Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesBenefitsSide Effects and ComplicationsTreatmentIs It Worth It?Frequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Types

Benefits

Side Effects and Complications

Treatment

Is It Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the medication, people who opt for infusion therapy will get an infusion as frequently as once every three months, or rarely as once a year. Some find this treatment option more convenient and with different side effects than oral osteoporosis medications.

In this article, you can read about options for osteoporosisinfusion therapy, benefits, side effects and complications, and what you can expect from treatment.

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healthcare provider adding a medication to an infusion bottle

Types of Infusion Therapy for Osteoporosis

Providers often recommend oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis due to their effectiveness and relative affordability.Oral forms include drugs likeFosamax(alendronate) and Actonel (risedronate).

Bisphosphonate drugs are available in pill form or given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion.

Infusion Therapy DrugsThere are two types of bisphosphonates currently approved to treat osteoporosis with infusion therapy in the United States: ibandronate) and Reclast (zoledronic acid).

Infusion Therapy Drugs

There are two types of bisphosphonates currently approved to treat osteoporosis with infusion therapy in the United States: ibandronate) and Reclast (zoledronic acid).

Ibandronate

Ibandronate is effective at reducing the risk of fractures, but does not prevent them.

Reclast (Zoledronic Acid)

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.

Side Effect Differences

Bisphosphonates pills may cause side effects like:

Whereas infusion therapy side effects typically include:

Fewer Skipped Doses

People taking oral bisphosphonates may accidentally skip some of their scheduled doses, leading to decreased protection from their therapy compared to someone who takes it exactlyas prescribed.

If you opt for a bisphosphonate infusion, you are less likely to skip a dose since infusions occur at regularly scheduled appointments. Some people get more osteoporosis protection from infusion bisphosphonate therapy than pills because they don’t skip doses.

How Osteoporosis Is Treated

Infusion bisphosphonates have side effects that oral bisphosphonates don’t have. An infusion reaction is a potential side effect that can cause flu-like symptoms during or after the infusion. Symptoms include:

Infusion bisphosphonates also share rare but sometimes severeside effects of oral bisphosphonates, such as:

What to Expect During Treatment

Infusion therapy treatments occur at a healthcare provider’s office or an infusion clinic. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your infusion, but your healthcare provider may suggest you drink extra water.

A nurse or technician will clean an area on your arm and insert the needle into a vein where the medication will enter.

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. Although it is more expensive than bisphosphonate pills, it is much less costly than other osteoporosis medications, likeForteo(teriparatide).

Infusion bisphosphonate therapy might be right for you if:

Summary

Infusion therapy for osteoporosis is an effective treatment option. 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.

A Word From Verywell

Working with your healthcare provider to assess your risk of fracture with osteoporosis is well worth the time. Infusion bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis, done four times yearly or less often, may help improve your bone health.

Frequently Asked QuestionsIntravenous bisphosphonates are not better or worse than prescribed oral forms.However, they have different side effects than oral bisphosphonates, and some people find them more convenient.Learn MoreWhat Your Osteoporosis T-Score Says About Your RiskThe 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. If you have mild osteoporosis, you and your healthcare provider should balance therapy risks with the risks of a future fracture.Learn MoreWhat Are the Stage of Osteoporosis?Lifestyle modifications are a key part of osteoporosis treatment. By exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking moderately (or abstaining), you may be able to strengthen your bones. Getting enough vitamin D and calcium may also help.Learn MoreEverything You Need to Know About Osteoporosis Prevention

Intravenous bisphosphonates are not better or worse than prescribed oral forms.However, they have different side effects than oral bisphosphonates, and some people find them more convenient.Learn MoreWhat Your Osteoporosis T-Score Says About Your Risk

Intravenous bisphosphonates are not better or worse than prescribed oral forms.However, they have different side effects than oral bisphosphonates, and some people find them more convenient.

Learn MoreWhat Your Osteoporosis T-Score Says About Your Risk

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. If you have mild osteoporosis, you and your healthcare provider should balance therapy risks with the risks of a future fracture.Learn MoreWhat Are the Stage of Osteoporosis?

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. If you have mild osteoporosis, you and your healthcare provider should balance therapy risks with the risks of a future fracture.

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. If you have mild osteoporosis, you and your healthcare provider should balance therapy risks with the risks of a future fracture.

Learn MoreWhat Are the Stage of Osteoporosis?

Lifestyle modifications are a key part of osteoporosis treatment. By exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking moderately (or abstaining), you may be able to strengthen your bones. Getting enough vitamin D and calcium may also help.Learn MoreEverything You Need to Know About Osteoporosis Prevention

Lifestyle modifications are a key part of osteoporosis treatment. By exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking moderately (or abstaining), you may be able to strengthen your bones. Getting enough vitamin D and calcium may also help.

