Boniva (ibandronate): Osteoporosis Drug Uses & Side Effects (original) (raw)

• What is ibandronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
• What are the uses for ibandronate?
• What are the side effects of ibandronate?
• What is the dosage for ibandronate?
• Which drugs or supplements interact with ibandronate?
• Is ibandronate safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
• What else should I know about ibandronate?

What is ibandronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Ibandronate is an oral and intravenous drug that is used for treating osteoporosis. It is a member of the bisphosphonate class of drugs which includes etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid).

Bone is in a constant state of remodeling. New bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts while old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates strengthen bone by inhibiting bone removal (resorption) by osteoclasts. After menopause, there is an increased rate of bone loss leading to osteoporosis, and ibandronate has been shown to increase bone density and decrease fractures of bones.

FDA approved ibandronate in May 2003.

What brand names are available for ibandronate?

Boniva

Is ibandronate available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for ibandronate?

Yes

What are the uses for ibandronate?

Ibandronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. The optimum duration of treatment has not been established and treatment should be evaluated periodically.

What are the side effects of ibandronate?

Some of the more common side effects of ibandronate include:

• Headache
• Back pain
• Pain in the legs or arms
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Tooth disorder
• Abnormal weakness
• Indigestion
• Dizziness

Other side effects include:

• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain

Possible serious side effects include:

• Respiratory tract infections
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Low-trauma femoral fractures
• High blood pressure

Low calcium levels may occur if calcium and vitamin D intake is not adequate. Severe irritation of the esophagus (for example, esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, esophageal erosions) can occur. This occurs more often when patients do not drink enough water with ibandronate, wait less than 60 minutes before lying down after taking ibandronate, or continue to take ibandronate after developing symptoms of esophageal irritation. Ibandronate should not be used by individuals with abnormalities of the esophagus.

Patients may experience jaw problems (osteonecrosisof the jaw) associated with delayed healing and infection after tooth extraction.

QUESTION What is another medical term for osteoporosis? See Answer

What is the dosage for ibandronate?

• The dose of ibandronate is 150 mg orally once monthly.
• The tablet should be taken on the same day of each month.
• Tablets should be taken 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 ibandronate. Absorption of ibandronate from the intestine is poor, and any potential further decrease in absorption by food or medications needs to be avoided.
• Ibandronate 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. If the tablets stick in the esophagus they can irritate the esophagus. For the same reason, patients should not lie down for 60 minutes after taking ibandronate since tablets are more likely to stick in the esophagus when lying down.
• Tablets should not be chewed or sucked in order to avoid irritation of the mouth and throat.
• The dose of ibandronate administered intravenously is 3 mg administered over 15-30 seconds every three months.

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Which drugs or supplements interact with ibandronate?

• Calcium supplements, antacids, and other products that contain aluminum, magnesium, or iron may reduce absorption of ibandronate. Ibandronate should be administered at least 60 minutes before administration of any oral medication, including medications containing iron, aluminum, magnesium, or calcium.
• Patients should wait at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate before taking other oral medications. The occurrence of irritation in the stomach and intestines may increase if aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, ibuprofen (Motrin), Advil, naproxen (Aleve) are combined with ibandronate.

Is ibandronate safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal harm in animals, but there are no data on risk to the fetus in humans. Ibandronate should be used during pregnancy only if the physician feels that its potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
• Ibandronate is secreted into thebreast milk of animals. It is not known whether it is secreted into human breast milk. Since most medications do appear in human breast milk, it is generally recommended that caution be exercised when ibandronate is given to women who are nursing.

What else should I know about ibandronate?

What preparations of ibandronate are available?

• Tablets: 150 mg
• Intravenous injection: 3 mg/3 ml

How should I keep ibandronate stored?

Ibandronate tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86 F).

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Summary

Boniva (ibandronate) is a medication prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in women after menopause. Side effects may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, back pain, tooth disorder, indigestion, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

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Related Disease Conditions

• Menopause Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms and signs include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies and should be discussed with your physician.
• Osteopenia Osteopenia is a bone condition characterized by bone loss that is not as severe as osteoporosis. Bone fracture is the typical symptom of osteopenia, though the condition may be present without symptoms.
• Broken Bone A broken bone is a fracture. There are different types of fractures and symptoms include pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin around the injured area. Generally the recovery time for a broken bone is 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the circumstances of the injury.
• Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
• Osteoarthritis vs. Osteoporosis Differences and Similarities Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis and the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the entire joint. Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The differences in the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis include; pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, joint deformity, crackle sounds when the joint is moving, and walking with a limp. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it can progress for years without signs and symptoms before it is diagnosed, severe back pain, bone fractures, height loss, and difficulty or inability to walk. The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.
• Disease Prevention in Women Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
• Disease Prevention in Men Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. Age of screening and timing of screening depends upon the condition being assessed.

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