Abnormal Lab Reports for Boniva Infusion Patients

Christine,

I seem to be having some sign on problems, but as soon as I get it adjusted, I will reply.

Thanks,

Alma

My side effects from the Boniva infusion have been almost unnoticable.  I also have osteo-arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I always have some time of bone and muscle pain, but I noticed no increase like I did when I took the Boniva tablet for one month.  That was the most awful pain I have ever had!  I ached all over and it hurt to walk or get out of a chair.  I was neauseated the same way I was when I was pregnant the first time.  I told my doctor that I would not repeat that medication ever.  He agreed, but insisted I start the infusions due to the level of osteoporosis which I have, severe.

My only complaint was my inaccurate blood report I received following my annual check-up.  I have great cholesterol levels, HDL, LDL, etc.  Never have I had a bad one.  Well, you have probably read my previous post indicating levels off the chart.  I went back the following week and all my reports were very normal.  My doctor didn't think the Boniva would have caused the inaccuracy, but something was very wrong.  It lacked only 2 days from being a month since I took my last infusion when the blood was taken.

Dr. Fung, my rheumatologist informed me that Boniva would have not caused any difference in levels, side effects or anything after 10 days of being in the system.  Maybe the lab test were just a "fluke".  I certainly hope they were not accidently mixed up with some other person.

Try the Boniva and if it you don't have any side effects, it will really be worth it.  My body feels much, much stronger and I am able to sit, stand, walk, and do routine househole chores without any problems.

Beginning in March, I will be put on Reclast, the newest medication approved by the FDA for osteoporosis.  I will be taking the infusion only once a year.  Hopefully, it too will be  good for me.  I am still reading any information I can find.  When they began the Boniva infusions, I had asked to wait for it to be approved, but Dr. Fung didn't think I should.  He has improved my condition a lot over the past 10 years and I trust his decisions.

Hopefully, my ranting will help, but I enjoy having someone to share my comments .

Thanks and Good Luck,

Alma

HI,  I have fibromyalgia and have tried fosamx which upset my stomach and did nothing to increase my bone density levels. My doctor suggested reclast. I am afraid

I will have the muscle aches side effects and I already have lots of those. I have very

high cholesterol already and have gum disease so will ask my doctor about this when

I go in to see her. I have had alot more back pain the past year and the bone scan

showed that my back bone density has decreased. I also have osteo-arthritis. Please

let me know how you tolerated the reclast and if you have started taking it. Has it

helped with the pain you are having?  I am not a member of this site I just pulled it up on the web.  I would appreciate your response. Take care.

Karen,

Thanks for posting.  I went back to the doctor's office and they re-took blood for a new evaluation. All my levels were great. Something happened or the lab got it mixed up with someone else. The lab tech said either the test was just a "fluke" or it was mixed up and they had no idea how that could have happened. 

I am coming off Boniva infusions and will be going on Reclast in mid March.  My last Boniva infusion was in November.

Alma,

You mentioned a new medicine for osteopenia. Are you changing from Boniva. My scores for bone density are not getting any better on Boniva and I would welcome suggestions. I see a nutritionist and a naturopath and both are concerned and trying to help me. Thanks, Karen

I have severe Osteoporosis.  I will be taking the latest new drug on the market recently approved by the FDA.  It is Reclast.  I was unable to take Boniva tablets, but was taking Boniva infusions.  I have noticed how much stronger I am feeling and will have a new bone density in March.....afterwards, I will learn if it was working or if my strength is psychological....lol

Alma

I don't know if what I am feeling is side effects  But. ------  I WAS tired all my  life , until , they finally  tested me for low thyroid , and put me on ultram for pain  and fibromyalgia , also ADD.meds.    I have felt normal energy ----UNTIL,--I went on boneva  I feel like  I haven't taken any of these med sense.    any one else out there feeling weak after  injection?  

I don't know for sure if this is a side effect or not, this is only my second infusion.

The first one I had upset stomach and diarreha., two hours after infusion, now this is my second infusion and am very tired, and have upset stomach.????

Don't know if it's a coincadence or not but I just thought I would throw it out there.

I didn't have any such side effects.  I wonder if your upset stomach may have been caused by something else or a case of nerves. I do know even though I didn't have such side effects, everyone's body may act differently.  I would suggest sitting and talking with your doctor.  Good Luck.

