Newsletters

Spring 2006

Injectable Medication for the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Why would anyone wish to have an injection instead of a pill? For the treatment of osteoporosis, there are several reasons. Some patients should not be taking certain osteoporosis medications due to esophagus problems that interfere with swallowing, or inability to remain sitting or standing for 30-60 minutes after taking the pill. For those who are able to take these pills, side effects such as upset stomach or heartburn may develop. For others, the pills may not work because of intestinal problems that interfere with the absorption of the pills into the bloodstream. Finally, it is now well recognized that many patients who start taking pills will stop them within the first year for many different reasons. The medical terminology for this is “poor adherence to therapy.” Perhaps having a shot in the office at the time of a routine visit to the doctor every 3 months would be easier than remembering to take a pill every day, every week, or every
month.

While injections are not necessary or desirable for most patients with osteoporosis, they could be a big help for some. The first injectable treatment for osteoporosis has recently been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The name of the drug is ibandronate (Boniva), the same as the monthly pill that has already been available for some time now. It is given ass an injection into a vein over 15 to 30 seconds every 3 months. It should not be given to those with an allergy to the medication or any of its components, nor to anyone with severely abnormal kidney function, low blood calcium level, or vitamin D deficiency. Possible side effects after injection include flu-like symptoms that may last a few hours or days. If this occurs, it is most likely with the first injection, and typically does not occur or is much less severe after subsequent injections.

If you think an injectable treatment for osteoporosis might be right for you, ask your doctor for more information.