Bonefos (Disodium Clodronate)

What is Bonefos?

Bonefos (clodronate) is a medication which belongs to a class of drugs known as biphosphonates.

What is Bonefos used for?

Bonefos is used in the management of hypercalcemia of malignancy. The drug is used to reduce bone destruction in some cancers and to prevent consequent bone pain and fractures. It also lowers high levels of calcium in blood and helps to maintain normal calcium levels in the body.

How does Bonefos work?

Clodronate, the main component of Bonefos, is a biphosphonate which on binding with hydroxyapatite prevents formation and dissolution of calcium crystals. It interferes with the activities of osteoclasts and osteoblasts and reduces abnormal bone resorption. This in turn reduces high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in conditions such as skeletal metastases or otherwise.

How to use Bonefos

Bonefos should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the medicine for a longer time or in larger amount than prescribed may prove to be harmful. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

For treating hypercalcemia in patients with cancer or bone metastases, the drug is initially administered as an intravenous injection and then switched to oral medication.

For oral medication, Bonefos is usually taken with a glass of plain water (not mineral water) in the morning on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew or break it. Avoid eating or drinking anything other than plain water for at least 2 hours of taking the medicine.

Do not increase, decrease or stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Bonefos warnings and precautions

Bonefos is not administered to patients who are allergic to clodronate or other biphosphonates.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are using other biphosphonate drugs or if you have a kidney disease or severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Drugs similar to Bonefos can cause a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, or bone loss of the jaw. The symptoms are swelling, numbness of jaw, loose teeth, jaw pain, slow healing after a surgery or injury involving gums, gum infection etc. People who have cancer or have been treated with radiation, steroids or chemotherapy are more susceptible to osteonecrosis. Anemia, blood clotting disorders, dental problems are some other conditions associated with this disorder.

You should avoid taking calcium, iron, magnesium or aluminum supplements within 2 hours of taking Bonefos.

People with reduced kidney functions, especially older patients, are more susceptible to the side effects of this drug.

Your blood needs to be tested on a regular basis to monitor your calcium levels in blood.

The medication should not be used in children without consulting a doctor as its safety and effectiveness in children is yet to be medically established.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors. Also, if you become pregnant or if you plan a pregnancy during treatment with this drug, you should inform your doctor immediately.

What do I do if I have missed a Bonefos dose?

If you have missed a Bonefos dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Bonefos overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Bonefos, seek emergency medical attention.

Bonefos interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Bonefos are: intravenous solutions containing calcium, antacids or vitamin-mineral supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron or aluminum, corticosteroids, loop diuretics, NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, mithramycin, estramustine phosphate, calcitonin and phosphate supplements.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using this medicine.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Bonefos side effects

Side effects from Bonefos include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as severe joint/bone/muscle pain, jaw pain, numbness or swelling in jaw, muscle cramps in hands, arms or feet; unusual tiredness and weakness, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, pain in mouth, bruising with purple brown spots under the skin, severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea.

Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, headache are some less serious side effects of Bonefos.