|  | Conditions Treatments | Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Infusion Treatments

Bisphosphonates are a type of medication used to slow the bone breakdown process known as osteoporosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed treatment for osteoporosis.

  1. Types

    • Two types of bisphosphonates infusion treatments are available. Ibandronate, under the brand name of Boniva, and zoledronic acid, under the brand name of Reclast.

    Time Frame

    • Boniva is an intravenous medication that is infused once every three months and is also available as a daily oral tablet. Reclast is a once a year infusion and is only available as an IV medication.

    Function

    • Bisphoshonate medications preserve and maintain bone density during menopause. They effectively decrease your risk of breaking a bone as a result of osteoporosis.

    Effects

    • Common side effects of intravenous bisphosphonates are flu-like symptoms, muscle or joint pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Considerations

    • According to Dr. Kurt Kennel, a specialist in endocrinology, women taking bisphosphonates need adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. If you are not getting enough of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, you should take a supplement.

Osteoporosis - Related Articles