Evening everyone, Last time I posted I think I was struggling with Alendronic Acid weekly.
Saw the rheumy again and now I am to have an annual infusion of zoledronic acid to keep the osteoporosis at bay.
Diagnosed with PMR 2016 and then on 20mg pred, now on 2-3mg a day dependent on how I'm feeling!
Any one had any experience of this infusion?
Thanks
Have you had a DEXA scan to see if your bones have been affected enough to need bone meds?
Hiya, yes I have
And what was the result? I had a t-score of -2 and improved that to 1.6 without any medication. Haven't had another DXA scan since, it might be better now. 
Here's my story:
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Also useful information:
Like HeronNS I would check your bones first before having this. I had two Zolendronic infusions but have cancelled the third. My bones aren't great but I have had a parathyroid removal and am waiting until the end of the year to check if that has improved then at all which happens.
Re the actual infusion, I had no side effects, and am very sensitive to drugs, AA was a total no no for me.
If you can afford it, to avoid the wait, a private one might be worth considering.
Great thanks, bones checked in the last 6 months and that's why I started the acid pill and now the infusion. Thanks everyone for their replies I feel much better about this now!
There are quite a few folk who can't tolerate the tablet form of bisphosphonate drug. hence the need for the infusion which should be well-tolerated. Read the National Osteoporosis Society leaflet theros.org.uk/information-a.... This gives you the most common side-effects as well as other good info. The nurse helpline is excellent too, if you want to speak to a knowledgeable human about whether it would help you and what your options are.
My Rheumy at the UCHL has never had anyone having rare side effects in 20 years of practice. The Rheumy nurse (sees patients from other consultants at UCHL ) has been there for 15 years and never seen anyone with rare side effects.
Essentially the drug goes round the body, attaches to anywhere it is needed, and then the rest of the infusion is filtered out through your kidneys. This normally can take up to about 2 weeks. So you may feel a bit rough to begin with, but this should be really short-lived.
(really sadly I got rare side effects never seen before at the UCHL - but then I have an incredibly sensitive stomach/gut and either can't tolerate some drugs, or have to have half the prescribed dose. I have tried to do searches to take me to anybody who can help/advise, but haven't found anyone - so I repeat....my reaction was utterly, incredibly, RARE!)
Do not be put off by my reaction. If you don't have big issues with tolerating drugs and have a 'normal' tum, you will be fine. And the upside is it's done once every year for 3 years, so if you need the treatment (See Heron's reply above), it will protect your bones.
You still need to keep up with Vit D and calcium - and obviously better if you can do bone & muscle strengthening exercise and have a good diet too....it all helps!
Amazing thank you x
I have had 3yearly infusion of zolendronic acid (Reclast) ordered by my local rheumatologist, my third was in April. The first two I had no issues, this time was different. I was experiencing higher blood pressure and a week after my infusion I was at Mayo Clinic for what started out as a hip issue. I had blood work and it showed that I had a lot of protein in my urine. Reading up on Reclast it can cause kidney issues. So I would think twice about it. There are some on this forum that can suggest alternatives. Hope the best.
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