Retired physician John R. Agnew has an amusing take on Big Pharma’s bombardment of consumers with DTC advertising. Writes Agnew:
The drug commercials seem to me to be insulting. They overstate the benefits, minimize the side effects and ignore the cost: “Panacea is not for everyone,” they warn. “Let your doctor know if you have liver disease (he is too dumb to figure it out for himself) or are allergic to this drug (which you wouldn’t know in advance anyway). Side effects include fainting, jaundice, suicidal thoughts, constipation and sudden death. Do not operate heavy machinery after taking the first dose, and tell your doctor right away if you are dying”…
My favorite is Reclast, a once-a-year treatment for osteoporosis. It comes with many warnings, of course, including “jaw problems have been reported.” Jaw problems? What does that mean? Lock-jaw? Fossy-jaw? (I looked it up, and you don’t want to know while eating breakfast).
Reclast, like Fosamax and Boniva, is a treatment for osteoporosis, which refers to an extreme loss of bone density, most common in postmenopausal women. All three drugs are known as bisphosphonates.
The difference is that Reclast offers a level of convenience that the others don’t. Reclast is the first drug approved by the FDA (in 2007) as a once-a-year, intravenous treatment. As Novartis states on the Reclast Web site:
A single dose, along with daily calcium and vitamin D, helps strengthen your bones and protect them from fracture for 12 full months.
Reclast, along with Fosamax, Boniva and other bone-building drugs, have a number of side effects — but currently the FDA is most concerned about studies that show these drugs can produce irregular heartbeats in some patients. The most recent study, focusing on Fosamax, came out just last month.
Reclast’s jaw side effect, by the way, is osteonecrosis (“bone death”) of the jaw bone; it has occurred only in rare cases. Here’s a full list of Reclast warnings and precautions.
39 Responses to Reclast’s “jaw problems” caused by too many warnings, spoken too quickly?
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Cary Byrd, President of eDrugSearch.com
I just cancelled an infusion for Reclast after reading of the side effects. I think I would prefer to shrink and die naturally rather than go through all the worries of the pharmaceutical industry profit. Thank you very much!
I had my Reclast infusion in June, and it altered my body chemistry dramatically! I am now allergic to eggs, cheese, dairy and any and all calcium supplements! In addition to which, I have also developed an extreme allergy to antibiotics. Another side effect for me has been the loss of energy — I used to be much more active and could stay up later at night. Not any more! All I can say is this: I sure hope the Reclast infusion is doing something for my bones, because it sure has messed me up in other ways!!
Bottom Line: I won’t do it again!
Summer Smith
I had this infusion two days ago. It will be my last!! I was up all night… never so sick in my life…a headache that would not quite, chills, all over body aches, weakness, etc. It was awful.
I had an appointment today to get reclast, but cancelled after reading all of the side effects, especially the loss of jawbone, not to mention kidney problems, and low blood calcium.
I am a student at the University of Oklahoma and am working on my capstone project which requires me to interview women with osteoporosis. It’s upsetting to hear what you women have gone through and I am curious if you have started any new treatments to help prevent your osteoporosis from worsening?
This drug sucks! Never again!!
read this too late.Information on Bisphosphonates (marketed as Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Aredia, Boniva, Didronel, Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Reclast, Skelid, and Zometa)
FDA ALERT [1/7/2008] – FDA is highlighting the possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle (musculoskeletal) pain in patients taking bisphosphonates. Although severe musculoskeletal pain is included in the prescribing information for all bisphosphonates, the association between bisphosphonates and severe musculoskeletal pain may be overlooked by healthcare professionals, delaying diagnosis, prolonging pain and/or impairment, and necessitating the use of analgesics.
The severe musculoskeletal pain may occur within days, months, or years after starting a bisphosphonate. Some patients have reported complete relief of symptoms after discontinuing the bisphosphonate, whereas others have reported slow or incomplete resolution. The risk factors for and incidence of severe musculoskeletal pain associated with bisphosphonates are unknown.
This severe musculoskeletal pain is in contrast to the acute phase response characterized by fever, chills, bone pain, myalgias, and arthralgias that sometimes accompanies initial administration of intravenous bisphosphonates and may occur with initial exposure to once-weekly or once-monthly doses of oral bisphosphonates. The symptoms related to the acute phase response tend to resolve within several days with continued drug use.
Healthcare professionals should consider whether bisphosphonate use might be responsible for severe musculoskeletal pain in patients who present with these symptoms and consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of the drug.
