Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss can happen gradually without obvious symptoms. For many people, the first sign of osteoporosis is unfortunately a fracture.

The good news is that effective treatments are available to help strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk. Depending on your individual needs, your physician may recommend an infusion or injectable medication such as Reclast, Prolia, or Evenity.

At Springside Infusion, we work with your healthcare provider to administer prescribed osteoporosis treatments in a comfortable outpatient setting.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Your bones are constantly changing as old bone tissue is broken down and replaced with new bone.

As we age, however, bone can begin to break down faster than the body replaces it. Over time, bones may become less dense and more fragile, a condition known as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but risk increases with age and is particularly common in women after menopause.

Other risk factors may include:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• Certain medications, including long-term corticosteroid use
• Low body weight
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Certain medical conditions
• Low calcium or vitamin D levels
• Previous fractures

A bone-density test, often called a DEXA or DXA scan, can help your physician evaluate your bone health and fracture risk.

How Is Osteoporosis Treated?

Treatment depends on factors including your bone density, age, fracture history, other medical conditions, and overall fracture risk.

In addition to adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits, your physician may prescribe medication.

Three treatments you may hear about are Reclast, Prolia, and Evenity.

What Is Reclast?

Reclast® (zoledronic acid) is a bisphosphonate administered through an IV infusion.

It works primarily by slowing the breakdown of bone, helping bones maintain their strength and density.

For osteoporosis, Reclast is often given once a year, although dosing depends on the condition being treated and your physician's recommendations.

Because kidney function and calcium levels can be important considerations with Reclast, your healthcare provider may order blood tests before treatment. Your care team may also discuss hydration, calcium, and vitamin D with you before your infusion.

What Is Prolia®?

Prolia (denosumab) is an injection typically administered once every six months.

It works by blocking a protein involved in the activity of cells that break down bone. By slowing this process, Prolia can help increase bone mass and reduce the risk of certain fractures.

It's important to receive Prolia according to the schedule established by your physician. Do not delay or stop treatment without discussing it with your healthcare provider, because stopping or significantly delaying Prolia can increase the risk of vertebral fractures in some patients.

What Is Evenity?

Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) is another injectable osteoporosis treatment.

Unlike medications that primarily slow bone breakdown, Evenity has a dual effect: it can increase new bone formation while also decreasing bone breakdown.

Treatment is generally administered once a month for 12 monthly doses. Each monthly dose consists of two injections given during the same visit.

After completing Evenity, physicians commonly transition patients to another osteoporosis medication to help maintain the bone-density gains achieved during treatment.

Evenity isn't appropriate for everyone, particularly certain patients with cardiovascular risk factors, so your physician will determine whether it's suitable for you.

Which Osteoporosis Treatment Is Right for Me?

There isn't one treatment that's best for every patient.

Your physician may consider:

• Your bone-density results
• Whether you've previously experienced a fracture
• Your overall fracture risk
• Kidney function
• Calcium and vitamin D levels
• Other medical conditions
• Previous osteoporosis medications
• Your individual treatment goals

Your physician will determine which therapy offers the best balance of benefits and risks for you.

What Should I Expect at Springside Infusion?

Before treatment, our team reviews your physician's order and any required clinical information. Depending on the medication, laboratory testing may be required before your appointment.

For an IV medication such as Reclast, a nurse will place an IV and administer your medication according to the prescribed protocol.

For injectable medications such as Prolia or Evenity, the medication is administered without the need for an IV.

Our team works closely with your physician and insurance provider to help coordinate benefits, prior authorization requirements, and treatment scheduling.

Protecting Your Bones for the Future

Osteoporosis may be silent, but it doesn't have to go untreated.

With appropriate screening, lifestyle changes, and today's treatment options, many patients can significantly reduce their risk of fractures and protect their bone health as they age.

If your physician has prescribed Reclast, Prolia, Evenity, or another outpatient osteoporosis therapy, Springside Infusion is here to help make treatment comfortable and convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Reclast infusion take?

Reclast itself is infused over at least 15 minutes, although your total appointment will be longer to allow for check-in, preparation, and any required monitoring.

Is Prolia an infusion?

No. Prolia is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically once every six months for osteoporosis.

How often is Evenity given?

Evenity is generally administered once a month. Each dose consists of two injections given during the same appointment, with treatment limited to 12 monthly doses.

Do I need blood work before osteoporosis treatment?

Possibly. Depending on your medication and medical history, your physician may check kidney function, calcium, vitamin D, or other laboratory values before treatment. Your healthcare team will let you know what's required.