Reclast Side Effects
Summary
Among the most common side effects reported by patients who have taken Reclast (zoledronic acid) include vision problems, headaches, constipation, mild joint pain and diarrhea. Although these side effects are not normally too serious, it is important for the patient to contact their doctor if the symptoms worsen or continue indefinitely.
Common Reclast Side Effects
While not every patient experiences side effects from the use of Reclast, the most common ones reported were:
- Headaches
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills and cold sweats
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vertigo
- Loss of appetite
- Tingling or burning sensations anywhere in the body
- Lethargy
Although the abovementioned side-effects are not normally serious, the patient should report them to their doctor immediately if they become worse or if they persist for longer than a few days.
Serious Reclast Side Effects
Although not very common, it is possible for some patients to experience allergic reactions when making use of Reclast. If the patient experiences any of the following symptoms while using the medication, it is imperative that they contact their doctor immediately, as they could be life-threatening:
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the throat, lips, face, neck or mouth
- Hives
Various other side effects have been reported as a result of using Reclast which are not normally indicative of an allergic reaction. If the patient experiences any of these symptoms, it is important for them to advise their doctor as soon as possible:
- Bone, neck, chest or shoulder pain
- Hypocalcemia (Low levels of Calicum in the blood)
- Osteocronosis of the jaw (the jawbone becomes exposed and teeth begin to fall out)
- Signs of kidney damage like infrequent urination
- Lower body pain in areas such as the groin or thigh, which might indicate a type of broken bone
- Anemia
- Muscle spasms
- Dehydration
- Unusual bruising
- Weight gain
- Swelling of any part of the body
- Mood changes
- Vision problems
- Drowsiness
Side Effects in Men
While Reclast is used in the treatment of Paget’s disease and osteoporosis in both men and women, studies have shown that there are no significant differences in the way that side effects are experienced in men as opposed to women. This means that both men and women need to ensure that they follow their doctor’s orders with regards to the use of Reclast in order to obtain the maximum benefits from it.
Side Effects in Women
It is not recommended that pregnant women make use of Reclast as it may harm their unborn baby. It is a pregnancy category D drug, which means that while it may pose a risk to the unborn baby, the benefits that the mother can experience from using it have the potential to outweigh those risks. It is also important for nursing mothers to refrain from using this medication as it has been shown to transfer to breast milk.
Although no studies have been done on the effects of Reclast on pregnant women, it was given the category D rating because of the effects that were experienced when the medication was administered to pregnant animals. These included an increased risk of stillborn babies, prolonged labor, and death of the pregnant animal during labor, increased risk of miscarriages and an increase in the risk of birth defects. Because of this, it is always important for a pregnant woman to consult with her doctor before using Reclast.
Preexisting Medical Conditions
Patients who suffer from any form of food allergy should inform their doctor before starting to use Reclast (zoledronic acid). Those suffering from other preexisting conditions such as kidney conditions, low blood calcium levels, a history of thyroid problems or who have difficulty in absorbing minerals and vitamins from their diet should ensure that they consult with their doctor before making use of Reclast. It is also imperative that patients advise their doctor if they intend having any dental procedures done.
Other Medications
If a doctor prescribed Reclast to a patient, it is important for the patient to ensure that they advise the doctor about any medications or supplements that they may be using, because there is always the possibility of them interacting with the Reclast. The following types of medication have been shown to interact with Reclast:
- Diuretic medications (Lasix, Aldactone, Demadex, Esidrix or Dyrenium)
- Amino glycoside antibiotic medications such as Streptomycin, Kantrex, Amikin or Tobramycin
- Vancocin
- Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as Advil, Motrin, Cataflam, Voltaren, Celebrex, Relafen, Aleve or Daypro
If the patient experiences any interactions with any of their medications while using Reclast, it is important that they advise their doctor as soon as possible.
