Zoledronic infusion

[Rachael17]

Has anyone had a one-off Zoledronic infusion to help with bone density!

If so, what were the side-effects?

[daw50]

I had Zolendronate infusions once a year for three years as I found it very difficult to swallow the Alendronic Acid pills. I had no side effects at all so would recommend them. The most recent Dexa Scan I had showed that my bone density is excellent.

[Rachael17 in reply to daw50]

Thank you daw50. I'd read about some frightening side-effects! I have no problem with swallowing the once-weekly alendronic acid, but it would be nice to get it all over in one annual dose. Will give it further consideration in the light of your experience.

[Pat9442]

I too had the infusion a couple of months ago. No side effects at all and it was very quick and painless. So much better than the horrible tablets

[Rachael17]

Thanks, Pat9442

May I ask if you have PMR....and was it the prednisolone that had weakened your bones?

[Pat9442 in reply to Rachael17]

Yes I have had PMR for 20 months now and am having great difficulty in decreasing the Pred. Still stuck at 9mg - any lower results in a flare. Dexascan scan show osteoporosis in both hips but to be fair years of athletics probably weakened my bones anyway. Spine is OK.

[Gosingen]

Hi Rachel17

Yes, I had my second yearly one back in October. Last year I had flue like symptoms for one day, soon went. This year I didn't but I did have a lot of pain/stiffness for a couple of days. Otherwise no problem and the infusion is quick and painless. I was recommended the treatment as I had a broken ankle last year, but my DEXA scan is fine. I have an excellent rheumy who agreed to the infusion as I would not agree to taking the tablets. Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

[pennyw Administrator PMRGCAuk team member]

I had a zoledronic infusion in March. I had no side effects and I didn't like taking the alendronic acid but as I have osteoporosis I was advised to. I had a bone scan two months ago and the osteoporosis has improved.

[Annodomini]

I am seeing the rheumy nurse next week to go over the process and will report back after I have had the first infusion.

[Rachael17]

Thank you all for your comments. I don't have to make a decision yet....but it's very helpful to read what you have to say

[creakynan]

I have pmr also osteoporosis and a broken pubic rami which happen 3 years ago, just before the diagnosis of pmr. I am about to have my third infusion in December, and have not noticed any side affects to be concerned about. As I have enough tablets to get down each day, the infusion is one less to think about. Everyone is different so good luck.

[Rachael17]

Thanks Creakynan.

Good luck to you too!

[HeronNS]

Just be aware that the zoledronic acid is improving your bone density by inhibiting natural bone remodelling by reducing action of the osteoclasts, which break down old bone, so new bone that is made after the treatment will eventually be harder and more brittle than natural bone. This is why the bisphosphonates can't be used indefinitely as after a few years fracture risk starts to increase.

[Rachael17 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you, HeronNS and all contributors. One last question before I decide to go ahead : I am an occasional smoker, and also like a few glasses of wine of an evening! Do you think the zoledronic infusion will be adversely affected by this lifestyle?

[30048]

Yes. I had one last year and am due for another. I had no ill effects.

[Rachael17]

Thank you for you response 30048. Seems like most people think it's OK to go ahead