Learn MoreEverything You Need to Know About Osteoporosis Prevention

10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Horikawa A, Miyakoshi N, Shimada Y, Sugimura Y, Kodama H.A comparative study between intravenous and oral alendronate administration for the treatment of osteoporosis.Springerplus. 2015 Nov 5;4:675. doi:10.1186/s40064-015-1474-9Tu KN, Lie JD, Wan CKV, et al.Osteoporosis: A review of treatment options.P T. 2018;43(2):92-104.Food and Drug Administration.Boniva (ibandronate) injection, for intravenous use.Food and Drug Administration.Reclast (zoledronic acid) injection.Byun JH, Jang S, Lee S, Park S, Yoon HK, Yoon BH, Ha YC.The Efficacy of Bisphosphonates for Prevention of Osteoporotic Fracture: An Update Meta-analysis. J Bone Metab. 2017 Feb;24(1):37-49. doi: 10.11005/jbm.2017.24.1.37. Epub 2017 Feb 28. PMID: 28326300; PMCID: PMC5357611.Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.Side effects of bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid).Miller PD, Pannacciulli N, Brown JP, et al.Denosumab or zoledronic acid in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis previously treated with oral bisphosphonates.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Aug;101(8):3163-70. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1801Toller CS, Charlesworth S, Mihalyo M, Howard P, Wilcock A.Bisphosphonates: AHFS 92:24.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2019;57(5):1018-1030. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.017Jeremiah MP, Unwin BK, Greenawald MH, Casiano VE.Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(4):261-268.Weaver CM, Gordon CM, Janz KF, et al.The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations.Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(4):1281-1386. doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3440-3

10 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Horikawa A, Miyakoshi N, Shimada Y, Sugimura Y, Kodama H.A comparative study between intravenous and oral alendronate administration for the treatment of osteoporosis.Springerplus. 2015 Nov 5;4:675. doi:10.1186/s40064-015-1474-9Tu KN, Lie JD, Wan CKV, et al.Osteoporosis: A review of treatment options.P T. 2018;43(2):92-104.Food and Drug Administration.Boniva (ibandronate) injection, for intravenous use.Food and Drug Administration.Reclast (zoledronic acid) injection.Byun JH, Jang S, Lee S, Park S, Yoon HK, Yoon BH, Ha YC.The Efficacy of Bisphosphonates for Prevention of Osteoporotic Fracture: An Update Meta-analysis. J Bone Metab. 2017 Feb;24(1):37-49. doi: 10.11005/jbm.2017.24.1.37. Epub 2017 Feb 28. PMID: 28326300; PMCID: PMC5357611.Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.Side effects of bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid).Miller PD, Pannacciulli N, Brown JP, et al.Denosumab or zoledronic acid in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis previously treated with oral bisphosphonates.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Aug;101(8):3163-70. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1801Toller CS, Charlesworth S, Mihalyo M, Howard P, Wilcock A.Bisphosphonates: AHFS 92:24.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2019;57(5):1018-1030. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.017Jeremiah MP, Unwin BK, Greenawald MH, Casiano VE.Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(4):261-268.Weaver CM, Gordon CM, Janz KF, et al.The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations.Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(4):1281-1386. doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3440-3

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Horikawa A, Miyakoshi N, Shimada Y, Sugimura Y, Kodama H.A comparative study between intravenous and oral alendronate administration for the treatment of osteoporosis.Springerplus. 2015 Nov 5;4:675. doi:10.1186/s40064-015-1474-9Tu KN, Lie JD, Wan CKV, et al.Osteoporosis: A review of treatment options.P T. 2018;43(2):92-104.Food and Drug Administration.Boniva (ibandronate) injection, for intravenous use.Food and Drug Administration.Reclast (zoledronic acid) injection.Byun JH, Jang S, Lee S, Park S, Yoon HK, Yoon BH, Ha YC.The Efficacy of Bisphosphonates for Prevention of Osteoporotic Fracture: An Update Meta-analysis. J Bone Metab. 2017 Feb;24(1):37-49. doi: 10.11005/jbm.2017.24.1.37. Epub 2017 Feb 28. PMID: 28326300; PMCID: PMC5357611.Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.Side effects of bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid).Miller PD, Pannacciulli N, Brown JP, et al.Denosumab or zoledronic acid in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis previously treated with oral bisphosphonates.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Aug;101(8):3163-70. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1801Toller CS, Charlesworth S, Mihalyo M, Howard P, Wilcock A.Bisphosphonates: AHFS 92:24.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2019;57(5):1018-1030. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.017Jeremiah MP, Unwin BK, Greenawald MH, Casiano VE.Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(4):261-268.Weaver CM, Gordon CM, Janz KF, et al.The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations.Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(4):1281-1386. doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3440-3

Horikawa A, Miyakoshi N, Shimada Y, Sugimura Y, Kodama H.A comparative study between intravenous and oral alendronate administration for the treatment of osteoporosis.Springerplus. 2015 Nov 5;4:675. doi:10.1186/s40064-015-1474-9

Tu KN, Lie JD, Wan CKV, et al.Osteoporosis: A review of treatment options.P T. 2018;43(2):92-104.

Food and Drug Administration.Boniva (ibandronate) injection, for intravenous use.

Food and Drug Administration.Reclast (zoledronic acid) injection.

Byun JH, Jang S, Lee S, Park S, Yoon HK, Yoon BH, Ha YC.The Efficacy of Bisphosphonates for Prevention of Osteoporotic Fracture: An Update Meta-analysis. J Bone Metab. 2017 Feb;24(1):37-49. doi: 10.11005/jbm.2017.24.1.37. Epub 2017 Feb 28. PMID: 28326300; PMCID: PMC5357611.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.Side effects of bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid).

Miller PD, Pannacciulli N, Brown JP, et al.Denosumab or zoledronic acid in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis previously treated with oral bisphosphonates.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Aug;101(8):3163-70. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1801

Toller CS, Charlesworth S, Mihalyo M, Howard P, Wilcock A.Bisphosphonates: AHFS 92:24.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2019;57(5):1018-1030. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.017

Jeremiah MP, Unwin BK, Greenawald MH, Casiano VE.Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(4):261-268.

Weaver CM, Gordon CM, Janz KF, et al.The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations.Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(4):1281-1386. doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3440-3

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