Reclast

 

How is this medication given:

Reclast is an intravenous IV treatment given once a year.

 

Indications:

  1. Once-a-year treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteoporosis in Men.
  2. Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis.

 

How does it work:

Your bones are made of living tissue and are always changing. New bone is formed, replacing old bone to keep your body strong. When you have osteoporosis, old bone breaks down faster than new bone can form. Over time, the bones become weak enough for simple stresses to cause a fracture. Bone loss speeds up around the time of menopause. Reclast is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It works to increase bone density.

 

Before your treatment:

  • A blood test to check your calcium and kidney function will be completed.
  • Take 2 Extra-strength Tylenol (three times a day) the day before, day of, and day after treatment.
  • Reclast is given by a nurse. The treatment takes at least 30 minutes.

 

What to expect on treatment day:

  • You should eat normally before your treatment. It's recommended that you drink 2 glasses of fluids, such as water, within a few hours before receiving Reclast, to maintain good hydration.
  • Reclast is given by inserting a small needle into a vein. During your Reclast treatment, you can relax, read a book, flip through a magazine or listen to music.

 

What to expect after treatment:

  • After you've received Reclast, you can resume your normal activities.
  • Take daily calcium and vitamin D as recommended by your doctor to help maintain blood calcium.
  • The most common side effects include flu-like illness, fever, muscle or joint pain and headache. Most occur in the days following treatment. A mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may reduce these symptoms. After the second treatment, these side effects are much less common.

 

Where to get additional information about Reclast: