Zoledronate First infusion question

[Nanmay22]

I'm having my first zoledronate infusion on the 21st Jan. My letter says to take 2 paracetamol 2 hrs beforehand. Any one know the reason for this please? I had results of my knee MRI today and have bone marrow Oedema in the tibia and femur. It also says that it is difficult to exclude a small subchondral fracture. My Rheumatologist has booked me in for the infusion and will then repeat MRI after 3 months.

[Armagnac]

I have had three Zoledronic acid infusions. They say stay hydrated drink plenty before and after. Post infusion you can apparently get flu like symptoms and for that they say take paracetamol. It’s never bothered me much and I have not needed to take anything. Good luck.

[Tommylover in reply to Armagnac]

Paracatomol does nothing for me dosent even touch the sides but I can only take certain painkillers which are not enough as I’m on blood thinners .

[love42france in reply to Tommylover]

My Rheumatologist actually prescribed paracetamol after the infusion which was done by a nurse at home. I drank as much water as I could beforehand and during the infusion and I took the paracetamol tablets. The first infusion the year before was fine but this time I was tired for about 36 hours. No headaches. I am on paracetamol three times a day for pain relief as this is the only painkiller I can tolerate.

[Karana81]

I don’t know the medical reason for taking Advil or Tylenol before and after a Reclast infusion, but I did that, as well as drank about 16 oz. of water, before all three of my infusions and I had almost no side-effects.

[superbones]

I think water is the key here - masses before and after but not as much that you can't through the 45 mins. I always drink at leat 4 pints a day anyway. Paracetamol can't hurt and I think is worth taking. Can't remember if I took or not but I have my second infusion coming up soon.

[Nanmay22]

Thank you all. Will drink plenty of water.

[bonehealth24]

I had an zoledronic infusion mid December. I don't recall anything about paracetamol though. I did have flu like symptoms the next day but that soon went off. Best wishes

[Nanmay22 in reply to bonehealth24]

Thank you

[Meuslialways]

I have had 4 infusions over last 4 years and never had any side effects and never told to take paracetamol. I have always believed if you look for side effects you will probably have them otherwise life carries on as before! As I have my infusions miles from where I live in the country I drive there and back. Good luck and just think how much, hopefully, they are helping your Osteoporosis.

[Nanmay22 in reply to Meuslialways]

Thank you.

[love42france in reply to Meuslialways]

Goodness, my Rheumatologist insisted that I had the infusion at home and wrote a prescription to that effect so that I would not have anything to pay for the Infusion except the normal €2 per item that goes to the government. I offered to go to the clinic/hospital and she said they had more important things to do than give infusions. I even get my blood tests taken at home now. I would pay the €2 per item in any case and it is much easier for me that sitting in a packed clinic with people coughing etc around me and I would have to be masked.

[Nanmay22 in reply to love42france]

I'm in the U.K so hospital for infusion is the only option given.

[love42france in reply to Nanmay22]

Sorry. I know countries are different. In France, doctor and hospital time is regarded as too important for work nurses can do in the community.

[bluebell99]

I had a very bad reaction the first time I had the infusion. Back, head and neck pain, vomiting and hallucinations. I had a blood test which showed my calcium was too low and there were worries about my heart. Unfortunately the infusion was on a Wednesday, the blood test on a Thursday and the results given to the gp late on a Friday, when nothing happens over a weekend. She rung me in a panic on the Monday and sent an ambulance to take me to hospital.

By this time, my calcium levels, although still low were improving so I did not have to stay in. You could say I had a pretty bad 5 days before I felt better. Warning! this does not happen to everyone !!

I was and still am reluctant to take other medicatons, like injections, and the tablets are no good for my gastritis so the only option the next year was to go again with the infusion. I was extremely nervous and anxious about it, but I had some excellent advice from this forum, (Thank You!) and from the ROS nurse to prepare myself better.

Ask for the infusion to be slowed to at least 30 mins, (my first was 15 mins), drink plenty of water, the day before and the day of the infusion. Squash is fine if you want a change! Do take two paracetamol about an hour before your infusion. It takes about 20 to 30 mins to fill forms, prepare you etc , so count back from that. Rest when you get home, don't go shopping or start doing the housework. Continue with paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours. Have a simple light meal. If you feel a bit queasy, take a Diarolyte sachet. I didn't know any of this, so no wonder I was poorly.

I was dreading my second infusion but following the advice and suggestions here, I was so much better. I have since had a third infusion and apart from a headache, I was fine.

Don't let my experience of the first infusion put you off, you will be much better prepared than I was. Unfortunately some people do have a bad reaction the first time. The infusion side effects do lessen with each one given.

Don't forget to keep up with the Calcium tablets and vitamin D, daily. I was very hit and miss before my first infusion, no wonder my calcium was low.

I am due to have my fourth in April, followed in the autumn by a DEXA scan to show any improvements. I will then have a year off. I am definitely more mobile and in less pain as I had a severe spinal collapse before treatment, so I feel sure that the infusions are working and I am confident I made the right decision for me.

The best bit is that even if you do feel a little bit rough for a day or two after, you only have to have it once a year. No daily injections or tablets to remember, once it's done you can forget about it for 12 months!

Good Luck Xx

[Nanmay22 in reply to bluebell99]

Thank you for your reply and advice. I am nervous about it, being the first one. I read about the calcium and vitamin D levels. Sounds so scary to have a reaction like you did. I'm glad it didn't put you off completely. I will ask about the timing of the infusion. Thank you