Zoledronic acid and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say (Page 2)

• boo...
• January 25, 2012

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "I dreaded the side effects and had none. I had the intravenous infusion three days before Christmas 2011 and was scared that I would be flattened by the supposed side effects like flu-like symptoms, bone ache, and so forth and was pleasantly surprised. I am having my second one in just ten days' time and hopefully, it will be a repeat of the first one."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I, too, am a 'victim' of zoledronic infusion. I had been taking Prolia for 3-1/2 years. I went in for a scheduled Prolia injection. I had a scheduled Dexa scan prior. The report showed a bone density increase of 6.8%. The doctor said 'good,' 'but we are not doing Prolia today. We are going to do something better than Prolia.' He said it is an infusion, better than Prolia. He said 'sometimes' insurance does not want to pay for Prolia because it is expensive. He told me nothing about side effects. He said, 'nothing to it, you come in, sit in the chair, it takes about 15 minutes, you get up, walk out, you are fine. You come back in one year.' Everything he said was true until I got home. I started with flu-like symptoms which lasted for two days. The headache and chills went away, but I still suffer from horrible pain in my muscles and joints all over my body and occasional diarrhea. I went back to the doctor after two months of constant pain. He brushed me off, saying my pain could not be because of the injection."

• Sol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2018

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion of zoledronic acid on 6/15/18. Everything was fine until about 7 pm when the pain hit me, and I couldn’t move. I was told I would have flu-like symptoms, but it was far worse than that. I couldn’t sleep or get comfortable in bed because of the pain. The next day was even worse, and by the 17th, my husband rang the 24-hour helpline. I was told that the pain was normal and to ring 111 for stronger painkillers from the out-of-hours doctor. The doctor phoned and told me I may have high calcium levels and I needed to go to A&E for urgent blood tests. I did this, and all the tests came back normal. I was given stronger painkillers and told if the pain got worse to see my GP. It is day 6 now, and the pain has eased but not gone. I have no energy, very tired, and feel this has put my recovery from breast cancer back months. I am now uncertain as to whether I will be having another infusion."

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

Zoledronic acid 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."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion last year, end of October '19. Within a few hours, the flu-like symptoms appeared, terrible aches and pains, and tiredness. I felt dreadful for 3 days. This was followed by 6 weeks of chronic fatigue (resting/sleeping 3-4 times a day) and awful, awful pain in muscles. The chronic fatigue lifted, though I still get much more tired than I used to. The worst thing of all is that still, after all this time, I have constant, deep muscle pain, which has SO impacted my life and my mental health. I am not sure that I ever want to go through this again!"

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

Zoledronic acid 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

Zoledronic acid 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."

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

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "My husband had his first treatment yesterday. Today he is miserable, 102 fever and flu-like symptoms. He is getting two other chemo for lung cancer and had no side effects. After reading all the comments, I wish he had read these first. We trusted his oncologist, and I know everything has side effects, but this one has knocked him out. I pray he doesn’t let them continue with this one."

• res...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2012

For Osteoporosis "I wanted Prolia, but insurance would not cover. I was familiar with zoledronic acid during the phase III studies. I knew about the 'flu-like' symptoms. I was NOT prepared for how bad I felt after this infusion. Infusion is painless, easy, and took about 1 hr in total. The headache started within 10 min and lasted 3 days. Fever of 102 with Tylenol. Shaking chills so bad I could not get to the bathroom and ended up peeing on the floor. Blurred vision, and my eyes hurt. Not sure if this will be effective until I have another DEXA. Plan for 4 days to recover."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had an Aclasta infusion in July this year with flu-like side effects of muscle and bone aches and pains, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating for about 4 days. After that, I felt fine. More recently, I find I am consistently sore every morning, with bone pain over most of my body, but particularly in the sites of old injuries. The pain and discomfort abate with movement, so I can live with it. I’m hoping the Aclasta has good results."

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

Zoledronic acid 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."

• Lou...
• November 19, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 8 years ago, aged 42, and had my third infusion of zoledronic acid earlier this month. This has got to be the worst year for me. First year, I had jaw pain, last year, only mild flu-like symptoms, but this year, I started with the worst upper back pain and rib pain I have ever experienced. Saw GP today, and she doubled my dosage of painkillers. Fingers crossed I don't get woken up by the pain at 4 am again. It's been over 2 weeks now, and it feels like the pain will never ease. I'm due for a bone density scan next year, and hopefully, I will receive positive results so I can have a break from treatment."

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 13, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Diagnosed Feb 2020 at age 55 with osteoporosis throughout (worst-3.3, best -2.4). Have had 2 Reclast infusions over the last 2 years and getting the third next week. Since March 2020, I have taken calcium and vitamin D daily and walk on a treadmill for 40 min per day, 5 times per week. DEXA has improved to (worst -2.1, best -1.2). I am happy with results. For the infusions, I have premedicated with a lot of water and Tylenol before and after. I experience basically a day of flu-like symptoms the day after infusion. Not a bad price to pay for the level of improvement."

• Jus...
• August 5, 2021

Zoledronic acid 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."

• Bea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I am 73 and did my first Reclast a year ago. I took extra vitamin C and D the week before. Tylenol does nothing for me. I took Advil and arnica the day before, during, and after. It has helped me with other procedures. I also asked for a 60-minute infusion, not the 15-minute one that is suggested. I read in a medical school publication that 60-minute drips have way fewer side effects. They don't tell you this, so you have to ask for 60 minutes. I even gave the doc a copy of the article. A good friend trains nurses on infusions, and she also confirmed that slow infusions are always better than quick ones-less pain, almost no side effects. Try to get the longer session. I asked. They said yes-no problem. Bring a book, phone, or tablet to keep yourself entertained, and something to drink while you're in session, and something to eat after. Had no headache or flu symptoms. Wear comfortable clothes. CBD may also help, I like gummies. My second session is next week. The first I was nervous, not now."

• CBe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 28, 2023

Zoledronic acid "Received Reclast intravenously. First, the registered nurse gave me Tylenol. After 30 minutes, she administered Reclast by IV, which took 15 minutes. I experienced flu-like symptoms during that evening: cough, muscle aches, and weakness. By morning, I was a little nauseous, and by afternoon, I was getting back to normal. The only lingering side effect was pain in my right shoulder and arm for about two days. I hope it prevents back fractures, which I had 3 compression fractures. Time will tell. I would suggest continuing to take Tylenol for a few days after."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "66 y/o female with recent diagnosis of osteoporosis. Have had osteopenia for years but unable to take Fosamax, etc., due to reflux. Took first Reclast July 18. Everything was fine for the first 24 hours, then had chills, fatigue, nausea, achy muscles, headache, and dizziness. All symptoms resolved in 3 days except dizziness, which continued for almost 2 weeks. The flu-like symptoms were bearable, but the prolonged dizziness scared me. I still get dizzy if I turn my head a certain way and have to sleep sitting up. I hope it helps my bones, but I don’t think I will take this drug again."

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2019

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I felt like I had the flu for a couple of weeks after my Reclast infusion. But all of the aches in my bones went away. I would like to have it every year. I just hope it works."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had an infusion of Zometa yesterday, and today I have the worst flu symptoms I have ever had!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "It's fine, take some iron for the first 3 days after. Yes, you feel flu-like, but better than breaking your bones!"