I have been severely suffering since I was given Reclast. Only thing I can do it take prednisone to get sed rate (imflamation down) this round of that terrible drug(which only treats the symptons) was 20 days ago. My ACL that was replaced and was in great shape 12/08 just dissapeared 12/09. No injury or acccident…… Reclast is killing me Still!
I have been severely suffering since I was given Reclast. Only thing I can do it take prednisone to get sed rate (imflamation down) this round of that terrible drug(which only treats the symptons) was 20 days ago. My ACL that was replaced and was in great shape 12/08 just dissapeared 12/09. No injury or acccident…… I believe that Reclast is killing me Still
Thrilled with it. Osteoporosis since age 50 curtailed lots of fun activities with my grand kids. Made some progress on orals, but GERD necessitated gut biopsies and esposphogeal dilatation.
I can tell you after 35 years as a nurse, this is a great drug. If you think it is not worth a few punny side effects what will you be saying after you are in the nursing home when you fracture your hip (no hip pinning for people with osteoporosis) or have horrible chronic back pain from vertebral fractures. Or dead. Good luck, I see it every day!
I’m 58 years old with osteoporosis. I have taken reclast 2 times. The first year I did have flu like symptons and this went away after 2 days no problems at all after this. The second infusion, the following year in 2009,I had no problems whatsoever. I can say with the reclast treatment and I also take Citracal -2 tablets- twice a day and a vitamin D supplement. I feel much stronger than before
Ihave had REclast twice. The first time I done very good. This last time I thought I was doing okay but have had alot of trouble with my feet hurting and burning causing me pain to walk. Also have had sprained thumb that took forever to heal and alot of aching. Not sure if I should go on with this
I’m curious what percentage of women had bad side effects vs the ones that did not. My doctor just recommended that I take reclast and now I’m very concerned since reading all these posts about the negative side effects.
I have had ReClast twice now and have had NO side effects. I take Citracil twice a day and a Vit.D supplement. I will continue with ReClast. It works!
My Mother had 2 infusions of reclast before she had bottom teeth pulled for dentures. She has been through hell and back. Has osteonecrosis of the jaw bone. Has been through 2 hospitalizations, 2 sessions of picc line antibiotics, one 40+ days, one 57 days, also still doing hyperbarics, on 40+ visit. Also on second hospitalization, had the dead portion of jaw removed, still a small area of dead bone exposed. Hopefully she can wear some sort of dentures. This has been ongoing for one year. She is 80 years old and has lost prob. 30 pounds. On the second hospitalization, she stayed 5 weeks due to antiobiotics every 6 hrs and hyperbarics. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!
Kathy,
Total disaster for your mom. I am kind of surprised that a clinician would start an 80 yr old on bisphos. The horsers are pretty much out of the barn. Not that you can’t get some bone remodeling at 80, but unless you have long lived relatives, like into their mid 90′s it is probably not worth the risk, even a small risk. I assume your mom was not a smoker as she still had some of her own teeth at 80. AND I hope he physician, either checked her mouth and dental hygiene or sent her to a dentist before she got her medication. These drugs have been great for me, as I was in my late 40;s with full on osteoporosis, with only thin and white as risk factors. It did rebuild my bone so that I only have osteopenia. I had a lifetime of being a big dairy consumer and weighbearing exercising. That is another problem, clinician’s offen provide this medication for osteopenia when it should be reserved for those with osteoporosis. Diet, exercise, estrogen, home saftety are all other things that should be tried first. I am due this year for my BMD, if it is not continuing to improve I am going to take a 2 year holdiay to see if I get reversal. I can also wait out the study on the atypical femur fx that are occuring. Overall these are very powerful drugs (all are) and I am glad that they are available as I am sure they have kept me without fracture and able to keep up with my grandkids. It is ALWAYS important to remember that all drugs are just controlled poinsoning and anthsesia is a controlled OD.
Good Luck,
Judith Peck
I am undecided if I will take the second dose in May. Suggestions?
I took Reclast in 2009 after having done daily Forteo injections for 14 monts and Fosamex for almost 2 years before. I got worse of the Fosamex. Bone density improved dramatically on Forteo and my last fun body bone density done last months was a report of bones NORMAL. I am 68 and began this journey in my early 60′s. I felt like I had the flu for a couple days after being given Reclast. In addition, I had some aches a couple times during the year. I decided they were ‘growing pains’ and maybe they were.
I too would like to know the percentage of women who have had bad side effects vs the ones that did not. After a bad reaction to Fosamax, it was suggested to try Reclast. Do not want to go through that pain and suffering again.
