When a person’s bones are healthy, they gradually replace old bone tissue. Doing so maintains adequate calcium levels, as well as preserves bone density. The entire process occurs gradually, completely regenerating itself every decade. This is known as bone remodeling. However, Paget’s disease interferes with this process. Over time, it causes a person’s bones to become weak. Eventually, they may also become misshapen and prone to fractures. While treatment often involves oral medications (known as bisphosphonates), some people fail to obtain relief from them. This is when infusion therapy may be a more viable option.
What is Paget’s disease?
Paget’s disease (osteitis deformans) is a chronic bone disorder that causes excessive breakdown and regrowth of bone tissue. Because this process occurs at a faster rate than what your body needs, it doesn’t give the bones enough time to harden. Therefore, the bones become fragile and can break easily. The condition typically affects only a part of the body — typically in the skull, pelvis, spine, or legs.
The condition is sometimes confused with arthritis because patients sometimes feel joint pain. However, it is not a form of arthritis. Complications may include repeated bone fractures, pinched nerves, or osteoarthritis. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness. If the disease is located in the skull, it may also cause headaches and/or hearing loss.
How does infusion therapy work for Paget’s disease?
Infusion therapy provides an ideal alternative for patients for whom medical issues make it difficult — or impossible — to swallow oral drugs. It’s also a good solution for those who have failed to obtain relief from traditional medications. In addition, since the infusion medication is administered intravenously, it reaches your bloodstream immediately — meaning you can obtain relief faster. A one-time infusion can provide relief for up to six years.
What to Expect
When you first come to Infusion Associates, you’ll meet with a healthcare professional who will discuss the details of your infusion therapy. This includes information about dosage and length of treatment, as well as to answer all your questions and concerns. You will then be escorted to a treatment room, where you will find cozy reclining chairs, blankets, TV screens, WiFi, and warm beverages. You may request a private room and bring your favorite snacks.
Medications Used to Treat Paget’s Disease
In addition to being available in oral form, bisphosphonates are also available via IV therapy. There are different types of intravenous medications used to treat Paget’s disease. Talk with your doctor about your particular circumstances — and the severity of your condition — to determine which one would work best for you. These medications include:
Side Effects
As with any medication, some patients experience side effects. Which ones are most likely to occur depends on the medication administered. Some of the most common ones include:
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Joint or muscle pain
- Redness at the site of injection.
If Your Doctor Has Recommended Infusion Therapy for Paget’s Disease, Let Infusion Associates Help You
At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy for patients with chronic conditions in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a registered pharmacist on-site to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at 616-954-0600 or filling out this form.