Reclast® is a prescription medicine option for treatment of osteoporosis manufactured by Novartis. Reclast is in the class of medicines called bisphosphonates that also includes Actonel, generic alendronate, Atelvia, Boniva, Fosamax, and generic ibandronate.
Reclast works by decreasing the rate that bone is broken down. This reduction in bone turnover results in stabilizing or building up bone mass that results in decreasing risk of fractures. In clinical trials, Reclast versus placebo decreased risk of fractures at all sites including spine, hip, and nonspine sites.
Once Yearly Given by Vein
Reclast is administered by vein once a year. A short infusion over 15 to 30 minutes in the vein (intravenous) provides medicine for an entire year. A day or two prior to your scheduled infusion, drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. On the day of the infusion, drink two glasses of plain water and take 2 acetominophen (Tylenol®) about an hour before your appointment. This will help staying well hydrated and may also decrease any flu-like symptoms after receiving the infusion.
Who Should Consider Reclast?
Since Reclast is given by vein, it circumvents any esophageal or intestinal irritation. Reclast may be an option if you had digestive problems with other bisphosphonates taken by mouth, concern about absorption, or prefer convenience of once a year dosing.
Reclast is contraindicated if your kidney function is decreased. Prior to receiving Reclast your doctor will order a blood test (creatinine) to check your kidney function or may want you to collect a 24-hour urine to determine your creatinine clearance.
Reclast is approved for use in both postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis, those taking steroid medicines for prevention or treatment.
Side Effects
Within 72 hours of receiving Reclast, fever and flu-like symptoms are possible. In a clinical trial, use of acetominophen reduced the frequency of these symptoms to 7%.
As with any bisphosphonate-class medicine, Reclast has risk of
- Low calcium levels in your blood (hypocalcaemia)
- Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis)
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Unusual thigh bone fractures
Overall Reclast is well tolerated and these serious side effects occur infrequently. Read more about osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures.
How Long Should You Take Reclast?
The length of use of alendronate and all bisphosphonates is being debated. The recent FDA labeling includes “The optimal duration of use has not been determined. Patients should have the need for continued therapy re-evaluated on a periodic basis.” Find additional information under the topic “drug holiday.”
Discuss with your doctor or healthcare practitioner your individual risk and whether this medicine would be appropriate for you to use.
Other resources:
Product information website
www.reclast.com