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Description
Indications
Ibandronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases after menopause, as you age, or if you take corticosteroid medications for long periods.
This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones. Ibandronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.
Uses and Dosage
Ibandronate is administered orally in tablet form. The 2.5-mg tablet is typically taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, while the 150-mg tablet is generally taken once monthly in the morning on an empty stomach. Take the 150-mg tablet on the same date each month.
To ensure proper administration, carefully follow the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any unclear aspects. Take ibandronate exactly as directed by your doctor, without taking more or less of it or taking it more frequently than prescribed.
Follow specific instructions to prevent the possibility of esophageal damage or oral sores and to ensure ibandronate’s effectiveness. Inform your doctor if you do not understand, remember, or adhere to the following instructions:
- Take ibandronate immediately after rising in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. Do not take ibandronate at bedtime or before awakening for the day.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces [180 to 240 mL]) of plain water. Do not ingest ibandronate with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid besides plain water.
- Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets, and do not suck on them.
- Refrain from consuming food, beverages, or other medications, including vitamins or antacids, for at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate. Do not lie down for at least 60 minutes after taking the medication.
Ibandronate manages osteoporosis, but it does not cure it. It is effective in treating and preventing osteoporosis only when taken regularly. Continue to take ibandronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ibandronate without first consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- diarrhea
- ear congestion
- headache
- loss of voice
- pain in the extremity (arms and legs)
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- chest pain
- cough producing mucus
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- difficulty with breathing
- fever or chills
- frequent urge to urinate
- lower back or side pain
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- shortness of breath
- slow or fast heartbeat
- sneezing
- sore throat
- tightness in the chest
Caution
Prior to taking ibandronate, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any allergies you have, including allergies to other bisphosphonates like alendronate, etidronate, pamidronate, or risedronate, as well as any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other complications.
Before using this medication, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history, especially if you have any issues with your esophagus, such as heartburn, esophageal narrowing, or achalasia, low blood calcium levels, an inability to sit or stand upright for at least 60 minutes, difficult or painful swallowing, stomach or intestinal disorders, such as ulcers, or severe kidney disease.
Some individuals who take ibandronate may experience serious jawbone complications. Your healthcare provider should check your mouth before starting this medication. Before undergoing any dental procedures, inform your dentist that you are taking ibandronate. To help prevent jawbone issues, receive regular dental exams and learn how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you experience jaw pain, promptly inform your healthcare provider and dentist.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the future, use caution when taking this medication. Ibandronate may remain in your body for numerous years, and its effects on a developing fetus are unknown. Before starting treatment with ibandronate, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Boniva is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Boniva tablet:
- 150mg
FAQ
How long can you safely take Boniva?
It may be taken long term for osteoporosis. If your doctor determines that your risk of bone fracture is low, they may recommend that you stop taking Boniva after 3 to 5 years of treatment.
Is Boniva well tolerated?
In general, bisphosphonates like Boniva are well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild, GI-related effects like acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation.
Resources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-boniva-side-effects#:~:text=It%20may%20be%20taken%20long,years%2C%20isn%27t%20known
- https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/osteoporosis/fosamax-vs-prolia-vs-boniva
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605035.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-92884/boniva-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibandronate-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068079
- https://www.drugs.com/boniva.html
