until about 5 hours after when I started having diarrhea. It later turned into severe watery diarrhea shooting out into my ostomy, chills, sweating, fever, aches, and weakness. I was told it may happen but was hoping not to me. If this helps me, a few days of this is worth it, and I will do it again. Like in Harry Potter, 'growing bones is a nasty business!' Lol"

• KBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was given my first Reclast infusion 5 weeks ago. What a nightmare, after being told I probably won’t have any side effects. I had it on a Wednesday, by Wednesday night, I had horrible nausea, my body aches were horrible, and I had a-fib. This lasted for about 5 days in which I couldn’t eat anything. I literally had to drag myself upstairs to sleep, my body felt so heavy. Fast forward a week out, the joint pain in my ankles started. I am an avid walker and can’t even walk without severe pain and limping. They finally called in steroids after numerous calls telling them my joint pain had not subsided. I’m very scared this won’t ever go away at this point. I will never have another infusion again."

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

Zoledronic acid 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."

• Smi...
• November 26, 2017

Zoledronic acid for Hypercalcemia of Malignancy "Went the day before Thanksgiving for my regular shots for my neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)/carcinoid syndrome with mets to liver. Nurse said a 'calcium drip' had been ordered. I figured it was a type of vitamin, although the nurse said some people get mild flu symptoms. I left 40 mins later, went home to a houseful of guests. (I'm the cook for record in our family) About 10:00 that night I felt like a ton of bricks had hit me! The chills, uncontrollable shaking, and violent vomiting began. Every bone and joint in my body ached. I'm now 4 days past treatment and I'm still just 'off.' I'm having trouble searching for words, forgetful, & inexplicably depressed. (sobbing for no reason?) I, too, like the previous post, am furious with my doctor. NEVER AGAIN."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "My doctor suggested Reclast after not being able to take Fosamax. After reading reviews, I had mixed feelings. I did follow the recommendation of drinking water and Tylenol two days prior to the injection. The infusion was quick (less than 20 minutes). I went about my day feeling great until about 9 pm, when my body just started to ache. I had a horrible headache and body aches for about 36 hours. It wasn’t pleasant for sure, but I am hoping the next bone density test will show improvement."

• Gin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 31, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "At age 54, my DEXA scan came back with moderate to severe osteoporosis. I tried Fosamax, but it caused bad side effects. I tried Reclast. During the first infusion, I had no side effects at all. I did drink a lot of water two days prior and took Tylenol. My DEXA scan improved somewhat. So, I had a second infusion. I prepped for two days, but this time I had a fever and some body aches, which lasted only 24 hours. My DEXA scan improved even more but not quite enough. So, I had a third infusion the other day. No side effects at all. I didn't have time to prep for two days because of the timing of the infusion. But for the day before and the day of the infusion, I drank a lot of water and had no problems. Each infusion lasted 25 minutes. The doctor figures this third dose will move me out of the osteoporosis range to osteopenia. I'm so thankful I didn't have any of the side effects I read about."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2020

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "I had Zometa for the first time 5 days ago. Had experienced chills on the 2nd night, weakness, and body aches all over. Then on the 5th night, had chills again, weakness, and body aches. Tylenol alternate with Advil helped, but I will never have this medication again. I have no problem with chemo, only this medication. (I have mild osteoporosis and breast cancer.)"

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Painful, sums it up in one word. Had event-free infusion, no problems with the injection site. Within 48 hours, I began feeling burning pain in all my arm and leg bones, and all my joints. Mild at first, it ramped up over the next few hours until I was rocking. At that point, I gave in and took codeine. It is three weeks later, and the pain has decreased from beginning around 4 pm and lasting all night to daily/nightly intermittent. Except my thigh and hip bones ache all the time. I have little energy and tire out much faster than prior to the Reclast. I just read that the infusion will affect me for 12 to 24 months. Lovely thought, that. I won't know if it works until my next bone density scan."

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "This had been a horrible experience for me. I am 68 years old and had my first infusion of Reclast on September 24, 2021. I was in the ER the next morning with a very rapid heartbeat that woke me up in the middle of the night. I thought I was dying. I spent one night in the hospital and had all kinds of tests. It wasn't my heart causing problems. The Reclast is causing joint pain, body aches, headaches, and hands that are swollen and painful. One week out, I still am not feeling well. I will never have an infusion of this drug again. My body hurts from head to toe."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I recently had an infusion of Reclast. After reading these reviews, I was never told to drink tons of water and take Tylenol prior. I was told to drink 2 bottles of water afterward. I didn't drink very much that morning. By midnight, I started getting so sick. Pain in my upper back, I could breathe deep, chills, body aches, cold then sweating, nauseous. I wasn't this sick when I had COVID. I barely could eat or drink. By the next night, I felt so weak, I could barely stand. So, maybe if I was advised about the preparation, I could have avoided 2 days of hell. Kind of makes me mad. All these drugs may help osteoporosis, but the side effects, especially long term, are bad. Difficult as we get older, if you don't treat it, it could be a bad thing in the long run, and treating it also has negative side effects."