Zoledronic acid and Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had an Aclasta infusion in July this year with flu-like side effects of muscle and bone aches and pains, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating for about 4 days. After that, I felt fine. More recently, I find I am consistently sore every morning, with bone pain over most of my body, but particularly in the sites of old injuries. The pain and discomfort abate with movement, so I can live with it. I’m hoping the Aclasta has good results."

• the...
• December 9, 2017

For Osteoporosis "My husband had the injection on Thursday. By that evening, he couldn't move his head. By Friday, he called his doctor and was told to go to the emergency room. First, he went to urgent care, and they sent him to the emergency room. They did all kinds of tests. His neck, chest, hips, and legs were extremely sore. He is in extremely good condition from working out at the gym, spinning, and lifting weights. He does have prostate cancer and has been treating that with Lupron since 2014. That is why he needed something for his bones. No matter the results, would he do it again? NO."

• 54_...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "After reading all of the really negative comments, I was very anxious. However, I'm a 54-year-old female diagnosed with the spine of an 80-year-old. I weighed the pros and cons of potentially having a really nasty flu-like several days vs. a potentially shortened and pain-filled, miserable life and decided that Reclast was worth it. I have arthritis in my knees, hips, spine, etc., so I was anticipating a nasty interaction, but that was not the case. I had my infusion at 9:30 on a Thursday morning and felt okay for most of the day. I woke up around 2:00 a.m. on Friday with aches, pains, and chills much like the flu, though the last time I got the flu, it was MUCH worse. I ran a low-grade fever for a few hours, but by Friday afternoon, I was able to go to the grocery store. I took off-brand arthritis-strength acetaminophen throughout and drank as much water as I could. I highly recommend Reclast if you're able to rationally weigh the pros and cons of being sick compared to BROKEN."

• Lou...
• November 19, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 8 years ago, aged 42, and had my third infusion of zoledronic acid earlier this month. This has got to be the worst year for me. First year, I had jaw pain, last year, only mild flu-like symptoms, but this year, I started with the worst upper back pain and rib pain I have ever experienced. Saw GP today, and she doubled my dosage of painkillers. Fingers crossed I don't get woken up by the pain at 4 am again. It's been over 2 weeks now, and it feels like the pain will never ease. I'm due for a bone density scan next year, and hopefully, I will receive positive results so I can have a break from treatment."

• Lou...
• November 19, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 8 years ago, aged 42, and had my third infusion of zoledronic acid earlier this month. This has got to be the worst year for me. First year, I had jaw pain, last year, only mild flu-like symptoms, but this year, I started with the worst upper back pain and rib pain I have ever experienced. Saw GP today, and she doubled my dosage of painkillers. Fingers crossed I don't get woken up by the pain at 4 am again. It's been over 2 weeks now, and it feels like the pain will never ease. I'm due for a bone density scan next year, and hopefully, I will receive positive results so I can have a break from treatment."

• Sed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma "I was placed on Zometa by my oncologist as a preventive medication to avoid bone lesions and fractures. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma earlier in the year. I fortunately do not have bone issues at this point, however, my doctor thought it might help with prevention. After my first infusion, I developed severe chills, fever, and terrible calf pain 24 hours later. The fever, chills, and pain fortunately disappeared about a day or two later, but the fatigue lasted for days. Before my second monthly infusion, I drank more water. This did seem to help with avoiding chills and fever, but 24 hours later, I again developed bad calf pain and realized I had edema in my legs. A day later, it is better, but again, I have horrible fatigue and bloating. The side effects of this medicine are worse than those of my cancer meds. I will have to talk to my doctor, as I am not willing to do this every month unless I really have to."

• sia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2015

For Osteoporosis "I was terrified to have a zoledronic acid infusion after reading about side effects. Apart from aches and pains, I was okay. Some pain was briefly very uncomfortable, and it traveled all over my body, finally reaching my toes... but nowhere near as bad as I had imagined. Taking some time off work was necessary, and I was weak for a while, but I was back at work within 8 days and fine! It's too soon to say if it works, but my sister had it, and after 3 injections in 3 years, she was no longer osteoporotic."

