Zoledronic acid and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rec...
• May 7, 2017

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Had the infusion twice. The only side effect the first time was a slight headache. The second time, no side effects at all. I highly recommend having this. Make sure you are well-hydrated the day of the procedure."

• Avo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had the infusion early Friday afternoon. Within 3 hours, I had a very intense headache. By midnight, the headache was unbearable, and I also experienced deep pain, chills, dizziness, and chest pain that felt like a cement block between the ribs. On Saturday, all these issues persisted, along with a fever. On Sunday, I still had the same symptoms and also developed numbness in my legs, feet, arms, and hands. I also noticed loads of small, tiny spots on my palms and fingers. On Monday and Tuesday, the symptoms persisted, and I was unable to get out of bed. Concerned about all these issues, I called my doctor, who prescribed a 6-day cycle of steroids to try to flush out the medication. While I am aware that no one can predict how a body will react to any medication, simply saying that you may feel flu-like symptoms understates what I have been going through. I have never regretted a medical decision more than this one! Please research and know that this has caused havoc on my body, and who knows if I'll ever be the same again."

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 5, 2025

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "My first experience with Reclast infusion, I had major cold and flu symptoms, achy legs and lower back. By the 3rd day, I was feeling loads better until I drank wine that evening (with dinner). BIG mistake! Got really fluish/worse for the next 5 days. Only Dual Action Advil seemed to help the most. I did try Claritin. It didn't help until I had taken it the second time when able. Headache and chest congestion, stuffy and runny nose (weird) and sore jaw 4 days in. Awful, but my bone density test was so much improved, I decided it was worth it to go another round. The second infusion a year later, no side effects whatsoever. Made sure I was completely hydrated and drank NO alcohol. Just had 3rd infusion on Feb 4, 2025. So far, 11 1/2 hours later, I feel just fine. (2nd bone density test had shown I had gone from osteoporosis back to osteopenia. Not at as high a risk any longer."

• mcm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Follow up on initial Reclast first taken 3/2022. I was never informed of any prep to do beforehand, I suffered violent, severe side effects for 8 days immediately after the Reclast infusion. I was so ill I was unable to call 911 and get myself to a hospital. I was completely incapacitated with severe bone pain, rolling head-to-toe cramps, extreme flu-like symptoms, chills, fevers, and a blinding headache that lasted for 8 days. Now, one year after, I am still experiencing severe and extreme bone pain that many times causes me to be unable to lift my arms and has impacted my quality of life. Additionally, I suffered another compression fracture with zero exertion in June of 2022. I also require several implants and refuse to potentially destroy my jaw. Reclast side effects outweigh any possible benefits. I will be 57 years old this year, and prior to 2022 had no knowledge I had osteoporosis. I pray I have no further issues!"

• 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!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2019

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Had the Reclast infusion on November 16, 2019. Seemed fine after the infusion, but the next day woke up with every joint hurting. Couldn't hardly stay awake all day. Severe chills and then a 100.5 fever. Took Tylenol and alternated with Ibuprofen. Nauseated and no desire to eat. Had to force myself to drink. Day 3 started with rosy cheeks and still have them on day 4. Looks like a butterfly lupus rash. Headache for about 24 hours. Neck is still a little sore, but luckily the hips don't hurt as bad. Also had stomach pain and seem very bloated. I don't think I will do this again. Just hope no other symptoms come along as some of these posts talk about."

• NGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2019

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Reclast IV last week, and I had side effects of sore throat, chills, headache, fever, severe bone, joint, and muscle pain, in bed for the past 8 days. I originally was going to cancel the IV after reading all the side effects, but the nurse talked me into it. Never again! I can’t really rate the drug as it’s only been a week."

• joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2017

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Two days after injection, I have severe lower back pain, unable to get out of bed without assistance, couldn't bend over, very painful on a scale of 1 to 10, my pain level a 7. One week later, severe swelling of left hand fingers, very painful. Morning headaches, very uncommon for me."

• Dau...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 25, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I had my 5th injection on July 6, 2018. July 7th I got no sleep, pain was shooting throughout my body, calves of legs hurt a lot, my thighs and groins were in extreme pain, my hands, fingers, and wrists hurt, hip pain came, arthritis flared up especially in my knees and hands. For the next two weeks, I got little relief, use of Tylenol was somewhat helpful. I was told the side effects would subside in a few days or weeks. Now, 4.5 months later, I still have arthritic pains, my thighs are painful, my left knee still hurts a lot, I still have pains shooting through various parts of my body at times. Nobody can explain to me how the medication has caused so many problems with my joints, muscles, headaches, arthritis flare-ups, and nobody has explained when (or if) I can expect relief. I am tired, very tired, my lower back hurts, my teeth are still sensitive at times, my sinus frequently is stuffed. I want my LIFE back."

• Bet...
• May 6, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had a Reclast infusion in November 2023. After reading reviews, I drank a lot of water and took Tylenol leading up to the infusion, though I was never told to do this by anyone. I was very nervous about it, but thought maybe the bad reviews were by people who hadn’t hydrated and taken Tylenol. I thought if I did that, I would be okay. Wrong! I have never been so sick in my life. I felt like I did the first time I had COVID. Every bone in my body hurt, and I had the worst headache ever. My knees were so painful. I couldn’t walk for three days and had to use a cane for a few days after that. They were terribly swollen. The whole thing really scared my family. It is May 2023, and my knees are still bothering me. About a month ago, I felt and heard some popping behind my knee just from kind of twisting a bit to sit down at the table for dinner. I feel like my leg could just give out from under me. I’m wondering if it tore a ligament. I would never take the chance if I had it to do over."

