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 60 minutes before the first food or drink (other than water) of the day 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 60 minutes 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.

The Boniva 150-mg tablet should be taken 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 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, as well as other medications in the same class as 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 in order to prevent a possible interaction with Boniva. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have swallowing problems or other problems with your esophagus, kidney problems, or if you are planning a dental procedure such as having a tooth pulled.

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.

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, or taking other oral medications.

What should I avoid while taking Boniva?

Avoid lying down within 1 hour of taking Boniva. Also, do not eat, drink (except plain water), or take any oral medications 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) and products containing calcium and other multivalent cations (eg, aluminum, magnesium, iron) such as antacids, supplements, or vitamins. In order for Boniva to be most effective, take it at least 1 hour before first food or drink (other than water) of the day 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: arthritis, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, pain in extremities (arms or legs), upset stomach, vomiting

Can I receive Boniva if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The effects of Boniva on an unborn baby are unknown, and Boniva may pass into breast milk.

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 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.