Alma

Hi Maryann, so sorry you are having tese side effects, but wondered if they've gone away at some point after the infusion?  What you describe is a listed side effect of Boniva, but the manufacturer claims these symptoms go away in several days, is this what happened or do they last longer?

Good luck...

I was put on Boniva Infusion after trying all the other bisphosphonates with awful side effects.  I was hopeful that the infusion would be different as it wouldn't go through my digestive system.

  I apparently missed all the signs of side effects until I finally broke out in a rash with hives and intense itching all over my torso.  I  then went online to look up side effects that had been reported and then realized that I had indeed been experiencing side effects for several months. I had wheezing, chest pain, body aches, swollen and puffy eyes for 4 months, and then the itchy rash and hives followed.  It wasn't until I had seen the reported sign effect of the swollen and puffy eyes that I put all these symptoms together.

 I have severe osteoporosis but I will never again be a guinea pig for these drugs.  I have suffered over the years while trying each of the osteoporisis drugs.

I only took 3 (or 4) of the Boniva Infusions.  No problems, but I most definitely could not take the oral dosage.

Ask your doctor about the Reclast Infusion which you take only once per year.  For about two weeks, I felt a little depressed with "flu" type symptoms, but they soon vanished.  Since then, I have had no other problems.

I too, have severe osteoporosis.  My last bone density revealed my spinal bone has improved some, but my doctor was disappointed in the bone loss in the hips.  He even mentioned that we may be looking at hip replacements in the future.  I hope not!

I only took 3 (or 4) of the Boniva Infusions.  No problems, but I most definitely could not take the oral dosage.

Ask your doctor about the Reclast Infusion which you take only once per year.  For about two weeks, I felt a little depressed with "flu" type symptoms, but they soon vanished.  Since then, I have had no other problems.

I too, have severe osteoporosis.  My last bone density revealed my spinal bone has improved some, but my doctor was disappointed in the bone loss in the hips.  He even mentioned that we may be looking at hip replacements in the future.  I hope not!

I only took 3 (or 4) of the Boniva Infusions.  No problems, but I most definitely could not take the oral dosage.

Ask your doctor about the Reclast Infusion which you take only once per year.  For about two weeks, I felt a little depressed with "flu" type symptoms, but they soon vanished.  Since then, I have had no other problems.

I too, have severe osteoporosis.  My last bone density revealed my spinal bone has improved some, but my doctor was disappointed in the bone loss in the hips.  He even mentioned that we may be looking at hip replacements in the future.  I hope not!

I only had the bad blood levels once and the dotor's office thought the test was just a "fluke."  My doctor rechecked my blood and found all levels to be normal.

I am now taking the "once per year" insufsion, Reclast.  I will not know for a while if it is working properly.

Alma

Why are you switching to Reclast from Boniva? I have had two Boniva infusions and am supposed to have a Reclast infusion next week. However, after reading all the information I have found, I am reluctant to switch over - especially as I am feeling quite well with the Boniva. Even Boniva has some bad press, but I was talked into it by three doctors. I guess my theory is....a once-every-three-month injection may be more easily handled if there are any side effects than a once-a-year injection. What have you been told? I'm just afraid of the lack of control.

I only had the bad blood work test once!   I drove back and retook the blood test again the following week and everything was perfectly normal.  Don't let my test results stop your taking the Boniva Infusions. 

My doctor took me off Boniva infusions and put me on the once per year Reclast.  The first few days I ached like flu symptoms but it went away in about a week.  No problems since.  I should receive my second infusion in April, 09.  The once per year is much easier for me to take.

Alma

elli:  i also cannot take oral meds because of stomach problems.  I started taking boniva infusions a little over 2 years ago.  My osteoporisis is very severe in my lower back and hips.  I am 58 years old and have had it for some time.  I will be having my first bone densitity test since taking the infusions soon.  My side effects are extreme fatigue, back pain, joint pain, headacks and sometimes feeling a bit depressed.  These symptoms last about two weeks.  I really hate it but I have no choice.  It will be interesting to see what the test shows.  My doctor said it doesn't matter what the results are I need the meds.

Hi bmills, sorry you are having these side effects from Boniva!!  However it's good they don't last too long even though 2 weeks can seem like an eternity.  Let us know how your next dxa is, if you want, and I hope your scores are greatly improved.

Good luck...

