How IV Infusions Are Changing the Game for Bone Density

Osteoporosis is a bone disease caused by decreased bone mass and mineral density or bone strength and structure changes. This disease can lead to reduced bone strength and an increased risk of bone fractures and breaks. Osteoporosis is known as the silent bone thief because it does not cause any symptoms, and you may not know you have it until you break a bone.

Osteoporosis affects older adults. Breaks and fractures are possible in any bone but most commonly happen in the hip, spinal vertebrae, and wrist. Bone density measures the amount of minerals in a particular area of bone. Bone density is also referred to as bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mass. The two primary minerals that make up bone density are calcium and phosphorus.

Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals account for 65 percent of bone tissue, making bones dense and rigid. Bone density assesses the effectiveness of bone loss prevention treatments, helps identify osteopenia (low bone density) and Osteoporosis, and indicates the likelihood of bones breaking.

A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan is the gold standard for bone density. A DXA scan measures your bone density and provides a T-score. The lower your T-score, the more likely you are to suffer bone fractures.

Traditional Methods of Treating Osteoporosis

This section will discuss traditional osteoporosis treatment methods, including prescription drugs, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies.

Prescription Drugs: Benefits and Side Effects

There are two categories of prescription drugs for Osteoporosis: anabolic drugs and antiresorptive drugs. Anabolic drugs help increase bone formation.

Romosozumab (Evenity) and teriparatide (Forteo) are examples of anabolic drugs. Antiresorptive drugs slow the rate at which your body breaks down bone. Examples of antiresorptive drugs include bisphosphonates, calcitonin, denosumab, estrogens, and others.

Bisphosphonates are the most commonly used class of osteoporosis medicines. Examples of bisphosphonates are alendronate (Binosto and Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel and Atelvia), and zoledronic acid (Reclast and Zometa).

Alendronate comes in the form of a pill that you take once a day or once a week. Ibandronate is available as a once-a-month pill or delivered intravenously (IV) every three months, but ibandronate is recommended for postmenopausal women. Risedronate is a pill you take once daily, weekly, or monthly. Zoledronic acid is a yearly IV.

Bisphosphonate pills’ most common side effects are heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain. Bisphosphonate IVs can cause fever, headaches, and muscle aches for up to three days after treatment. Rarely, bisphosphonate pills and bisphosphonate IVs can cause an increased risk of a break in your thigh bone if you take them for more than three to five years.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (your jawbone does not heal after a tooth extraction or similar procedure) may occur if you take these medicines for more than four years or have also been on steroids.

Denosumab (Prolia and Xgeva) will be given to you if you are at high risk for fractures or if bisphosphonates didn’t work well enough or were unsuitable. This medication is provided as an injection every one to six months.

Side effects of denosumab may include:

• Decreased calcium levels in your body
• Skin problems such as blisters, crusting, dry skin, itching, rash, and redness

• Increased risk of infections, especially skin infections
• Pain in bones or muscles, especially in your arms, back, and legs

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of an infection:

• Fever or chills
• Red, swollen skin

• Stomach pain
• Pain or burning when you pee

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of an infection:

Romosozumab (Evenity) is a monoclonal antibody that has been recently FDA-approved as a drug to treat postmenopausal Osteoporosis. It works by blocking a protein called sclerostin, which controls bone turnover. This antibody is a dual-acting osteoporosis medication that helps rebuild bone and reduces loss of bone density. Romosozumab is administered as an injection.

The most common side effects of Romosozumab are headaches and joint pain, but it can also increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Do not take Romosozumab if you have had a heart attack in the past year.

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) and teriparatide (Forteo) are parathyroid hormones that support bone growth. These medications are prescribed for individuals with very low bone density and existing fractures. It is a daily injection that can be used for up to two years before switching to a different medication to help you maintain the added bone.
Common side effects of Abaloparatide and teriparatide include dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Calcitonin (Miacalcin) is a hormone given as a shot or spray for women at least five years past menopause. It reduces spine fractures, but it does not affect other bones.
Calcitonin usage can result in cancer, so the FDA recommends that calcitonin only be prescribed when other treatments are inappropriate.

Estrogen is another hormone that can help postmenopausal women with Osteoporosis.
However, estrogen has serious side effects, including:

• Blood clots
• Breast cancer

• Endometrial cancer
• Heart disease

Which osteoporosis medication is proper for you will depend on several factors, including:

• Cost
• Ease of use of the medication
• The severity of your Osteoporosis

• Your age
• Your medical history
• Your sex

Lifestyle Changes: Diet, Exercise, and Beyond

Lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage Osteoporosis include:

• Consuming less than two alcoholic drinks each day
• Eating calcium-rich foods such as dairy foods, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, soy products, and calcium-fortified foods
• Getting rid of rugs that may cause you to slip or trip
• Installing support rails or grab bars in your bathroom at home
• Quitting smoking
• Staying physically active, especially with weight-bearing exercises
• Taking calcium supplements like calcium carbonate or calcium citrate with your doctor’s approval
• Using nightlights
• Wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes when exercising
• Working with someone who can supervise your physical activity, such as a physical therapist

Alternative Therapies: From Acupuncture to Yoga

You can use alternative therapies along with conventional treatments for Osteoporosis. Alternative therapies can help you cope better and feel better.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal therapy that involves placing thin needles in targeted areas of your body to stimulate various organ and body functions and promote healing. More research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of acupuncture for Osteoporosis.

