Generic Name: Aclasta (zoledronic-acid)
Aclasta Reviews
For Osteoporosis "I had Aclasta once a year 2012 - 2015 due to osteoporosis - Worst mistake I ever made! I have daily incapacitating and severe joint, muscle, and back pain, cannot have a tooth extracted due to osteonecrosis of the jaw (as per the maxillofacial surgeon), my vision became blurred almost immediately after the first session ... my life is no longer my healthy happy life, and I have to endure rhizotomies (which have not helped one bit) because of the back pain. Walking is painful. Shoulders are messed. There is no antidote for this drug either! This was not something we were told beforehand ... we are still deciding to join a class action against the company that manufactures this drug knowing what the side effects are! We would never have said yes! Do your research, guys! Bev - South Africa"
For Osteoporosis "I had the infusion about 4 weeks ago, and I felt okay after the infusion, which was around 3 p.m. in the afternoon. However, in bed that same night, around 11 p.m., I started to feel immense cramps in my abdomen, and soon after, I began vomiting. I was shaking uncontrollably and felt very cold, my temperature was over 38 degrees. We drove to the nearest emergency department where I was assessed and immediately put on painkillers and anti-nausea drugs intravenously. After that, I was sent for imaging, and I couldn't walk due to the excruciating pain, I had to be wheeled to radiology for an X-ray. The event seems like a blur, all I remember is the pain. I felt pain for about a week after, the first few days being intense. I will not be going through that again, and I have also blocked calls from my specialist who recommended I should have this done. I still have pain today after nearly FOUR weeks..."
For Osteoporosis "I am a 24-year-old female runner with osteopenia, and after sustaining a stress fracture in my femoral neck, my specialists suggested an Aclasta infusion. I felt fine the afternoon after the infusion, however, at about 12 am that night, I was woken by severe stomach cramping. When I tried to get out of bed, I had the most intense migraine and nausea, I eventually passed out. I was then bedridden and slept for 40 hours straight, waking every 4 hours to take more pain relief. I even needed oxycodone, the pain was that bad. These severe symptoms eased after 48 hours. However, 1 week before my infusion, I dislocated my right patella, and so it blew up with swelling and pain, and I couldn’t walk, meaning I had to spend the next three days in bed and off work. I couldn’t believe a treatment of this time could have such grotesque side effects, it was honestly a horrific and borderline traumatic experience. I think people should really consider the benefits of an Aclasta infusion before going ahead with it."
For Osteoporosis "My 85-year-old mother has been having this infusion every year for the last 4 years. The first time she had it, she was quite sick afterwards with body aches and fatigue. And wishing she never had it. The doctor said next time to ask for it to be slowly administered. And it did make a huge difference with no side effects. And now she makes sure it gets administered slowly. Not everyone seems to know about this."
For Osteoporosis "My husband was administered Aclasta on 18 Feb 2019. He started feeling feverish, vomiting, shivering, and severe weakness the next day. He could not even walk. After nine days, he is still feeling very weak and not able to do any work. He was healthy before the infusion. We don't know what to do. We are helpless. Seeing my husband's condition, would not recommend Aclasta to anybody. Can someone help?"
For Osteoporosis "Had an infusion of Aclasta 10 days ago. Had been diagnosed with a compression fracture of the spine a week prior. I wasn't really advised of adverse reactions and only told I would benefit due to a very low bone score. Had hyperparathyroidism which caused the osteoporosis. After Aclasta, I had side effects of a severe dizzy spell on day 2 and could not stand up, it lasted for two days. I also had nausea and a mild headache. After one week, severe pain in both wrists, could not hold anything, lasted for three days. I have pain in my jaw and eyelids. It is mild but constant. Hope all will come right shortly. I feel tired and slightly achy every day. Hope benefits outweigh side effects."
For Osteoporosis "I had two infusions during a two-year period. One day, suddenly, I had so much pain in my upper leg. I had no trauma prior to the pain. A bone scan shows I had a typical fracture on my femur. The doctor didn't tell me about the side effects of the drug. I am so disappointed. I thought the drug was supposed to strengthen my bones but does the opposite."
For Osteoporosis "I had an anaphylactic reaction, and a week later still have muscle pains in every muscle, chest pain, 'blocked' ears, metallic taste in my mouth, grey tongue covering, constipation, and extremely painful feet, hands, and chest. This drug is POISON to my system. It will be in my body for over a year. Will these symptoms eventually ease?"
