Zoledronic acid and Headaches: What Users Say

• Fir...
• April 23, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I am 51 years old with no health issues, and had my first Reclast infusion one week ago. After the 10 am 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!"

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

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!"

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

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I got my Reclast infusion almost two weeks ago. Eight hours afterward, I started feeling pain in my joints, ribs, hips, and especially my chest. I also felt this weird heartburn I had 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 have received benefits and will cross my fingers. But why are patients not alerted to the possibility of severe side effects?"

• Lat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2021

For Osteoporosis "The doctor never explained to me the adverse effects of this drug. I had a slight fever and severe joint pain, a headache worse than the COVID-19 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 before, in addition to vitamin D and calcium. Also, my platelets were high. The doctor says he does not know if the combination between the COVID-19 vaccine and this drug is the problem, and they claim it has to do with it. Anyway, I still have bone pains... The medicine came out worse than the disease!!!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2012

For Osteoporosis "I have read many bad reviews on this treatment, so let me tell you my positive one. I am early 60s, very active, slightly built and failed my bone density scan. Did my research (very important) and found a fabulous young female rheumatologist. After viewing all of my prior Dexa scans, we tried one Fosamax (I had been on Evista for four years prior due to healed multiple ulcers). The Fosamax reaction was very bad, but the gastric distress eased up finally. We decided on the Reclast infusion. The injection was pleasant, the people were great. I went to work. Had a headache for three days, took medicines for the headache but carried on my regular business. This was one week ago. I feel great."

• jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2019

For Osteoporosis "For four weeks, I had little to no appetite and periods of tiredness. For the first 3 weeks, I was also in a stupor, tired, and weak every day, with nausea daily. Along with these symptoms, for the first 2 weeks, I had on and off fever, chills, headache, no energy, sweats at night. I felt like I was drugged and was weak, unstable, and sick. I would never, never take Zometa again, and I do NOT recommend it."

• 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!!"

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

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."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I wasn't told anything about water or Tylenol before infusion till I got to the office to have my infusion (too late). I had excruciating pain about 3 am that night. Hardly walk, headache, nausea, pain in chest like I had broken all my ribs at one time. If I had been told to drink a lot of water the day before and the day before I got my infusion there may have been a different outcome. Three days later now, I am better but now have diarrhea but was constipated so I figured it was coming. My doctor is going to get an earful when I get to see her. I was told this was my only option because of stomach issues and I hate shots."

• DR ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "After having a Reclast injection, I had three days of low fever of 100.5, headache, stomach ache, and lupus-like rashes. It reduced renal function and caused dark, foaming urine. More harm than any good to my health, a huge mistake."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Worst medication I’ve ever had. I got all the severe side effects. Joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, chest and abdominal pain, chills. This medication is torture. If you want to experience all kinds of body aches and pain, take this medication. I do not recommend it, and I will never take it anymore, even if I was going to die."

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

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."

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

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."

• 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."

• AMA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 1, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had the Reclast infusion back in March 2019. I have experienced more bone pain than I did prior to the infusion. Still in pain. The day after I had the infusion I had to go to the ER due to higher than normal blood pressure. 196/102. A headache, etc. Is this normal to still be in pain and fatigued?"

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I received a Reclast infusion on December 26, 2019, for osteopenia. The next night, I awoke with a terrible headache and was unable to ignore it. I took a pain reliever and slept for 4 hours only to awaken again in severe head pain. The next day, I still felt truly horrible. I went to the ER because it was a Saturday, where I had an X-ray of my neck, and the ER doctor gave me 4 trigger point injections of lidocaine in the base of my skull. Still fighting pain! Additional trigger point injections. When does it end? A month so far of pain. Don’t do it!!"

• Blo...
• May 22, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I will never try Zometa again. I had horrific side effects. I passed out 7 hours after home from infusion, my neighbor called paramedics. My blood pressure dropped to 80/58. I’ve had full body ache, headache, sweats, and chills for 3 days so far."

• Mel...
• July 26, 2020

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Just had my first Reclast infusion on July 23, 2020. Just getting out of bed for the first time in 3 days. I have side effects of the worst pain ever in my bones and my head, hands, back! I felt like every bone in my body was punched, kicked, and crushed. I could feel each bone ache individually (if that makes sense). Headache was so bad I got sick. However, day 3 is the magic number, and I am feeling much better ;). It has been very bad, but I have made it through with lots of rest, laying in bed watching movies. I think for me it was worse than chemo, yuck feeling. *** Don’t know how effective until next year."

• McG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I had a 15-minute infusion 5 days ago. For about 16 hours, I felt fine. The following afternoon, I began to feel a headache, tiredness, and generally felt ill. Tried sleeping it off. The next afternoon, my chest felt sore, I had severe pain, like indigestion, for most of the night. Day three, my joints have swollen and I have arthritic symptoms, my wrists are extremely painful, it hurts to even press the toilet button. I still have headaches. I regret having Aclasta. I am not prepared to recommend it at this stage."

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

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."

• Man...
• July 17, 2020

For Osteoporosis "55-year-old with osteoporosis (genetic predisposition as well as early menopause). Had my first infusion yesterday. Did prep with lots of water and Tylenol (hence up peeing throughout the night). Today I am sore, stiff, have a headache, and fatigued. But all manageable with Tylenol and Advil (taken 2 hours apart). Deep breaths hurt and took an almost 3-hour nap today (at least during the pandemic I don’t have to work)."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

For Osteoporosis "Feb 7th update. I did my original post on Jan 30 under the same name, about having the Reclast infusion on Jan. 27, 2020. Just so you know how long the side effects for Reclast last, I am still having pain in my legs, blurred vision, some nausea, and headache, but able to get up and down the stairs now, eating a little bit better. Starting to feel a little better."