I have had 2 treatments and have had no problems. Dr very pleased with my improve. Will continue with Reclast along with Citrical and vit D
My mothers doctor recommended reclast for her oosteo eleven days later she was dead. She was 54 years old and had heart disease. The doctor had never checked her heart the reclast restricts blood flow and the restricted blood flow caused her a massive heartattack. that whole day she cried that her bones (especially her jaw which she had packed with ice all day)hurt immensely. please read ALL of the side effects.
MY DR. HAS SCHEDULED ME TO HAVE THE RECLAST INFUSION; BUT I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND…I WILL TAKE CALCIUN AND VITAMIN D…
Wow am I confused, I have taken Fosamax and Actonel for years and recently Forteo for about a year. I have a new doctor and she is recommending Reclast. I am suppose to go in a couple days for the infusion but after reading these blogs I am considering canceling. I have had a heart stent am only 62. Is there any real reliable info out there? I tend to believe the bloggers rather than the drug makers. Any of your opinions would be much appreciated.
Took Reclast last week. Horrible, painful side effects, unrelieved by narcotics.
No pain/No gain.
Hope & pray it is doing all that it needs to do.
Blessings!
My reclast appointment was cancelled because the Dr. neglected to inform that I needed blood and urine tested prior to the infusion. I had my first Reclast last year with no bad affects, that I know of; maybe that is why my joints hurt. Wish I knew what to do, don’t want to be a stooped over old lady, I am now 66 years old.
The doctor has recommended reclast for my daughter that is physically and mentally disabled, she has been on fosomax the last two years and has had problems with upset stomach. The once a year would be great but after reading the blogs not sure if it would be good idea since she in non-verbal and not able to let us know what reactions she might would have. Any opinions would be appreciated.
I have had reclast twice now and have had no reactions. I will go next year and have the 3rd. I also go to a endocrinologist for my osteoporosis.
I’m 68 and have osteopenia my hip. My doctor wants me to take Reclast but I am having second thoughts. This is really scary! How does one make a decision?
Had my 3rd reclast in mid Nov. The
first one I reacted with a 30 minute dizzy spell & then fine.If happened 15 minutes sooner, I was driving home home & would have stopped on the spot and waited fo some help
The 2nd had no reaction but I usid a driver
This time I am still so dizzy that I have to use a cane and at times a walker.
I am a care taker of my disabled husband but if this does not improve, I will need a czretaker also
This gets very expensive.I still have to hire a driver
It already 6 or 7 weeks
It was reported to the FDA & the manufacturer
Women s
& doctors should be warned
It is not listed as apotentiol side effect
My father took his first and only infusion of reclast in Sept. 2010, and he was dead 54 days later. This drug is poison pure and simple. It is a big fat drug company lie, as it doesn’t really help anyone, it gives a false appearance of denser bones in some people. It destroys osteoclasts a key component in our bone making cycle. It may not cause side effects in all people ( in hundreds of thousands it does) but in the people that have reactions there is no antidote or way to reverse this drug once it is in your system. This is a tragic game of Russian Roulette. My father was healthy before Reclast, and only taking one prescription drug, after Reclast he was in severe pain, renal failure, A. Fib, muscle spasms, just to name a few. He had a full battery of blood work before his infusion, and all was normal, yet he was dead less than 2 months later. I would tell anyone to run away from this drug as fast as you can. Even if you have taken it without problems , you are in for trouble down the road most likely. Why is a drug that is suppose to help your bones causing our bones to die, and become diseased?? Why are our strongest bones, the femur, snapping in two after these drugs??? Does this make sense people?? No, these drugs are a lie, and should be banned from the market. I just read that 514 people have died due to Reclast in the last year, and countless others ( hundreds of thousands ) have experienced severe adverse reactions. In one study 67% of Reclast patients suffered severe adverse reactions. I hate this drug, and will celebrate when it is gone forever, never to harm another person. Shame on Novartis , and these drug companies for putting profit over people . We trust them, and they abuse that privilege!
I am scheduled for a Reclast infusion. I am cancelling. I do not like what I am reading about you having such horrible effects from this drug. It is bad enough to get older, but to make things so much worse is not a good thing. Thank you all for commenting on the drug.
