Infusion therapy involves medications administered through a needle or a tiny tube inserted directly into your veins.
People with osteoporosis (a condition that causes weak and brittle bones) can get certain drugs by infusion.
Some find this treatment option more convenient and with different side effects than oral osteoporosis medications.
yacobchuk/ Getty Images
yacobchuk/ Getty Images
Types of Infusion Therapy for Osteoporosis
There are various treatment options for osteoporosis.
One common group of drugs for osteoporosis isbisphosphonates.
Bisphosphonate drugs are available in pill form or given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion.
It is given intravenously once every three months.An oral version is also available.
Ibandronate is effective at reducing the risk of fractures, but does not prevent them.
People treated with this medication only need one infusion a year.
Both treatments are similar in effectiveness and potential side effects.
Benefits of Infusion
Infusion therapy has some key benefits compared to other osteoporosis treatment options.
Oral bisphosphonates typically produce gastrointestinal side effects compared to intravenous medications which produce musculoskeltal side effects.
Infusion therapy may be a more viable option if you struggle to tolerate oral bisphosphonates.
Some people get more osteoporosis protection from infusion bisphosphonate therapy than pills because they don’t skip doses.
Side Effects and Complications
Infusion bisphosphonates have side effects that oral bisphosphonates dont have.
An infusion reaction is a potential side effect that can cause flu-like symptoms during or after the infusion.
You’ll sit for at least 15 minutes during the infusion while a provider monitors you for side effects.
Generally, you’ll be able to leave right after the infusion.
Is Infusion Treatment Worth It?
Talk to your healthcare provider to decide whether infusion treatment is worthwhile.
The side effects differ from those associated with oral osteoporosis medications.
Fewer doses could mean better medication adherence and improved outcomes.
Talk to your healthcare provider to learn if infusion therapy is right for you.
The potential side effects and risk of infusion therapy are the same for people with any stage of osteoporosis.
Infusion bisphosphonate is safe, but it carries some risks, the same as every drug.
Infusion therapy may be the right choice if your osteoporosis is moderate to severe.
Lifestyle modifications are a key part of osteoporosis treatment.
Getting enough vitamin D and calcium may also help.
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