Bisphosphonates infusion for Osteoporosis

Bisphosphonates Infusion

To qualify for Bisphosphonates Infusion, for treatment of Osteoporosis, under Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), one need to be diagnosed with:

Osteoporosis as per criteria below:

· 70 years or older with bone mineral density (BMD)score “T score” of less than -2.5, or

· Established osteoporosis with any fracture due to minimal trauma, or

Corticosteroid – induced osteoporosis as per criteria below:

· Patient on long-term high-dose (≥ 3 months at ≥ 7.5 mg daily prednisolone or equivalent) corticosteroid therapy and with a BMD T-score ≤ –1.5.

Bisphosphonates infusion for Osteoporosis may have a particular role for people in whom an oral bisphosphonate is unsuitable or not tolerated, such as those who:

· Are unable to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after a dose

· Have an oesophageal (gullet) disorder that precludes use of an oral bisphosphonate

· Are experiencing intolerable gastrointestinal upset or other oesophageal (gullet) adverse effects.

Often patients prefer a once-a-year Bisphosphonates infusion to regular oral tablets over a one-year period (as one may not always remember to take the tablets).

Bisphosphonates infusion for osteoporosis is found to be similar in efficacy to an injectable treatment, in treating osteoporosis. However, the increased bone density achieved by Bisphosphonates infusion is often long- standing and relatively well preserved, which is different in nature to that of an injectable treatment.

The injectable treatment needs to be given almost indefinitely, every 6 months, to maintain the increased bone density. The reason for this is once the injections stop, there is an increase in bone turnover and rapid bone resorption. Stopping the injectables can cause an increase in the number of fractures, often within a year of stopping.

Bisphosphonates infusion for osteoporosis is also used to treat a range of other medical conditions including symptomatic Paget’s Disease, hypercalcaemia due to cancer, bone break down due to cancer, Duchene Muscular dystrophy and multiple other conditions (as approved by your treating medical specialists).

Bisphosphonates infusion Appointments

The first consultation

We will review your medical condition (s), and if appropriate, arrange an informed consent.

It will be appreciated if you can obtain from your referring doctor a copy of:

· Latest Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)

· Latest blood tests that include your renal function, calcium level and Vitamin D level.

Bisphosphonates infusion consultation

The second consultation is for the actual Bisphosphonates infusion. Your doctor / nurse will insert a cannula, usually into your arm using a clean / aseptic technique.

The therapy process normally takes about 20 – 30 minutes and in general, you have to be observed for a further period of time after the therapy.

Patient Form:

Bisphosphonates infusion Advice Sheet