Infusion Therapy for Osteoporosis | Bisphosphonates Treatments

The fragility induced by a chronic condition like osteoporosis can be debilitating. There’s the emotional drainage brought on by an inability to carry out daily tasks and made worse by concern that your condition will worsen. At the Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute, we specialize in treating people with chronic conditions like osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle.

Treatment can be complicated with underlying medical conditions in older adults like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and others increasing the breakdown of bone mass even further. What can be done for the treatment of such a disease?

Oral medications like Alendronate or Risedronate (Fosamax & Actonel) are popular treatments taken on a weekly or monthly basis, but these have side effects and could potentially interact with underlying medical conditions. One of the most interesting treatments for osteoporosis, and the subject of today’s blog, is infusion therapy with bisphosphonates.

What are Bisphosphonate Treatments?

Bisphosphonates are medications designed to slow down the loss of bone mass while simultaneously improving the bone mass already present in the body. The two bisphosphonate treatments currently approved by the FDA to treat osteoporosis are BONIVA and Reclast (Ibandronate & Zoledronic acid.) Both treatments are infusions and fantastic alternatives for patients failing to receive relief from oral medications.

The complications associated with underlying health conditions add to the allure of bisphosphonate infusion treatments. Bisphosphonates interact less with other medications and can be an alternative for those unable to swallow pills. A common side effect of oral medications for osteoporosis is an upset stomach, but this is entirely avoidable with infusion treatments. The treatment schedule is another benefit of infusion treatments. Boniva is scheduled on a quarterly basis and Reclast on a yearly basis, no need to remember weekly pills.

Infusion Treatment for Osteoporosis

With the watchful eye of a trained professional, many of the risks associated with bisphosphonate treatments are negligible but they’re still present and it’s best to be aware of what may occur. Some patients have reported flu-like symptoms, a general feeling of tiredness, chills, fever, and diarrhea. Some of the rarer side effects include headaches, UTIs, joint pain, IV insertion site infections, & the dislodging of the IV post-insertion.

At The Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute, we employ safety-first practices to reduce the likelihood of these side effects. However, it is possible for side effects to manifest up to three days after the infusion treatment. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulties, or tightness of the chest as these are the more serious side effects associated with infusion therapy.

Infusion therapy has been around for decades and is widely used for many diseases, conditions, and illnesses leading those suffering in such states to improvement. Thousands of people have had their quality of life drastically improved by infusion therapy and its uses are well beyond the treatment of osteoporosis alone.

With impeccable treatment facilities and professional staff, The Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute is well equipped to provide medically prescribed infusion therapy to patients with chronic conditions. Our staff will inform you of any potential side effects and make the experience as comfortable as possible. Book an appointment with The Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute today for experienced medical professionals with the expertise needed to get you back to your best self