Zoledronic acid and Pain: What Users Say

• act...
• September 3, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I am 73 years old and had my first infusion of Reclast two weeks ago. I fought doing this for the past three years. I had been on Fosamax for over 10 years but went off it over 7 years ago when I had some questionable side effects (jaw and chest pain) that could not be explained as coming from any other medical problem. My dexa scans had been getting continually worse (now -2.8) and a rheumatologist told me I really did not have a choice - I needed to do SOMETHING, so I relented. I followed all the recommendations about drinking a lot of water and taking Tylenol. I am elated to report that I had no ill side effects - not one! I've been able to continue my daily walking regimen without any problems. I am writing this review in the hopes that it might encourage others who might be terrified as I was after reading so many horror stories. I am hoping that after another dose my next scan in two years will show some improvement."

• 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."

• 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."

• MAW...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I had a Reclast infusion 10 days ago. I had flu-like symptoms for two days and femur and pelvic pain one day. Thought I was past it. On day 8, I woke up with swelling in my hands, knees, and thighs. I cannot bend my leg to kneel with very bad pain. I’m 72 and very active. I easily do yoga, Pilates, and Qi Gong. Currently walking like a 90-year-old. I’m fatigued and in pain. It’s significantly interfering with my daily activities. Very fatigued. I drank water as instructed. Currently have a call into my rheumatologist."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Jas...
• May 1, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had the infusion about 4 weeks ago, and I felt okay after the infusion, which was around 3 p.m. in the afternoon. However, in bed that same night, around 11 p.m., I started to feel immense cramps in my abdomen, and soon after, I began vomiting. I was shaking uncontrollably and felt very cold, my temperature was over 38 degrees. We drove to the nearest emergency department where I was assessed and immediately put on painkillers and anti-nausea drugs intravenously. After that, I was sent for imaging, and I couldn't walk due to the excruciating pain, I had to be wheeled to radiology for an X-ray. The event seems like a blur, all I remember is the pain. I felt pain for about a week after, the first few days being intense. I will not be going through that again, and I have also blocked calls from my specialist who recommended I should have this done. I still have pain today after nearly FOUR weeks..."

• 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!!"

• Hom...
• March 21, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I would never have a Reclast infusion again. Felt okay for a couple of weeks and thought I had missed all the problems people reported from it. After that, my joints all started hurting and hurt for about 6 weeks. I felt so bad I didn't feel like doing anything, just sitting in a recliner hurt. It started to get somewhat better and then my jaw started to hurt, it even made my teeth hurt on that side. I could hardly chew. It has slowly gotten better, but still hurts some, but has taken 6 months to finally start to feel normal. Will not do that 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."

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

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."

• 202...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had my first and only Reclast infusion 23 days ago. About 9 hours after the infusion, I started feeling ill, I had terrible chills, shaking violently for two hours. At 2:00 a.m., I went to the ER with a fever of 102.4 and pain everywhere. I had heart surgery to repair my mitral valve 2 1/2 years ago and have been taking an arrhythmia drug for 2 years, and I’ve been fine. Since the infusion, I am tired, I have a fib and bigeminy several times a day, chest pain, and unbearable calf pain. This drug has ruined my health and my life. Do not take it."

• 202...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had my first and only Reclast infusion 23 days ago. About 9 hours after the infusion, I started feeling ill, I had terrible chills, shaking violently for two hours. At 2:00 a.m., I went to the ER with a fever of 102.4 and pain everywhere. I had heart surgery to repair my mitral valve 2 1/2 years ago and have been taking an arrhythmia drug for 2 years, and I’ve been fine. Since the infusion, I am tired, I have a fib and bigeminy several times a day, chest pain, and unbearable calf pain. This drug has ruined my health and my life. Do not take it."

• 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."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

For Osteoporosis "After having osteopenia progress to osteoporosis and not tolerating oral medications, my doctor suggested Reclast. I had my first infusion on Dec 26, 2015 and within days suffered incapacitating pain in my hands. It was so bad, I couldn't hold a toothbrush without tears due to the pain. Additionally, I started to have severe upper jaw pain. The hand pain has improved but not gone away entirely. The jaw pain has not resolved at all, making it hard to chew. I would not recommend this drug to anyone and would NEVER, NEVER use it again."

• 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."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

For Hypercalcemia of Malignancy "My oncologist ordered this as a bone treatment. I was doing just fine without it. Now my legs are in pain, and I'm tired most of the time. I will NEVER take this crap again. It's a typical poison that America's corrupt pharmaceutical industry pushes on people. There are other, safer ways to get your damaged bones to absorb calcium. I have nothing but the most profound contempt for the makers of this product."

• 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."

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

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."