Infusion for Osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition causing bones to become weak and brittle. Many fractures occur on the hip, spine, or wrists. Many hip injuries occur in older patients after a fall and osteoporosis makes recovery slow and lengthy.
What is Osteoporosis Infusion Therapy?
Osteoporosis is treated with bisphosphonates which are medications designed to slow down bone loss as well as improve bone mass.
Infusion therapy is an alternative available for patients who have failed to receive relief from oral medications. Infusion therapy won’t upset your stomach which is a common side effect from oral medications used to treat osteoporosis.
Side Effects of Infusion Therapy for Osteoporosis
As with any medications, infusion therapy for osteoporosis may carry a risk of side effects. Most commonly are those of the influenza-like symptoms, lethargy, muscle and bone aches, fever, chills, and diarrhea. Additional risks may include headaches, urinary tract infection, joint pain, infection at the site where the IV is inserted, as well as the IV becoming dislodged from your arm.
Many side effects can occur up to three days post infusion treatment. If this is the case, tell your doctor as soon as possible — especially if you experience the more serious side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, chest tightness, or breathing difficulties.
What to Expect from Infusion Therapy for Osteoporosis
You will meet with one of General Practitioners to discuss your suitability to receive this medication, the duration of infusion treatment, and the side effects. Any questions and concerns can be addressed.
How to prepare for an Osteoporosis Infusion
Your doctor will provide you with an external prescription and specific instructions prior to commencing osteoporosis infusion and advise on if any medications need to be ceased. Please ensure you bring the prescription and recent pathology results with you to the consultation.
Some basic things you can do to prepare on the day of your infusion include;
There is no need to fast for an infusion, please eat your breakfast or lunch and keep well hydrated prior to the infusion. You can do this by drinking 2 glasses of water prior to coming into our clinic.
Take your regular medications.
Please talk to your doctor about the procedure first if you feel nervous and the infusion. Your doctor can recommend ways to help you stay comfortable during the procedure.
Tips for comfort
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Have a drink bottle available
- Bring a book or magazine
- You can choose to lie on a treatment room bed or remain in a char/wheelchair
What happens during an osteoporosis infusion?
A full set of baseline observations and measurements will be taken by nursing staff. Your doctor will insert an intravenous cannula into a vein in the arm. The needle will be removed, leaving the cannula in your vein.
The catheter is attached to a long tube, which is connected to an IV bisphosphonates medication. This solution is either pumped into your vein or uses gravity to slowly drip down the tube and into your vein.
How long does the infusion take?
The infusion will run for 15 minutes and you will be required to wait for an observation period after the infusion prior to leaving.
Please have someone available to drive you home.
Osteoporosis Infusion
To book your appointment for our Osteoporosis infusion clinic, please call 02 9063 8650
Fee (excluding consumable): $150
