What are the side effects of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy?
With intravenous bisphosphonate therapy, there should be no stomach side effects, as the medication is not passing through the stomach. Flu-like symptoms or “acute phase reaction” may occur in the 3 to 4 days after the infusion (and occasionally with oral bisphosphonates). The muscle aches, mild fevers and headaches are not the result of any virus infection and disappear within a few days as soon as the medication has been cleared from the bloodstream. Symptoms may be prevented by taking sufficient fluids both before and after the infusion. This reaction occurs in up to 20% of patients on first infusion but only about 3% of patients on second and subsequent infusions. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) taken before and after the infusion may be helpful. This side effect should last only a few days, and if symptoms continue you should consult with your physician.
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