For Osteoporosis "I had Aclasta 10 days ago and had quite a severe reaction where my body ached terribly all over, and I could barely walk for 24 hours. The next 2 days, I was left with my body feeling dull pain all over. Since the infusion, I’ve had the worst pain in my thoracic area, like I have a knife stabbing me, and it won’t budge. I had an X-ray, no broken rib. Had a massage, nothing will fix it. So hard sleeping. I had no idea I’d be left like this."
For Osteoporosis "Had an Aclasta infusion in June 2018, and I am still having adverse reactions. These are severe shivers, sweats, extreme tiredness, severe itching, loss of appetite, and nausea. Immediately after the infusion, I was unable to get out of bed for three days and had severe backaches. I have read that it can take up to 24 months to get it out of your system. I have gone past that time frame and am still suffering. I am so over it and will NEVER EVER have another infusion."
For Osteoporosis "I had Aclasta on the 21st of November 2019. No side effects for about a week. Now, every day I wake up with side effects of bone pain and muscle pain. Sometimes my feet are very sore. Hope all this stops soon. I will not be having any more Aclasta."
For Osteoporosis "I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta. After getting Aredia for years and not seeing much improvement (maybe it prevented deterioration), I received Aclasta for 2 years and my bone density went from very fragile to just below average. That was 2 years ago. No side effects and no deterioration as of yet. I'm very happy to be repaired."
For Osteoporosis "I had no side effects. Before the dose of Aclasta, I had a typical tennis elbow. It is still painful at times. What I only experience now is hair loss since getting this in Feb. I'm aware that you do shed a couple of hairs before a season change, but this is different. After a hair shampooing, the hair came loose as if I'm having cancer treatment. Where I walk, all over in the house, you will find hair on the floor. Did anyone else experience this same effect?"
For Osteoporosis "I had a 15 minute infusion 5 days ago. For about 16 hours I felt fine. The following afternoon I began to feel a headache, tiredness and generally felt ill. Tried sleeping it off. The next afternoon my chest felt sore, I had severe pain, like indigestion for most of the night. Day three, my joints have swollen and I have arthritic symptoms, my wrists are extremely painful, it hurts to even press the toilet button. I still have headaches. I regret having Aclasta. I am not prepared to recommend it at this stage."
For Osteoporosis "Had 1st Aclasta in Feb 2019 for osteoporosis and I also have OI type 1. Had a fall and smashed kneecap in June, then had 2nd Aclasta infusion in Feb this year with a bone density test that went from osteoporosis back to osteopenia. So it's working. I was also given pamphlets to read about pros and cons beforehand. So I knew side effects."
For Osteoporosis "I have been having Aclasta for the last 4 years and am due for my next drip in October. The drip needs to be administered slowly and you need to drink plenty of water beforehand. I have had no side effects! There has been an improvement with my bone density."
For Osteoporosis "I had my first Aclasta infusion in October 2014 on the recommendation of my oncologist. I had been on Arimidex for breast cancer for 10 months. As yet I have no idea how effective it has been for my bone density. I took two days off work in preparation for any side effects - but am happy to report that I had ZERO side effects, nothing, not even a sniffle!! :)"
For Osteoporosis "Received 1st dose on Monday at 9:30am felt okay a bit tired in the afternoon. However at around 9:00pm pains in my sternum started. I took Panadol as advised, went to bed. By midnight I was shivering and shaking and ached all over, then intense pain set in, in my sternum and left breast and arm. I could hardly breathe and seated coughing. Temperature rose to 40 and severe sweats. More Panadol which did nothing. Pain worsened and could hardly walk. In the morning phoned lady who administered Alclasta who said was all normal and could subside in a day or two. Phoned my Dr who sent me straight to hospital where I spent the next 12 hours on pain relief, a drip and tests for suspected blood clots, thankfully none. I was kept until my temperature dropped and my blood pressure (190/98) to its usual 130/75. Day 3 sternum pain has lessened to bearable, right arm still very painful as is my back. Very tired and nauseous. I wish I had read these reviews."
For Osteoporosis "I had my first fusion/ drip on the 31st May 2022 as I couldn't tolerate Fosavance. By 1st June 2022 a few hours after Aclasta was administered, I felt like all the bones in my whole body were attacked. I was crippled by this pain. As the pain was so debilitating, I landed up in hospital for about 3 weeks during June for pain control. I was on a daily drip. I'm still not right. I am due to see a pain specialist. I feel there are too many pain signals going the brain. My pain meds aren't helping. I take a sleeping tablet but I'm awake most of the night . So I am sleep deprived and in constant pain, it a nightmare. This pharmaceutical should be accountable for the pain and suffering endured."
