Boniva

Brand Names

Ibandronate sodium

What is Boniva

Boniva (ibandronate sodium) is a medication which consists of bisphosphonate that do not allow osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Boniva is used for the treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It binds some cells in bones and can help prevent vertebral fractures and increase bone mineral density in the spine and hip. This medicine is available only by doctor’s prescription and indicated in tablet and injectable form.

It is is approved as a once-daily oral tablet, with a recommended dosage of 2.5 mg.

Side effects of Boniva

The common side effects of Boniva include the followings:

• nausea
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• fever, sore throat, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
• frequent or urgent need to urinate
• painful urination

These side effects can be serious so do not continue taking this medicine and call your doctor as soon as possible:

• new or worsening heartburn
• difficulty swallowing
• pain on swallowing
• upper chest pain
• rash
• painful or swollen gums
• loosening of the teeth
• numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw
• poor healing of the jaw
• dull, aching pain in the hips, groin, or thighs

Indication

Boniva is belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness). Boniva is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause.

Precautions

It is important to know that if you are allergic to Boniva, or if you have severe kidney disease, low blood levels of calcium (hypocalcemia), or a problem with your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach) taking this medication is not recommended.

Do not take this medicine if you cannot be in a position sit upright or stand for at least one full hour. It may cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You will need to stay upright for at least 60 minutes after taking this medication.

If you have any of these medical conditions, please inform your doctor:

• a vitamin D deficiency
• kidney disease
• an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus
• trouble swallowing

If you are using medicines similar to Boniva you may have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.

Dosage forms

The dose of Boniva is 2.5 mg once daily or 150 mg once monthly. If you are using a monthly dosing, the tablet should be taken on the same day of each month. You should take the tablet at least 60 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other than plain water) or before other oral medication, because of concern that that food or medication will interfere with the absorption of Boniva. The tablets also should be swallowed whole with six to eight ounces of plain water while in an upright position, in order to be certain that the tablets enter the stomach. Note that if the tablets stick in the esophagus they can irritate the esophagus. You should not lie down for 60 minutes after taking Boniva because tablets are more likely to stick in the esophagus when lying down. Do not chew or suck in order to avoid irritation of the mouth and throat.