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 flu-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.
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What to expect from infusion therapy for osteoporosis
You will meet with one of Shire Doctors and Dentists GP’s to discuss your suitability to receive this medication and discuss the side effects. Any questions and concerns can be addressed.
How to prepare for an Osteoporosis Infusion
Your doctor may provide you with a prescription and specific instructions, including ceasing any medications prior to osteoporosis infusion, alternatively this can be discussed with our medical staff when booking your appointment. Please ensure you bring your specialist referral, prescription (if you have one), recent pathology results, a list of current medications (including vitamins) and current Medicare card with you to the consultation.
It is strongly recommended, that you complete any outstanding dental check-up and procedures prior to your infusion.
Some basic things you can do to prepare on the day of your infusion include;
- Please eat your breakfast or lunch as usual (no fasting is required)
- 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 infusion if you feel nervous about the infusion. Our medical staff at Shire Doctors and Dentists can recommend ways to help you stay comfortable during the infusion.
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 chair/wheelchair
What happens during an osteoporosis infusion?
A full set of baseline observations and measurements will be taken by Shire Doctors and Dentists nursing staff. An intravenous cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm. The needle will be removed, leaving a plastic cannula in your vein during the infusion.
The plastic cannula is attached to a long tube, which is connected to the IV bisphosphonates medication. This solution will be slowly administered into your vein and you will be observed throughout the duration of the infusion.
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 discharge.
Shire Doctors and Dentists recommend that you arrange someone to drive you home.
Osteoporosis Infusion
To book your appointment for our Osteoporosis infusion clinic, please call 02 9063 8650
Fee (excluding consumable): $200
