Zoledronic acid and Nausea: 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 29, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion of Reclast in early March 2020. Within a day, I was in the ER. I suffered greatly with nausea, vomiting, extreme bone pain, and fever. The fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, malaise, and other symptoms lasted for 21 days. My rheumatologist was beside herself with worry yet very helpful and compassionate. I could not eat more than toast and soup and kept a thermometer and Tylenol at bedside to treat the recurring fever. By the way, I tested negative twice for Covid-19 with a negative antibody test so coronavirus was excluded as the cause. Please do your research when deciding on an osteoporosis drug. I cannot rate the effectiveness until my next DEXA scan in 2021. But in the words of my doctor, 'never, ever again will you receive Reclast.'"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I am a 24-year-old female runner with osteopenia, and after sustaining a stress fracture in my femoral neck, my specialists suggested an Aclasta infusion. I felt fine the afternoon after the infusion, however, at about 12 am that night, I was woken by severe stomach cramping. When I tried to get out of bed, I had the most intense migraine and nausea, I eventually passed out. I was then bedridden and slept for 40 hours straight, waking every 4 hours to take more pain relief. I even needed oxycodone, the pain was that bad. These severe symptoms eased after 48 hours. However, 1 week before my infusion, I dislocated my right patella, and so it blew up with swelling and pain, and I couldn’t walk, meaning I had to spend the next three days in bed and off work. I couldn’t believe a treatment of this time could have such grotesque side effects, it was honestly a horrific and borderline traumatic experience. I think people should really consider the benefits of an Aclasta infusion before going ahead with it."

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I’m 54 and almost 3 weeks post my first infusion. Just recently diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis, and doc recommended Reclast as the easiest treatment. The infusion went well, but 24 hours, I started having muscular back pain. It’s not getting better and is fairly excruciating. It feels like back labor, spiking at 7-8 on a 10-point pain scale. After a few days, I called my MD and got muscle relaxants, ibuprofen, and topical NSAIDs (diclofenac), but they’re not really helping. I just started a new job and am trying very hard to work through this, but I’m really getting worried. I need some serious dental work, too, but I’m not really inclined to take the assurances that it will all be fine in a couple of months at face value right now. I was not warned about preparing before with water, Vit D and calcium, don’t know if it would have helped. I’ll be glad if my bone density increases, but in any case, there’s no way I’m taking this again."

• 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."

• Wil...
• August 10, 2013

For Osteoporosis "The first dose gave me muscle pain and weakness that left me in bed, trying not to move in an attempt to minimize the pain. For two days, every breath I took was accompanied by significant pain. Even though I was laying as still as possible, I still needed to breathe. I was assured that the pain is milder the second time around. They were right, the pain did not outweigh my will to move, which was fortunate because I had nausea and vomiting the next day. My doctor was able to prescribe anti-nausea meds, which helped significantly. I suggest anyone who takes this have someone who can help them out the next few days, just in case."

• 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."

• 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."

• Awa...
• November 5, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Reclast is a bad drug. It made my wife terribly ill! All side effects were devastating! It should be removed from use! She is lifeless in bed. Had to take her to the ER for morphine and nausea meds and calcium. This drug is dangerous, and the FDA should be held responsible for its end results and its allowing of doctors to use it in the USA."

• Eff...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Had an Aclasta infusion in June 2018, and I am still having adverse reactions. These are severe shivers, sweats, extreme tiredness, severe itching, loss of appetite, and nausea. Immediately after the infusion, I was unable to get out of bed for three days and had severe backaches. I have read that it can take up to 24 months to get it out of your system. I have gone past that time frame and am still suffering. I am so over it and will NEVER EVER have another infusion."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Received 1st dose on Monday at 9:30 a.m. Felt okay, a bit tired in the afternoon. However, at around 9:00 p.m., pains in my sternum started. I took Panadol as advised, went to bed. By midnight, I was shivering and shaking and ached all over, then intense pain set in, in my sternum and left breast and arm. I could hardly breathe and seated, coughing. Temperature rose to 40 and severe sweats. More Panadol, which did nothing. Pain worsened and could hardly walk. In the morning, I phoned the lady who administered Aclasta, who said it was all normal and could subside in a day or two. Phoned my doctor, who sent me straight to the hospital, where I spent the next 12 hours on pain relief, a drip, and tests for suspected blood clots, thankfully none. I was kept until my temperature dropped and my blood pressure (190/98) returned to its usual 130/75. Day 3, sternum pain has lessened to bearable, right arm still very painful, as is my back. Very tired and nauseous. I wish I had read these reviews."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had the Reclast infusion on April 4th, and 12 hours later I had severe chills (shaking so bad I couldn't close my mouth to take my temp) and fever. Lasted for 6 hours. Then I was sick to my stomach for the next day with severe pain in my legs (hard to get up from a chair) and my hands (hurt to write). Then I started with a 'cold' sinus/bronchial infection, which sent me to urgent care for an inhaler and cough medicine. Back to the doctor after 5 days for antibiotics, and I'm still sick one month later. Now jaw pain on the left side, and my teeth hurt. I will NEVER take Reclast EVER again. I hope you won't either!!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Con...
• January 30, 2020

For Osteoporosis "Had my infusion on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Was just tired and weak at first, then in the middle of the night, I had the most excruciating pain in my bones all night until morning. Doctor then gave me tramadol, which helped the pain, but the next day I vomited all day long. It’s been 4 days, and I’m nauseous, my head still hurts, have no strength to get out of bed or eat much."

• Wed...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2017

For Osteoporosis "Had my first Reclast IV on Thursday morning. After a couple of hours, started hurting all over and feeling terrible. By evening, started running a fever of 100 - 101, had chills, nausea, pain all over, and couldn't get out of bed until Saturday evening. Took Tylenol every 4 hours. On Sunday, still did not feel a lot better, but fever was getting better. Hope this gets better really soon."

• Bev...
• October 13, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had a Reclast infusion last Thursday and felt fine the rest of the day. I was tired and went to bed, waking up with severe nausea and bone pain, which created anxiety on top of that. The pain was intense, and I felt like a truck had been dropped on me. This is day 3 after the infusion, and the pain has receded some. The doctor said to take ibuprofen and Tylenol. That didn't do it for me. I took Tramadol to get some pain relief. My doctor said I only had to have it once every 3 years, and that will be soon enough to decide if I want to do it again. Today I'm a little unhappy over how sick I was, and reading other comments, I hope I don't have residual effects."