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

Zoledronic acid 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!"

• khc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had my first Reclast infusion on 4/8/21. I had been on Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) for the previous year with no side effects and with significant improvement in my bone density. My endocrinologist wanted to seal the increased bone density in with a Reclast infusion. I drank lots of water and took calcium and vitamins D and K. On the 6th day after the infusion, I was off my water and vitamins. That night, I had a headache, swollen, painful joints in my hands and wrists. My left wrist and right thumb joint were swollen, painful, and red. I had chills and a very stiff neck. I definitely started the water and supplements again! These symptoms, except for the chills (only one episode), took about 12 days to resolve. Finally feeling like myself again and am on the other side of it. Not sure if I will take another Reclast infusion."

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

Zoledronic acid 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."

• 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."

• rvt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "On day 9 of my infusion, still having a headache every day. Now my severe neck pain is just awful, I can't move my neck. Zapped all my energy, hard to get moving every day. Never again will I take this treatment!!!!"

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had the infusion 1 week ago today, and it has been awful. I woke up at 4 am with severe muscle spasms in my entire back. I could barely get to the restroom. That lasted for about 15 hours. Then came the headaches, sore throat, and pain and weakness in my left hand. Along with that were swollen legs, especially my left one. I went to the doctor, and he diagnosed it as phlebitis. That was 3 days ago. The phlebitis has steadily gotten worse. The headache and the sore throat finally went away. I am praying the phlebitis will clear up with antibiotics. So far, no improvement after 3 days. I am most afraid of that. I will never allow myself to go through that again. I am praying for no permanent damage to my body."

• ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2025

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "My doctor told me this medication provides quick and effective treatment over other options. She said I'll only experience flu-like symptoms for 2-3 days and to take Panadol to relieve these side effects. I was completely sold on the idea. After the infusion, I felt feverish and had a headache in the evening. Low-grade fever and headache lasted for about 4 days. In addition, I had nausea, poor appetite, lethargy, and heartburn from the 5th day after the injection. All the symptoms only cleared up after 10 days post-infusion. I swear this was the first and last injection."

• 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."

• Ari...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I'm a healthy 57-year-old female. I normally have a high tolerance to pain. I rarely get sick. No body aches or pains in the past. Had a 15-minute Reclast infusion 36 hours ago. During the infusion, I fell asleep. Driving home, I fell asleep at the wheel. My mother woke me and took over driving. I got home and went directly to sleep. I woke 6 hours later in head-to-toe excruciating pain in my bones and joints. Severe headache. Eyes swollen and painful. Hand so swollen can't bend fingers. Nausea. Vertigo. Sore throat. Now I can barely walk. I have developed blurry vision on top of everything else. Pain scale = 7 to 8. Shooting pains in shins periodically, as well as a burning sensation in my upper right arm. I also feel like something is tied tightly to both arms just above the wrists. My doctor just told me these are side effects and could last up to 10 days. I read comments here and saw reports of long-term pain. I'm very angry with my doctor. No mention of preparing for infusion or possible side effects. Can't take 10 days like this."

• Nan...
• January 4, 2018

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Next day after injection, I could not lift simple light items, lean forward, bend over, all due to pain in my chest. Every breath hurt. Saturday, I woke up in tears to the same breath pain and still couldn't lift anything. Sunday, I felt confused, a major headache on the left side started (same side as injection). By Sunday night, my breathing only hurt on a deep breath, but left eye socket pain started along with the headache. Monday, still severe eye socket pain and headache, woke up to my eye swollen shut. Doctor said to go to the ER, and they admitted me for 2 days, eye swollen shut, bright red in a large area around the eye. They wrote it off as cellulitis, but I had no pain due to the redness, and white blood cells never elevated showing I was fighting infection."

• Ani...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2019

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Had my injection at the end of October 2019. That evening, I had severe chills, headache, bone pain, and vomiting with no appetite. Symptoms lasted about 4 days, with bone pain a little better. It’s been a month, I still have bone pain, very weak, and tired. Hate the way I feel, not sure if I’m going to do it again. I also had blurred vision, with my eyelids becoming so dry and itching severely."

• 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."

• jbe...
• February 16, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I had an Aclasta infusion last Wednesday, had 3 days of aches and pains, and on Saturday suffered a mild stroke and spent 2 days in the hospital. There was no other reason for the stroke (no brain bleed, no vein tears in my neck, no high cholesterol). It didn't affect my speech but did affect my balance, numbness and weakness down my left side, and swaying when I walk. Severe headache and nausea. It started with a sore neck and headache in the center of my neck and has now spread along the whole back of my neck and starting to go up into my head. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I am 55 yrs old and had my first infusion a week ago. Later in the evening, the pain started, and I woke up during the night with the worst bone pain and headache I have ever had. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, so I have a high pain tolerance. A week later, and the headaches, bone pain, and nausea continue. Hoping it ends soon. Will never take this medication again!"

• 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."