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Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help

Do intravenous bisphosphonates have advantages over the pill form?

Intravenous forms of bisphosphonates, such as ibandronate and zoledronic acid, don't cause stomach upset. And it may be easier for some people to schedule a quarterly or yearly infusion than to remember to take a weekly or monthly pill.

Intravenous bisphosphonates causes mild flu-like symptoms in some people, but usually only after the first infusion. You can lessen the effect by taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) before and after the infusion.