Zoledronic acid and Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2017

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Less than 36 hrs after my first Reclast infusion, I began shivering violently for over 2 hrs. Then I spiked a temp of 102.7. Within 24 hrs, that had gone. Day 4 post-infusion, my left arm, wrist, and hand began to hurt. This was the arm I received the infusion in. Now it has been 8 days since the infusion, and each day the pain gets worse in my arm and hand. When I awaken, the entire area is swollen and so painful even a sheet touching my fingertips brings excruciating pain. 2 extra strength Tylenol lasts about one hour. 4 Ibuprofen lasts about the same. Aleve (Naproxen) will last about 6 hrs. 2 Tylenol #3 gives relief for about 2 hrs. The pain and swelling have traveled up my arm, into my upper arm above the elbow."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "It has been 3 weeks today (Feb 17th) that I had my infusion, and I am still experiencing upper respiratory headache and some blurred vision, also fatigue in the afternoon. My appetite is starting to come back, but you’re right, some foods don’t taste the same. Still have the occasional pain in my legs, not as bad, hopefully getting better. I’ve started walking again, made it 2 miles today, so that’s a positive."

• Deb...
• September 3, 2017

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Had 1 T-7 fracture due to the osteoporosis. Recently had the Reclast infusion, and it is awful. Flu-like symptoms? No way, much, much worse. I literally was incapacitated. The pain everywhere in my bones, joints, hips, even my fingers. I feel my doctors were not honest with me about how I would or could really feel. On the positive though, I hope in one year my bone density and bone mass will have improved. I don't want another fracture."

• lis...
• December 12, 2013

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "I have had three infusions (1 monthly) intravenously administered. No one advised that I should continue taking calcium supplements - good thing I asked! The first infusion led to three days of severe joint pain abating each day. The second infusion had lesser effects, and the third one lessened from the 2nd. Hydrate well before and after the injections. I've had transient chest pain, chills, side pain, episodes lasting for 1-2 minutes."

• 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."

• CMa...
• February 14, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Had my first Reclast Nov. 2020 at 75 years old. The rheumatologist I saw said nothing about side effects. Never told me to prep, i.e., drink lots of water, etc. He didn't tell me the name of the drug, and I didn't ask, which was my fault. Also, I didn't ask about side effects. The only reason I know it was Reclast is because the technician showed me the box. That night I woke with chills and terrible pain. I thought I had COVID. When I checked the side effects of Reclast (something I should have done before I had this poison put in my system), I saw chills and aches were side effects, along with insomnia. I suffer from recurring bouts of insomnia. Had I known that side effect alone, I wouldn't have gotten the poison. I barely slept for 3 days. The muscle aches lasted over 2 weeks. Now, months later, I can't sleep without taking Trazodone. Never, ever will I get this again."

• pas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "I also had horrible pain from a Reclast infusion this year. I was in the ER and was going to be admitted, but the pain was finally relieved with steroids and many IV pain meds. My pain in my spine, ribs, and shoulders was unbearable. I had severe fatigue for many weeks. I continue to have pain in my upper back. Horrible drug!"

• Bew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with osteoporosis due to my gynecologist screwing up and not putting me on hormone replacement therapy after a total hysterectomy at age 38. I am now 57, and after this Reclast bone infusion, I have never felt worse in my life. It has been four months since my infusion. I have side effects of vomiting almost every day, acid reflux disease, bone and muscle pain, migraines, lethargy, no libido, hair falling out, jaw pain so bad that I went to a dentist, and he said he was afraid my jaw was necrotic. The following week, the pain was so intense that it dropped me to my knees. I went to urgent care, and they made me get a CT scan. I now have arthritis in my jaw, TMJ, and can barely eat because of teeth feeling like they’re going to fall out. And I’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease. Mind you, I never had any of this before the infusion. I feel terrible! I’m so angry that my doctor never told me about these terrible side effects."

• cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I would never get it again. I had previously had 3 screws put in my hip to repair a crack, and I received physical therapy and was about 90% back to walking normally. The day after I received the injection, my hip hurt so badly that I couldn't even walk on it. It's been over 3 months since I received the injection, and my hip is still in a lot of pain, which makes me walk with a limp now."

• 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."

• ssh...
• May 28, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "On March 9, 2021, I received the infusion of RECLAST. The worst, excruciating, painful experience I have had in my lifetime. It hit my shoulders, my arms, and neck to where I could hardly move. I had to have help getting up to go to the bathroom, could not even dress. I woke up the following morning with this pain, and I remained bedridden for 4 days. I still have pain in my arms and shoulders. I will never agree to ANY medication for osteoporosis!!! The pain is lingering. Sometimes I have to go to bed. I hope I will get back to where I was before RECLAST and PROLIA. I used to ride my Peloton cycle daily for 20-45 minutes, now I’m unable to. I’m going to physical therapy to see if they can help me work through this pain and have a quality of life. One night the pain was so bad I went to Drugs.com and found over 13 negative reviews about RECLAST. Oh, I wish I had looked this up before agreeing with my PA that I would try this infusion. Never again!!!"

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Cancelled Reclast infusion 3 months ago after seeing many negative and alarming reviews. PCP changed my decision by informing me of the high percentage of possible fractures. Had 1st Reclast infusion a few days ago. I took a couple of Tylenol and drank a bottle of water. After arriving at a clinic, my vitals were taken, I.V. line started, and the infusion given. I arrived and left in less than an hour. Going home, I drank more water and had a couple more Tylenol. During the next few hours, I did mental body scans looking for pain, muscle cramps, aching bones, chills, or nausea. I found nothing. And I've continued with no difficulties. No discomfort of any kind. I experienced no side effects of any kind from the Reclast infusion. I'm 70 years old and shall continue to ride horses and have no fear of falling. Hopefully, my next year dexascan will show improvement."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2017

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "While this medicine did seem to increase my bone density in the long run, the night after caused far more pain than the injury that fractured my spine, though this could be on account of my age. Please be sure to check with your doctor over how it may affect you. That being said, calcium supplements and medication over a longer period of time also helped, even without a second Reclast treatment."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2016

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma "This new 20 min IV just about killed me and put me in the hospital for 7 days, then rehab for 2 weeks. I had chronic upper thigh pain which made my right leg and foot numb, and I need a walker to walk now. My calves also are very painful. This IV stopped my urination, and I had to go to the ER. My urethra tube was completely closed, and the urologist got 3 1/2 liters off my bladder. I have to now have a catheter for the rest of my life. My kidneys did turn around but were very bad in the hospital. I have stage 4 prostate cancer and was on Adriamycin and Lupron shot every 3 months. The Adriamycin IV was 2 hrs. I handled these meds very well, but my new oncologists decided to change to Zometa. I was not told about all of these side effects."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "It’s been 8 months since I had my first infusion and still have back and side pain, along with pain that radiates from my back and side to my groin area. After reading about side effects again, I’m wondering if this is related to Reclast? The back pain I expected, and it occurs 2-3 times a month and is somewhat difficult to even walk. I take Advil, and that works. I still have fatigue too."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Painful, sums it up in one word. Had event-free infusion, no problems with the injection site. Within 48 hours, I began feeling burning pain in all my arm and leg bones, and all my joints. Mild at first, it ramped up over the next few hours until I was rocking. At that point, I gave in and took codeine. It is three weeks later, and the pain has decreased from beginning around 4 pm and lasting all night to daily/nightly intermittent. Except my thigh and hip bones ache all the time. I have little energy and tire out much faster than prior to the Reclast. I just read that the infusion will affect me for 12 to 24 months. Lovely thought, that. I won't know if it works until my next bone density scan."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 15, 2019

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "I took Zometa for two years until I noticed a hole in my mouth where my jawbone was poking through. Now it’s been a year, and the hole has tripled in size and is starting to get more painful. This drug is horrible."

• Nom...
• June 18, 2020

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I used this drug, zoledronic, 3 months ago, recommended by an endocrinologist for mild hypercalcemia due to vitamin D overdose! The first day was okay, but then I got 3 days of fever, malaise, tightness in the chest, and neck pain, followed by tachycardia for which I got medication. Thought I’d passed the side effects! In week 3, I got tooth pain and hypersensitivity, which continued to the present time! After a month, I got dizziness for about 6 weeks or so! Now it has been a month since I started having bone, joint, and muscle pain all over and stiffness in my fingers. Can’t walk normally because of plantar foot and finger joint pain, and my left ankle hurts a lot, my wrists got weak and have forearm pain! This is such a potent drug that will take you away from normal life for months! Never use this drug if it would be a substitute for that! I still pay for what I’ve done and think it’s going to last! Hope not to have its serious side effects! The drug is real junk!"

• 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."

• Chi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 22, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had my first zoledronic infusion last March, and a few hours later, felt a bit chilled. Then, at 3 a.m., I woke with pain in every bone, with extreme pain in every past fracture site, almost unbearable in the newest fracture in my ribs. I also had nausea, loss of appetite, blurred vision, and temperature. Severe pain lasted almost 3 1/2 weeks. However, my quality of life has improved so much. For the previous 2 years, I was fracturing even cleaning my teeth-multiple rib, fingers, toes, sternum, and 7 back fractures-all taking up to 12 weeks to heal, then fracturing something within 2 weeks of getting moving again. Whilst I'm not looking forward to the side effects again next time, I will certainly take it again. I'm walking about again, haven't fractured anything since the infusion. Blurred vision still comes occasionally, but it's a small price to pay. Remind me I said this next March."

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2023

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I am 65 years old with osteoporosis. A DEXA scan improved with Tymlos injections, and after 2 years, I was given a Reclast infusion. The first infusion in 2021 went fine. But in 2022, the infusion has caused several side effects. It started with pain in my teeth on the right side. I could not chew on the affected side. Then the pain went to the left side. After 3 weeks, the teeth pain lessened to where I can chew, but I developed jaw pain and swollen lymph nodes on both sides. The nodes have been swollen for 2 months, along with the jaw and teeth pain. My left jaw and face are swollen. I called the endocrinologist. He said to take Tylenol. I saw the dentist after 1 week. She did a full mouth X-ray and said the pain was not dental-related. I am seeing the endocrinologist next week. I also started having arthritic pain in my back and both knees. I can live with this pain, but I am very concerned about the continued pain in my jaw."

• 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!"

• 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."