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What Is Reclast?

Reclast is a prescription intravenous medication containing zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate that reduces bone breakdown. It is approved to treat and prevent certain forms of osteoporosis and to treat Paget's disease of bone. Reclast is administered by a healthcare professional as a 5 mg intravenous infusion, with treatment frequency depending on the indication. It is not interchangeable with other zoledronic acid products that use different doses for cancer-related conditions. Reclast can improve bone strength and reduce certain fracture risks, but treatment requires evaluation of kidney function, calcium levels, and dental health.

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What Is Reclast?

Reclast is a prescription intravenous medication containing zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate that reduces bone breakdown. It is approved to treat and prevent certain forms of osteoporosis and to treat Paget's disease of bone. Reclast is administered by a healthcare professional as a 5 mg intravenous infusion, with treatment frequency depending on the indication. It is not interchangeable with other zoledronic acid products that use different doses for cancer-related conditions. Reclast can improve bone strength and reduce certain fracture risks, but treatment requires evaluation of kidney function, calcium levels, and dental health.

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How Does Reclast Work?

Reclast contains zoledronic acid, which binds to mineral surfaces within bone and is taken up by osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. It inhibits an enzyme called farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, interfering with cellular processes necessary for osteoclast function and survival. This reduces bone resorption and helps preserve or increase bone mineral density. In osteoporosis, reduced bone breakdown can lower the risk of certain fractures. In Paget's disease, zoledronic acid helps suppress abnormally accelerated bone remodeling. Its effects can persist for an extended period after infusion because the medication remains associated with bone tissue.

What Conditions Does Reclast Treat?

Reclast is approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men, prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and treat or prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in eligible adults. It is also approved to reduce the risk of new clinical fractures following a recent low-trauma hip fracture and to treat Paget's disease of bone in adults. Paget's disease causes abnormal bone remodeling that can weaken or deform affected bones. A healthcare professional assesses fracture risk, bone density, kidney function, and mineral levels before treatment. Reclast is contraindicated in patients with hypocalcemia or significant kidney impairment.

How Is Reclast Administered?

Reclast is administered intravenously as 5 mg in 100 mL over at least 15 minutes. For most osteoporosis treatment indications, it is given once yearly. Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis commonly involves one infusion every two years, while Paget's disease generally involves a single infusion with retreatment considered when medically indicated. Before each dose, clinicians check serum creatinine, calculate creatinine clearance, and evaluate hydration. Reclast is contraindicated when creatinine clearance is below 35 mL/min or acute kidney impairment is present. A dental assessment and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are also important. Patients should not receive Reclast together with another zoledronic acid product.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Reclast?

Common adverse effects include fever, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms, especially after the first infusion. Serious risks include acute kidney injury, low blood calcium, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and atypical femur fractures. Reclast can also cause severe musculoskeletal pain, allergic reactions, and eye inflammation, including uveitis or scleritis. Dehydration and certain medications can increase kidney-related risks. Clinicians assess kidney function before each infusion and correct low calcium levels before treatment. Patients should report severe thigh or groin pain, jaw problems, muscle spasms, reduced urination, or new eye pain and redness promptly.

Common Questions About Reclast

Is Reclast the same as zoledronic acid?

Yes. Reclast contains zoledronic acid, but its dosage and indications differ from other zoledronic acid products, including those used for cancer-related conditions.

How often is Reclast administered?

Reclast is generally infused once yearly for osteoporosis treatment or every two years for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Other indications have different schedules.

Can people with kidney disease receive Reclast?

Reclast is contraindicated when creatinine clearance is below 35 mL/min or acute kidney impairment is present. Kidney function must be assessed before every dose.

Can Reclast cause eye inflammation?

Yes. Zoledronic acid has been associated with eye inflammation, including uveitis and scleritis. New eye pain, redness, or changes in vision require prompt evaluation.

References

Bisphosphonates. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548566/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

DailyMed - RECLAST (zoledronic acid) injection, solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5a9b3737-9ce6-4a89-b76e-6aab79eba9cf. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Zoledronate. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585053/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Zoledronic Acid. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Zoledronic-acid. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Zoledronic Acid Injection. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605023.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.