Reclast: How to Talk to Your Doctor about Zoledronic Acid for Osteoporosis Treatment

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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Zoledronic acid, known by its brand name Reclast, is now approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis. Here is more information that may be useful in preparation for consultation with a physician about the medication. Which osteoporosis patients are candidates for treatment with zoledro...

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Women of child-bearing age.
Aureus
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 08:58 PM

Does anyone know what effects this drug has on reproduction? I'm only 32 and my doctor wants me to try Reclast. I've been on Actonel for 2 1/2 years with decent results, but I started having a little GERD. There is a possibility my husband and I might want to have a child in about 4 years or so. I'm worried about whether or not this drug might affect a fetus, even if given several years before conception.

re: Women of child-bearing age.
Lila de Tantillo
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 05:03 PM

This is an excellent and very important question -- unfortunately one that has no easy answer. Because Reclast is not intended to be used primarily by women of childbearing age, there is little information or studies regarding your concerns. I would definitely discuss this issue extensively with your doctor and even consider seeking a second opinion from additional specialists (both orthopedic and obstetric) -- this a crucial issue and one deserves to be as informed as possible.

reclast
Anonymous
Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 11:29 AM

I am a 74 year old woman who has taken evista for 3 years followed by fossomas for 4 years. My spine t-score is -3.4 and the doctor has suggested reclast. Isn't reclast just a stronger dosage of bisphosphonates? I have no trouble taking Fossomax so what would be the advantage of changing to reclast?

re: reclast
Lila de Tantillo
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 05:11 PM

Thanks for your excellent question! Although Reclast has obvious benefits for those who have suffered from the gastrointestinal side effects of oral bisphosphonates, it may also be recommended by physicians for patients who have tolerated such medications well but whose bone mass has not improved sufficiently. Some studies have suggested that the intravenous formulation of Reclast may work to increase bone density more drastically than the oral bisphosphonates. However, it may also have different possible side effects, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.

reclast
maryann
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 08:26 PM

I had the reclast infusion two weeks ago. I'm 58 and had taken Fosamax since I was 35. I just couldn't take it anymore. I was scared to death of reclast but it was really very easy to take. I drank lots of water the week before I had the infusion and on the day I took tylenol before the infusion and every 4 hours after and I kept drinking water. I felt and feel fine now. It is much easier than Fosamax and some of the other stuff out there. The internet can scare you to death. If you are basically healthy you should be fine. My bone density and blood calicum were both tested before the procedure.

cost of Reclast
Anonymous
Monday, October 05, 2009 at 12:51 AM

my hospital just charged me $16,842 for a dose of Reclast! Of course, that is what they billed my insurance, and my insurance only piad a total of $1100 -- for the medication and service. Hospital "wrote off" $15K...i still have to pay $1400. Luckily Novartis (maker of Reclast) thinks that is insane and is going to talk to hospital about this ridiculous charge.