For Osteoporosis "I had my infusion four days ago just one week after I got my diagnosis. They didn’t tell me to drink lots of water, I read about online the day of the infusion. Was a bit shocked when I also read about the severe side effects here but really felt I didn’t have a choice. I had very very mild side effects, the next morning I felt the same way I do after two glasses of wine the night before. Nothing more. Feel completely fine now. I am an active 44 year old and I got osteoporosis from very early menopause due to cancer treatments ten years ago. I really hope it will give me good results in the long run."
For Osteoporosis "I am now 65years of age. I had been given fosamax for three years due to early menopause. It did my BDM good. Then after some years I went for a bone density test and was given aclasta for three years 2014-2016. Then went off for three years. The radiologist/doctor doing the BDM scans was furious at me in 2020 for taking the gap. I then had Aclasta again in 2020, 2021. I do regular 4.5km walks during the week and also some times other pleasant walking outings. I do eat all the recommended foods high in calcium and also take calcium supplement every day. Lots of money spent on all these and my bone density dropped with 7,9% in 2022. NEVER EVER was I told about the severe side effects as I have lost bundles and heads of hair since 2014. Then it goes better, then it sheds so badly. I have constant severe back pain up my whole spine and joint pain. I have night sweats. I am tired due to anemia. Palpitations High blood pressure. Name it. IWILL NEVER TAKE TREATMENT AGAIN. Dr suggests Prolia @R68000"
For Osteoporosis "I had my first infusion for Osteoporosis on Monday morning. I followed all directions with hydration and paracetamol and was fine during the day. Everything changed at 2 am. I woke up with a fever and in excruciating pain with intense stomach cramps and began vomiting. I then experienced a tightening of my rib cage as if something was crushing it. This made it hard to breathe. I continued to experience vomiting for the next 2 days despite taking anti-nausea meds. I could not even keep fluids down and could not sleep. I also continued to have back and side pain. On day 3, I started to feel like I’d had a shot of adrenaline and was highly agitated, paranoid, and started experiencing heart palpitations. On day 4, I experienced sore severe jaw pain, especially near my bottom lower molars, and my lymph nodes were swollen. On day 5, I was extremely breathless and had chest pain and was sent to Cardiologist. My heart is ok luckily... It’s now Day 7, and the symptoms continue. Never again!"
For Osteoporosis "When I started using Aclasta in 2019 something changed in my body. I started feeling too much pain in my thigh but I thought it's maybe because of back pain I have. After that I started feeling legs knee and under feet. In 2020 became worse and worse, GP suggested me for physiotherapy for three months, nothing helped. I stopped my job because of the pain I had. When I checked the side effects of the Aclasta, I founded out exactly what they said about the side effects is what I have. I have appointment for another one on 29 October 2021 but honestly I will never take another one anymore! I should check long time ago when I started getting too much pain. My legs and feet swollen badly. Finally after waiting for three months I met Doctor of pain management and he said that I will get injections of back pain. He told me that Aclasta can cause the pain I have."
For Osteoporosis "Positive rating: given all the scary ratings here, my own Aclasta infusion for osteoporosis last month was uneventful: mild side effects were mild 'flu' symptoms like slight fever, racing heart, sore eyes, slight aching that resolved after 4 days. By day 10, I actually had more general physical well-being than I've had in years, with deep sleep at night, energy during the day. Before the Aclasta infusion, I took weekly bisphosphonate tablets, 70 mg tabs, which gave me bone pain for 2 days a week, so it's not like I don't know side effects. I'm super grateful to switch to a yearly infusion (with so mild side effects, it's hard to believe it has actually worked!). I've been very careful to take the high dose of calcium and vit D twice a day before and ever since Aclasta, so maybe that's key to preventing side effects- and as a bonus, my already thick hair is thickening with a sort of undergrowth of new hair (and there was me worrying about hair loss)."
For Osteoporosis "Age 70, had my first infusion a month ago. Had a couple of days of feeling like I had a cross between the flu and a hangover, particularly first thing in the morning, but I think dehydration had a lot to do with this - water seemed to go straight through and out the other side! I was told to take Paracetamol every 4 hours for 2 days, worth getting up at night to do this plus drink water. Kept working (manual job) and now fine. I actually sleep better and have more energy and nothing else has changed that I can put this down to - has anyone else noticed a positive effect?"
More about Aclasta (zoledronic acid)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: bisphosphonates
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
- Aclasta drug information
Other brands
Reclast, Zometa
Professional resources
- Zoledronic Acid monograph
- Zoledronic Acid Injection Concentrate (FDA)
Other brands
Reclast, Zometa
Related treatment guides
- Osteoporosis
- Paget's Disease
- Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma
- Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors
- Hypercalcemia of Malignancy