• Oct...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2021

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion 6 days ago. I drank at least 64 ounces of water the day before. The day of the infusion, the nurse gave me 2 Tylenol and water prior to the infusion, and I continued drinking plenty of water for two more days. I felt fine. But then, forty-eight hours after the infusion, I had pain and stiffness in my lower back, hips, and shoulder. Since then, I am taking Advil and using Bio Freeze. If these aches and stiffness continue, I will never get another infusion of Reclast."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I’m a 75-year-old female. Had my first Reclast infusion today. I drank plenty of water the day before and the day of. I thought I would have to take Tylenol only if I had pain, but after reading some of the comments, I decided to take it now, 3 hours after the infusion. And will take it on a fairly regular basis, I guess. Right now, I am feeling fine. Thank you for all your comments, it’s very helpful. Positive or negative results, it helps to know these things. Take care, hydrate!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I am an active 56-year-old female with osteoporosis and degenerative bone disease. My dexy scan came back worse than the last one, so my doctor advised me about Reclast, said they thought it would help with my bone loss to help keep from losing any more bone. On Feb. 7, 2022, I went in for the first infusion. I drank 4 glasses of liquid before they did it, and I felt fine. They took blood work and hooked me up to the IV solution, ran it for a little bit, then started Reclast. After 45 minutes, they took the IV out. I went home and wasn't told what to do about any side effects, if any. I felt fine, went to bed at 11 p.m. that night, and by 1:00 a.m. I was shaking all over uncontrollably, freezing like I was taken out of a freezer, my bones were locked and felt like they were breaking. This has lasted 5 days. I can hardly walk, a lot of pain in my bones, swelling, and had a bursting headache I only had before from seizures, and I went to be tested for COVID, they said negative. So now I'm having an EEG to see if the medicine caused seizures. NEVER AGAIN."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

For Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma "I am currently having infusions once a month. The first month was Sept 19, and it took 7 days before it sunk in. Then I was feeling it throughout my body, with pain in the larger joints. Any sports injuries I had show up also as pain. Just had the second infusion 4 days ago, I have some of those same pains in the joints starting today. I do get a balance issue at times, usually focusing on the computer screen. I'm also on Xtandi and Trelstar, each has the same side effects, plus a new one of their own! I have had minor anxiety attacks and some confusion, but they quickly go away with water. I'm always feeling like I've done something wrong. If you stay busy, these go away also."

• cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2024

For Osteoporosis "I just had my second infusion. The first, a year ago, was bad. I stayed in bed for nearly six days, sick as if with the flu. Body pains, stomach pains, and a general sick feeling of extreme tiredness. After seven days, I had a couple of more days. Now, I just had my second infusion a year later. The first day was okay, but the second day knocked me down with pain and fever. The third day was okay, but I had body pains and extreme tiredness. This is still continuing, with some nausea, headaches, and tiredness, I just feel sick ten days later. Very unhappy. I don't know anything about its effectiveness. The yearly scan actually got worse. I was taking Prolia before for six years, and the scans were getting better, moved from -2.5 to -1.1. Now, one year on this medication, and I am at -2."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2019

For Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "Zoledronic acid and osteonecrosis of the jaw! I have been living with a hole in the back of my jaw where my jawbone is exposed for almost a year now. I’m not sure how much of my bone is dead, but the hole keeps getting bigger and feels awful. When you get ONJ, there is no one that can help. Mostly, you just wait and see how much of your jaw is going to fall off. Most oral surgeons don’t want to touch it because they could make it worse."

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

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "I was nervous to proceed with Reclast but happy to report my symptoms were mild and manageable. I’m 57 with a T score below -3, diagnosed about 9 months ago. Extra calcium, bone-building exercises with weights hadn’t decreased T score after 6 months. Needed additional intervention. Of options, Reclast seemed best. I hydrated well prior to the infusion and kept up with acetaminophen for about a week. The infusion was about an hour. The first 2 days had achiness in molars and jaws. Then had achiness on one side of my back, followed by more jaw pain and upper left arm achiness. None of this was too uncomfortable as I kept acetaminophen on board. A week after the injection, I had neck and head pain for about 5 days. On day 6, I had odd swelling in my right thumb joint. It receded, then left middle finger, then 2nd left toe, then ball of right foot swelled. This lasted only about 2-3 days. I am 2 months post now and okay. Hope it worked!"

• HTS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2022

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I hurt terribly the first few days after the infusion. The worst was my neck. My whole body hurt, but I couldn't turn my head much at all. Six weeks later it is still a problem on and off. (I take 60 mg codeine in Tylenol for the pain. (T4's) Exhaustion, fatigue, and a recurrence of a severe depressive episode really scared me. It's been five or six weeks since my first infusion. After successful small breast tumor removal and chemo, I was feeling better. No bone scan was done before starting this. I think one should have been done. I am not thinking clearly, needing to stop and think about what I am doing. Seriously thinking of asking to discontinue it. I am 62, unemployed with little support. This medication makes work impossible. No nausea. Diarrhea/constipation, yes. Twitching, a bit of insomnia, numb/tingling hand fingers and thumb. Hip pain. Shaky body and hands. Get a bone scan before starting treatment, otherwise, what is the point? Next appointment in six weeks."

• Vir...
• January 14, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "After the first infusion, I felt fine on day one. Day two, my legs ached like I'd spent all day jogging. I took one dose of acetaminophen, and then I was fine. Definitely worth doing to prevent osteoporosis."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Initially, chills and limb and joint pains, as well as general tiredness. A few days later, noticed I could not lift my left arm where the IV line had been, and stiffness and pain in my neck and upper back. The most awful was sudden swelling and stiffness of my knees. I never had anything like this before."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I can honestly say that this has been one of the worst experiences of my life. I’m 54 and live with regular pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, but the pain caused by this drug was another level. I hydrated before the infusion at 9 am and continued afterwards, went back to my desk to work, and all was fine until around 4:30 pm when I was finishing up a meeting and I realized my lower back was hurting. By 9 pm I had severe chills and every part of my body ached. That first night, the pain was almost unbearable and I could only get to the bathroom by having my wife help me. I must have vomited around 40 times. It really was the night from hell. Day 2 was pretty grim, but my wife got anti-sickness pills and codeine from our family doctor, which helped a little. This is day 3 and I can move about now slowly but still feel like I’ve been run over by a truck which then reversed over me. I have no idea how long it’s going to take to recover fully. I will NOT have this drug again."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2025

"I’m 48, two years post breast cancer and bone density has already dropped 8.6% due to hormone suppressants. So oncologist recommended. Had 4 mg infusion. The infusion was fine. Took about 30 mins all up. Had it at 3 pm. Was perfectly fine until midnight when the pain hit, fevers, chills. Felt worse than the flu or when I had COVID twice. Body aches x 10. Headaches and rigors. Eye socket pain. Jaw pain. Was like that for 2 days, then very slowly started to settle. Pain was mostly in my ribs/torso and fingers for first 36 hrs, then moved to my hips and legs. Had cramping calves one night. Had shooting/stabbing pains across my ribs to lower back and hips. Have been taking paracetamol and codeine for pain pretty regularly and it still hurt a lot! Definitely kept my fluids up. Not eating much. Needed the week off work."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2025

"I’m 48, two years post breast cancer and bone density has already dropped 8.6% due to hormone suppressants. So oncologist recommended. Had 4 mg infusion. The infusion was fine. Took about 30 mins all up. Had it at 3 pm. Was perfectly fine until midnight when the pain hit, fevers, chills. Felt worse than the flu or when I had COVID twice. Body aches x 10. Headaches and rigors. Eye socket pain. Jaw pain. Was like that for 2 days, then very slowly started to settle. Pain was mostly in my ribs/torso and fingers for first 36 hrs, then moved to my hips and legs. Had cramping calves one night. Had shooting/stabbing pains across my ribs to lower back and hips. Have been taking paracetamol and codeine for pain pretty regularly and it still hurt a lot! Definitely kept my fluids up. Not eating much. Needed the week off work."

• jon...
• March 4, 2013

Zoledronic acid for Osteoporosis "Had first injection two days ago. Have had mild flu-like symptoms. I took ibuprofen and so far it has helped. Weird pains here and there, but they come and go and are tolerable."

• TKB...
• October 18, 2016

Zoledronic acid for Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors "I have been taking Zometa for breast cancer with metastasis to the bones and have been on it for 8 months now, and I have only had minor aches and pains... no major complications from the drug."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2022

Zoledronic acid for Prevention of Osteoporosis "First-time user. Not many side effects for me. I have some leg pain, but can't say if the Reclast is the culprit."