A person may receive injections for osteoporosis, but there are no options available for annual injections. However, some people may receive a yearly infusion for osteoporosis.
The type of treatment someone receives for osteoporosis can depend on the individual’s condition and circumstances. It is best for a person to discuss their treatment options with a doctor.
This article reviews options for injections for osteoporosis, osteoporosis infusions, and more.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Currently, there is no yearly injection for osteoporosis. However, several injection options are available.
An injection involves using a needle to deliver medication in various locations into the body. Injections for osteoporosis are subcutaneous injections, which healthcare professionals administer under the skin. Medications vary in their doses and time frames, with some requiring:
daily injections, such as teriparatide (Forteo)monthly injections, such as romosozumab (Evenity)- injections every 6 months, such as denosumab (Prolia)
Each medication varies slightly in who the recommended demographic is and how the medication works. The medications help regrow bone, prevent further bone loss, or both.
Each type of medication can cause both mild and severe side effects. It is best for a person to discuss the treatment options that are best for them and their needs with a doctor.
Doctors may recommend teriparatide in the following people:
- people assigned female at birth during postmenopause
- people assigned male at birth with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis
- people with systemic glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Doctors
The criteria for denosumab are similar to those for teriparatide. Doctors may also recommend it for males with nonmetastatic prostate cancer who are taking medications to decrease levels of male hormones as well as females receiving adjuvant treatment.
The yearly infusion for osteoporosis is zoledronate, also known as zoledronic acid. The name brand is Reclast.
A medical professional will administer the infusion in a clinic, medical office, or hospital. The infusion lasts about 30 minutes. An individual will typically receive it once a year for 3 years, though some may only need it once
Zoledronic acid can cause side effects and may interact with certain medications. A doctor will be able to discuss any possible risks of the infusion and assess whether it may be a suitable treatment for the individual.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved annual zoledronic acid infusions for the following groups:
- females with osteoporosis during postmenopause
- males with osteoporosis
- people with or at risk of systemic glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
A doctor
A person may receive denosumab (Prolia) once every 6 months, or twice a year. They will typically receive it under the skin in a 60 milligram (mg) dose.
A doctor may recommend denosumab to help prevent further bone loss in people with a high risk of bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
Several different injections can help treat osteoporosis. The medications include both monoclonal antibodies and hormone therapies.
Options
- romosozumab (Evenity), which is a monthly monoclonal antibody injection
- calcitonin (Fortical, Miacalcin), which is a hormonal injection that helps prevent bones from breaking down
- teriparatide (Forteo), which is a daily hormone injection
- abaloparatide (Tymlos), which is a daily hormone injection
A person can discuss injection options with a doctor.
Injections and infusions are two possible forms of treatment for osteoporosis.
Other treatment options for osteoporosis
- oral or injected bisphosphonates to slow the rate of bone breakdown in the body
- selective estrogen receptor modulators in tablet form to help maintain bone density
- calcium and vitamin D supplements
- making changes to lifestyle such as:
- dietary changes
- getting enough physical exercise
- stopping smoking, if applicable
- limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption
It is best for a person to contact a doctor to discuss their treatment plan for osteoporosis. The doctor will also be able to advise on ways to reduce the risk of fractures, such as removing trip hazards around the home and avoiding medications that cause dizziness.
Doctors may recommend a yearly infusion for treating osteoporosis. There are also several injections that need administering from once a day to every 6 months.
The injections and infusions deliver medication that helps reduce bone loss and maintain bone strength. The type of injections or infusions a person receives will vary according to factors such as their diagnosis and other health conditions.
It is best for a person to discuss what medications and treatments will work best for them with a doctor.