I am a naturapathic counselor(f0r 35yrs) and have been advising my sister who has osteoporosis to take a well researched supplement which I and many women have taken to reverse bone loss. Check it out yourselves. Strontium
It is best to trust neither the BLOGS nor the drug makers. Â If you notice, you see almost nothing on the BLOGS except horror stories — because if something doesn’t cause you a problem, you aren’t going to go anywhere to complain about it and if it does cause you a problem, then you are going to complain wherever you can. Â The drug companies will tell you all of the side effects, but will minimize them as much as possible. Â That is understandable to some degree these days because they have to list it causing headaches if somebody in the study reports having a headache. Â Headaches may happen for lots of reasons, but if you are in one of these studies, it is going to be attributed to whatever drug you are testing. Â So, bottom line, read all you can find to read from the drug companies, BLOGS, etc. then sit down with your doctor and have a frank honest discussion about the ramifications of NOT taking the treatment VS the risks of the treatment. Â Ask all of the things you have questions about, then make a decision WITH your doctor about what is best for you. Â If you can’t have that discussion with your doctor — or you don’t trust the answers you are getting — it is time to find a new doctor. Â Good luck with your treatments — whatever you decide.
I have taken only 3 doses of Reclast the last one was given to me in the hospital and the outrageous price of $133,729.00 was absurd! Subsequently I had developed what I thought were small cavities in my teeth. Only to find out that reclast has caused such severe damage to my jaw that I will never be able to save some of the teeth. I can’t even have them pulled because the Oral Surgeon says that the hole left will never heal. I have no options accept to have a couple of teeth have RCT and the others that are damaged into the bone..I will only be able to saw them off and hope that they grow out of the jaw. I want recourse to the drug company. I was never told the side effects especially the most severe. I want the drug company to pay for what they have done to me!
Dear Joyce. Don’t! I cannot emphasize this enough. I am a fairly disabled person anyway. I have RA but I was so shocked to find out that the Reclast had caused such severe problems with degenerative bone disease in my jaw. I will never be able to grow bone there again. I will never be able to have reconstruction of teeth that only had tiny cavities,but the Reclast caused severe damage to my bone. I only had 3 treatments and not three years in a row. I had 2 yrs off in between. Think how you might feel a few years down the road and your bones begin to disintegrate? Coming from someone who knows. It isn’t if it will happen but when!
Reclast, or generic name zoledronic acid, is a drug used to treat bone cancer in larger doses and more frequently than the once yearly dose for osteoporosis . It’s very ‘job’ is to kill bone. If used in small doses it can be helpful..However, it is a drug with such severe side effects that I would have to have bone cancer to take this stuff..again. I wasn’t ever given any information and did not find out about what this drug is all about until I went to the dentist and my jaw was damaged severely with absolutely NO recourse. There is NO treatment for the effects of Reclast once one has damage. Why put ones self through the possibility of this kind of side effects. So many have stated Ca vitamin D and exercise on a regular basis will help and not harm. Do you realise that in other countries such as Japan Sweden and many others, there isn’t even a word in the language for osteoporosis. They just don’t get the disease.Likely due to their heavy dependency on vegetables and tofu and very little meat products. I am not saying anyone need be a vegetarian, but there are ways of doing things that are not always chemical. Remember Monsanto and there logo..”live better through chemistry” Do any of you really believe that we live better through chemistry?
Punny Side effects!!! Having ones jaw bone disintegrate is not a ‘punny’ side effect! I went to the dentist with small cavities and they cannot even repair them because the underlying bone has been severely damaged with absolutely no recourse. Good luck to you and hope that your possibilityof “Punny Side Effects’ doesn’t come back to bite you..it just might be that you won’t be able to bite back..
Hello E M J I’ interested in your posting because I’m also looking for a well researched supplement to take to reverse bone loss. I’ve been taking Fosamax for four years and it
didn’t work for me. Now the doctor want me to have Boniva IV, but I’m very afraid to do it.
I’m reading that Strontium Citrate is good for bone building. There is a drug called Strontium Ranalate by the company Servier, but I think it is in Europe. I would like to get in
touch with you and talk more about Strontium because it’s important how much to take and
with other supplements.
Sincerely,
S M T
My doctor put me on Fosamax 6 years ago. After several months, my jaw started locking. having read that that could be connected to Fosamax, I stopped taking it. After a couple of months my jaw went back to normal. A year later my doctor again talked me into taking Fosamax and said there was no way that what my jaw had done could be from the drug. But again within two months my jaw was locking, so again I stopped the Fosamax and will never take it again. But HERE is some good news: I then started taking Strontium every day but not at the same time that I take Calcium because they compete for absorption. After 18 months on Strontium, (plus the Calcium, vitamin D, and other bone building supplements I’ve taken for many years), my bone density INCREASED 3%. Look into Strontium!
I am interested on the positive vs. negatinve also.