Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Ever wonder if there’s an alternative to taking an osteoporosis medication every day, every week, or every month? If so, the bisphosphonate medication called Reclast (zoledronic acid) may be an option for you to consider. And in addition to being used for osteoporosis, Reclast is also indicated for Paget’s disease of bone.

Below, we take a look at common Reclast dosages and what factors may affect how often you receive it.

What to expect during your Reclast infusion

Reclast is an intravenous (IV) infusion that’s administered over at least a 15-minute period. It’s given by a healthcare professional in a clinic or medical office. 

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On your infusion day, you can eat and drink prior to receiving Reclast. In fact, it’s important to drink at least 2 glasses (16 oz) of water within a few hours prior to your infusion. This simple task can help prevent dehydration, which lowers your risk of kidney problems. Your healthcare team may provide other instructions based on your individual needs.

Some people may experience flu-like symptoms after their Reclast infusion, usually within the first 3 days. Symptoms may include headache, fever, and body aches. Your prescriber may recommend taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) after your infusion to help minimize these side effects.

If you receive Reclast for Paget’s disease, you’ll likely be told to take 1,500 mg of calcium and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day. This is especially important in the 2 weeks immediately following your infusion. For osteoporosis, your healthcare team may also recommend supplementation if you don’t get enough of the essential vitamins and minerals from your diet.

What’s the typical Reclast dosage?

The typical Reclast dosage is 5 mg given as an IV infusion. But how frequently it’s administered depends on the health condition you’re treating or trying to prevent.

Osteoporosis in women who’ve gone through menopause

Women who’ve gone through menopause are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis. Reclast can be used either to help prevent or treat osteoporosis in this population.

The Reclast dosage to help prevent osteoporosis after menopause is typically 5 mg once every 2 years. For treating osteoporosis, the recommended Reclast dosage is 5 mg once every year.

Osteoporosis in men

Men with osteoporosis may be prescribed Reclast to increase their bone mass. The usual dosage is 5 mg once every year.

Osteoporosis from corticosteroid therapy

Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone can decrease the density of your bones. This can increase your risk of osteoporosis, especially with long-term use and higher doses. To help prevent or treat corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, the typical Reclast dosage is 5 mg once every year.

Paget’s disease of bone

The typical Reclast dosage for Paget’s disease of bone is a single 5 mg infusion. Some people that relapse or have ongoing symptoms may require another infusion in the future. Your healthcare team can discuss whether this may be an option for you.

What happens if you miss a dose of Reclast?

Keeping up with your Reclast infusions will help you get the most from treatment. If you miss an infusion appointment, call your healthcare team right away. They can help you reschedule your infusion to get back on track. 

Try using a calendar or medication reminder app to help keep track of your infusion dates. Your healthcare team will also likely remind you of your infusion appointments. 

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Written by:

Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP

Brian Leonard earned his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and is board certified in Ambulatory Care and Geriatric Pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

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