Managing osteoporosis drug treatments amid COVID-19

[Mark_ABH]

Hi everyone! I hope you're all hanging in there as well as possible during these difficult times. I'll repeat some great advice from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (iofbonehealth.org/news/covi... "Now more than ever, staying fracture-free is critical for anyone with osteoporosis." That means staying physically active (while observing appropriate precautions), getting proper nutrition, and keeping up with treatments as needed.

This last part can be tricky for those of you receiving medications via injections at a clinic. Many clinics and physician offices are limiting access to patients these days, so it's important to check with your providers about their policies.

Here is some general advice from Dr. Michael Lewiecki, osteoporosis director at the New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center, about managing patients on osteoporosis medications amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

* There is little if any concern about delaying IV zolendronate for a few weeks or months until the COVID-19 state of emergency is passed.

* Timeliness is important for Prolia and Evenity injections. Lewiecki said some facilities are doing “drive-through” injections where office staff goes to the patient in their car or outside the office, sometimes in combination with an e-visit to discuss lab or any issues. The patient can call when they arrive or ring a doorbell to announce their arrival. This is difficult to set up in large institutions for bureaucratic and logistical reasons, but may be possible with special arrangements.

* DXA testing can be postponed if necessary.

* Telephone and video visits can be done for consultations and follow-up visits depending on local circumstances.

Again, please contact your own providers to make sure you're taken care of during this pandemic. Stay safe, and be well!