I am 56 and 1 1/2 ago I feel  skiing and broke my lower back because of thinning of the bones.  My T score was -2.1. I have had 4 boniva infusions.  I also get about 2 weeks of joint and back pain.  I take Ibuprofen 600 for those 2 weeks and it takes care of it.  Last week I had my bone scan and increase my spine bone mass by 10%.  My Hip bone is stable. Fantastic!!!  I'm a 1.6 now I think. Back to the slopes I go and maybe in a year it'll be below 1.  I asked about reclast and was told to stay on Boniva. 

I cannot take the tablets because of esophageal and stomach problems. My first Boniva was the IV drip for 3 hours. I got phlebitis in my arm, and they found blood clots, so now I take the Boniva infusion every three months and I can't feel any difference, in other words no side effects and this has been for about 2 years.

I couldn't stand the neausea and flu-like side effects from the Boniva tablet; however, my fingernails grew excessively strong and long.  I have had osteoporosis for about 30 years or more and could never grow fingernails.  Since I couldn't take the tablet due to the side effects and a hiatial hernia, I was put on Reclast as soon as it was approved by the FDA.  I saw a news article on the world news about how great it was.  There was a film of a lady approximately 83 years old who could no longer hug anyone due to breaking ribs, etc.  After being on Reclast for one year, she could lean over and hug the grandchildren.  I had turned over in bed and broke ribs more than once and also had several herniated vertebrae.  Since being on Reclast, I have NOT broken any more bones.  However, it is too soon to tell if it is working on me.  I had NO side effects from Reclast.  My injection is due and I will probably take the new one now that last for two years.  I was only on the Boniva infusion for 9 to 12 months, but my bone density test had not improved.  What works for some may not work for others.

I am 67 years old so I don't need to stop searching for a program that works for me.  However, at this time, I feel Reclast will fill the bill.

When I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, the doctors didn't know how to treat it.  Therefore, I was very happy when medications became available.  There were two I missed because my doctor knew my stomach couldn't handle them.

I wish you luck in whatever program you chose. Like I said above, "What works for one may not work for another person."

Alma

Hi Alma, glad to hear you are doing well on Reclast!!  Have your t-scores improved since you started taking it?  I'm also glad you are aware of the new 2 year infusion available from Novartis, that should make this even more convenient as long as you aren't having any trouble with it.

Good luck...

I am overdue for my Reclast infusion due to a medical problem totally unrelated to the Reclast.  My T scores were down, but I had taken the Reclast only 2 months earlier.  At that testing, I had been on the Boniva Infusion.  My next appoint is not until July.

Thanks,

Alma

I had taken the Reclast infusion only two months prior to my last bone density evaluation; therefore, they wouldn't have known.  I had been on the Boniva infusions, but my bone loss decreased.  I am not due another bone density test for one and one half years.  Hopefully, the t scores will be improved by that time.

Hi Ellie, so sorry you are having these headaches!!  I've never taken Reclast so I couldn't tell you about this, but I'm wondering if something else *might* be causing this.  You mentioned that you were planning on talking to your Dr about this which is a very good idea.  See if your Dr can explain this as either a side effect or do some test to see if something else is causing it.

Good luck, I hope your t-scores improve greatly.

I took my first 3 month Boniva  infusion last week after being diagnoised with significant bone loss in August (at 60 yrs).  After 24 hours, the flu like symptoms set it so severe I couldn't walk.  I was in pain everywhere: back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, hands, etc.  I suffer from Osteoarthritis as well.  I could not lift my leg to take a step because the pain in my hips and shins was so severe. I spent three days on pain medication so I could get back and forth to the restroom with a walker.  I work and cannot afford to have this happen again. I am looking for an alternative as I cannot bear the thought of taking this again. 

Missy, the same happened tome.  My doctor then put me on Boniva infusions and I didn't experience any side effects....however, I do not know if they helped.  I went on Reclast and will be getting my second infusion soon.  My rheumatologist informed me that Forteo is the best osteoporosis drug that has proven bone restoration.  I tried Forteo the first year it was available, but I was allergic to it.  There is a new drug coming in November that is similiar to Forteo and he wanted me to think about trying it.  If I chose not to try the infusion, I will continue on Reclast.  I too have osteo-arthritis as well as osteoporosis.  My osteoporosis was diagnosed in my late 30's or early 40's.  I am now 68 year of age.

There will be something out there you can take besides the Boniva tablet.  I do not know anyone that hasn't complained....thus making me wonder if Sally Field is being paid highly to advertise Boniva or if she even takes it!