Answer:

Osteoporosis infusions deliver medication intravenously. Once administered, the medication is absorbed by the bones, inhibiting the activity of bone-destroying cells and reducing bone loss. This improves bone density, strengthening and increasing bone flexibility, and lowering the risk of fractures.

Infusions are administered annually, replacing daily oral medication. This ensures consistent effectiveness and avoids missed doses or incorrect usage. This method also minimizes the side effects associated with oral medications, making it suitable for individuals with gastroesophageal conditions (like acid reflux or peptic ulcers) who have difficulty eating or drinking normally, or who have poor calcium absorption.

Doctor Tuan Anh explains test results to a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Parkinson's disease is not a contraindication for osteoporosis infusions. Therefore, your mother can receive an infusion while taking Parkinson's medication. However, she should stop taking her oral osteoporosis medication one week before the infusion.

Before the infusion, your mother needs blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a bone density measurement (if not done previously). If she meets the requirements, she can proceed with the infusion. Side effects such as muscle and joint pain, shock, or allergic reactions can occur. Therefore, close monitoring is necessary during and after the infusion. The infusion takes approximately 3 hours, and if there are no complications, she can leave the same day. Sterile conditions and pre-infusion tests are essential.

MSc., MD. Ngo Tuan Anh

Department of Rheumatology

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM