Boniva

Generic name: Ibandronate sodium

What is Boniva?

Boniva is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. Boniva may reverse bone loss by stopping more loss of bone and increasing bone mass in most women who take it, even though they won't be able to see or feel a difference. Boniva may help lower the chances of breaking bones (fractures). For Boniva to treat or prevent osteoporosis you have to take it as prescribed; Boniva will not work if you stop taking it.

What is the most important information I should know about Boniva?

Boniva may cause serious problems in the stomach and the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach) such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, and ulcers.

Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important in all patients.

Boniva should be taken at least 1 hour before the first food or drink of the day (other than water) and before taking any oral medication or supplementation, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.

To reduce the potential for irritation of the esophagus, Boniva tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of plain water while you are standing or sitting in an upright position; you should not lie down for 1 hour after taking Boniva.

Plain water is the only drink that should be taken with Boniva. Some mineral waters may have a higher concentration of calcium and should not be used.

Take the Boniva tablet on the same date each month. Do not chew or suck the tablet.

Who should not take Boniva?

Do not take Boniva if you have certain problems with your esophagus; have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia); cannot sit or stand up for at least 1 hour; have kidneys that work very poorly; or are allergic to ibandronate sodium or any of the other ingredients of Boniva.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Boniva?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Boniva. Talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have swallowing problems or other problems with your esophagus, have kidney problems, or if you are planning a dental procedure such as having a tooth pulled. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage of Boniva is one 150-milligram (mg) tablet once a month on the same date each month.

How should I take Boniva?

Take Boniva first thing in the morning at least 1 hour before you eat or drink anything other than plain water, or take any other oral medicine. Take Boniva with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 full cup) of plain water. Swallow Boniva whole. Do not chew or suck the tablet or keep it in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After you take Boniva, you must wait at least 1 hour before lying down, eating, drinking (except plain water), or taking other oral medications including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.

What should I avoid while taking Boniva?

Avoid lying down, eating, drinking (except plain water), or taking any oral medications including vitamins, calcium, or antacids within 1 hour of taking Boniva.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Boniva?

If Boniva is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Boniva with the following: aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), products containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron, such as antacids, supplements, or vitamins. In order for Boniva to be most effective, take it at least 1 hour before the first food or drink of the day (other than water) or before you take any medications or supplements (calcium, antacids, vitamins) by mouth.

What are the possible side effects of Boniva?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: heartburn, ulcers, infection, muscle pain, back pain, pain in extremities (arms or legs), diarrhea, dizziness, headache, upset stomach

Get immediate medical attention if you experience: pain or trouble with swallowing, chest pain, very bad heartburn or heartburn that does not get better, jaw problems

Can I receive Boniva if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Boniva during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Boniva?

If your next scheduled Boniva day is more than 7 days away, take one Boniva 150-mg tablet in the morning following the day that you remembered that you missed a dose. Then return to taking one Boniva 150-mg tablet every month in the morning of your chosen day, according to your original schedule.

Do not take two 150-mg tablets within the same week. If your next scheduled Boniva day is only 1 to 7 days away, wait until your next scheduled Boniva day to take your tablet. Then return to taking one Boniva 150-mg tablet every month in the morning of your chosen day, according to your original schedule.

How should I store Boniva?

Store at room temperature.