Boniva (ibandronate sodium) is a bisphosphonate medication most frequently used to prevent or manage osteoporosis.

Who Uses Boniva?

This medication is most commonly prescribed to post-menopausal women, as they are at highest risk of osteoporosis. In some cases it may prescribed to pre-menopausal women over the age of 30.

It may be prescribed as a preventative measure in high-risk women, or as a means of controlling existing osteoporosis and preventing it from getting worse. It is not a cure for osteoporosis.

How Does it Work?

As the body ages, especially after age 30, more calcium is depleted from bones than is deposited. In some women the reduced levels of estrogen following menopause considerably increases the depletion of bone. These women are at high risk of bone fractures or breaks.

Boniva inhibits bone depletion and increases bone density, reducing the risk of fractures or breaks. Eating a good diet and following a physician approved weight-bearing exercise plan will also contribute to bone health.

How is it Used?

Boniva is a tablet typically taken in two ways: 2.5 mg daily, or 150 mg once a month. The ideal dosage and frequency for each patient is determined on an individual basis by a physician, as is duration of treatment, which may span years.

When taking Boniva it is very important to follow physician instructions carefully, to avoid potential side effects.

Daily or monthly, Boniva should be taken in the morning after getting up, with a full glass of water. Avoid tea, coffee, juice, or any other liquid except water. Likewise avoid food, vitamins, antacids and other medications for one hour after taking Boniva. During this hour remain in an upright position, either sitting or standing. Do not lay down or consume anything other than water.

The tablet should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush, split, dissolve or suck on the tablet.

The medication is taken at the same time each day, or on the same day each month.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: ibandronate sodium

Inactive ingredients: purified water, povidone, purified stearic acid, lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose

Tablet coating: polyethylene glycol 6000, titanium dioxide, talc, hypromellose

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Boniva should not take this product.

Adverse Effects:

Most side effects of Boniva are mild and include headache, nausea, dizziness or weakness, and diarrhea. If these symptoms are severe or worsen, speak with a physician.

A few patients experience more serious side effects which warrant immediate attention:

• Severe or persistent heartburn
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Painful or swollen gums
• Numbness of the jaw
• Loosening teeth
• Aches in the hips, groin or thighs
• Bone, muscle or joint pain
  
• Any symptom of allergic reactions such as hives or swollen lips, eyes, or throat

Boniva can cause complications in the jaw when undergoing dental procedures. A physician should be consulted before dental work is done.

Patients should read the information provided with the medication for a complete list of possible adverse effects and interactions prior to taking this or any other medication.

Contraindications and Interactions:

Patients unable to sit or stand for one hour, or who have a history of low calcium levels, are not ideal candidates for this medication.

It is important the prescribing physician is informed of any other medical conditions, especially a history of cancer, anemia, heartburn, ulcers, poor blood clotting, difficulty swallowing, esophagus disorders, or infections in the mouth.

Boniva is known to interact with many other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and supplements. These interactions are not always serious but may interfere with effectiveness. The prescribing physician should be made aware of all medications being taken, including non-prescription medications, for the duration of treatment.