Yoga can help you reduce your risk of falls by easing pain, improving flexibility, and enhancing bone health.

However, you should avoid postures that put pressure, strain, or stress on your bones and be extra careful and gentle when doing poses that target your hips, spine, and thighs.

Introducing IV Therapy for Osteoporosis

In this section, we will discuss how IV therapy works and the ingredients of different types of IV therapy for Osteoporosis.

How IV Therapy Works: A Simplified Explanation

IV (intravenous) therapy involves using a needle to insert a small plastic tube called a catheter into a vein in the crook of your arm or the back of your hand. The other end of the catheter is attached to an IV bag containing the fluids to be delivered. The fluids flow through the catheter directly into your bloodstream.

The Ingredients: What’s Inside the Drip?

The specific ingredients of your IV treatment will vary depending on which treatment you receive.

Myers Cocktail IV treatment is helpful for Osteoporosis because it helps build strong bones and prevents dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can contribute to bone loss and fractures.

Drip Hydration’s Myers Cocktail IV treatment features the following ingredients:

• Antioxidants
• B-complex vitamins
• Electrolytes
• IV fluids

• Magnesium
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plus (NAD+) Our NAD+ infusion contains 500 milligrams of NAD+. Boosting NAD+ prevents age-related loss of bone mass.
Drip Hydration’s iron infusion only contains iron. Iron IV therapy can prevent the weakening of bones caused by iron deficiency.¹ However, having too much iron can also weaken bones.

Advantages of Osteoporosis IV Therapy

In this section, we will cover the advantages of osteoporosis IV treatment, including direct delivery, higher absorption rates, and personalized treatment plans.

Direct Delivery: Why Bypassing the Digestive System Matters

One of the advantages of IV treatment vs. oral treatments is that IV treatment bypasses your digestive system because it delivers vitamins and nutrients directly into your bloodstream. IV treatment can take effect immediately, while oral therapies require digestion before being put to use, which can take several hours.

Higher Absorption Rates: Getting the Most Out of Treatment

Another advantage of IV treatment is that it delivers more concentrated doses. Your body can absorb much more intravenously than it can orally.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to Individual Needs

IV therapy also allows for personalized treatment plans based on your individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all dose or schedule for IV treatment. The amounts you get and how often you get them depend on your unique situation.

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

In this section, we will discuss common side effects of IV therapy and how to minimize risks.

Common Side Effects of IV Therapy

Common side effects of IV therapy include:

• Air embolism
• Blood clots
• Infection at the injection site

• Rashes
• Vein inflammation and bruising

How to Minimize Risks: Safety Precautions to Consider

Several safety precautions help to ensure your IV therapy’s safety and effectiveness.
Priming the IV tubing will eliminate air bubbles that can cause air embolism.

Phlebitis (vein inflammation) can be prevented using the correct-sized catheter and needle and a central vein instead of a peripheral vein.

Extravasation (when IV fluids leak into and irritate the surrounding tissue around the injection site) and infiltration (when non-irritating IV fluids leak into the surrounding tissue around the injection site) can both be prevented by inserting the IV correctly, not dislodging or pulling on IV tubing and immediately informing staff if the IV becomes loose.

Medication errors, including incorrect medication type or dosage size, can be prevented by quality-control checks done by the medical team.

The Procedure: What to Expect During an IV Therapy Session

Continue reading to learn more about the procedure, including the initial consultation and assessment and a step-by-step guide to the IV infusion experience.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Before receiving IV treatment, you must do a health check and lab test and have a virtual consultation appointment. You can book an in-home lab test for a blood draw or have this test done at a Quest lab near you, and no appointment is necessary.

We will then review your lab results, and you can schedule an online consultation with a provider. During this appointment, we will discuss the treatment you need. If you are approved for treatment, we will send a registered nurse (RN) to your home or other preferred location to administer the IV.

The IV Infusion Experience: Step-by-Step

There are five basic steps to inserting an IV:

1. Choose the correct IV gauge
2. Prep the patient for IV insertion
3. Get the IV line ready and set up the IV bag
4. Insert the IV needle
5. Secure the IV needle

The RN will stay with you throughout your treatment to keep you company and address any concerns. They will also remove the IV when the treatment is complete.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis IV therapy can help prevent bone loss and reduce the likelihood of fractures by avoiding dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Advancements in bone health and IV therapy can significantly help people with Osteoporosis improve their quality of life by managing the disease more effectively.

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