Osteoporosis Treatment

[Vagus]

Does anyone here have injections or infusions instead of oral alendronic acid to treat their osteoporosis?

If so, what was the criteria for you having them rather than the pills?

Thanks.

[Barsel]

Yes, I have injections for it as the tablets upset my stomach.

It's called Denosumab and it's arranged by my rheumatologist.

 

[Vagus]

Thank you for answering barsel.

Do you have the injections at your surgery, and how often do you have them? Why do you have an injection rather than an infusion?

[Barsel]

I have an infusion for my rheumatoid arthritis which is a pain in the backside as you can be sitting there for most of the day (at the hospital) as it needs to go in slowly, then 2 weeks later, you have to do it all again. This is called Rituximab.

I honestly can't remember where I have the Denosumab as it's ages since I last had it, but probably at the GP's surgery.

I can't remember either how often I have it but it's probably several years ago. Next time I go to the rheumatology clinic, I'll find out when I am due to have both.

 

[Barsel]

I seem to think when I first started on it, it was every 6 months, and after a few years, it was reviewed by an osteoporosis specialist who said I don't need it again for several years, and I'll find out if/when I've to have it again at my next appointment probably after having a Dexa scan.

[Tilly2]

I have recently had my fourth annual infusion of  Zoledronic acid. I started my treatment taking Alendronic acid tablets but it caused me a lot of stomach pain. The infusion is a piece of cake in comparison to the pain caused by the tablets.

[Tilly2]

Is this you, Vagus?

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question1600240.html

[Vagus]

Tilly, that's the stuff I'd ideally like to be given.

I'm waiting for a dexa scan appointment to see how my bones are faring after not having any treatment for a number of years, and also having to take prednisolone for extended periods.

My GP is great, and I will have a chat with her about the results but wanted to know more about who can, and cannot, have injections or infusions.

Many thanks.

 

[Tilly2]

My doctor was very sympathetic when I refused to take any more Alendronic acid tabs. She then referred me to the Rheumatology dept. where they started the infusions.

[Barsel]

Tilly how long does it take for the infusion to go through and why are you having them instead of an injection?

[Tilly2]

It takes about an hour and twenty minutes. I don't know why I'm having that rather than the injections. Maybe they weren't available four years ago.