Boniva (Ibandronate)

What is Boniva?

Boniva (ibandronate) belongs to a family of drugs called bisphosphonates. It changes the bone formation and breakdown cycle in the body.

What is Boniva used for?

Boniva is indicated for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women after menopause. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break easily.

How does Boniva work?

Boniva works by slowing down the bone loss while increasing bone mass. This helps prevent bone fractures. 

How to use Boniva

Boniva should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once a month or once daily (as directed by the doctor), with a full glass of water. If you are taking the medicine once a month, make sure that you take it on the same date each month. It is advisable not to take the drug at bedtime or in the morning when you are still in bed. Take it after getting up for the day (before taking your first beverage). Use only plain water and no other beverage with the drug. Do not crush, suck or chew the tablet. Also, do not let the tablet melt in your mouth. Swallow it whole and remain in upright position for at least an hour. Do not take any other medicine, food items or drinks in this period.

Boniva intravenous solution is injected into the veins once every 3 months (90 days). Ask your healthcare provider about such injections. Get your bone mineral density checked on a regul

Boniva warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to ibandronate, or if you have problem with esophagus, low calcium levels or hypocalcemia, or severe kidney disease.

Prior to taking Boniva, consult your doctor if you have a kidney disease, deficiency of vitamin D, stomach ulcer, or swallowing trouble. You may need a dose adjustment.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Boniva without consulting their doctors.

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

If you are on a daily medication schedule and you miss your Boniva dose in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Taking 2 doses in one day may cause serious consequences.

However, if you take the medicine once a month and you miss your dose, take the missed dose in the morning following the day you get to remember about it. Thereafter, follow your monthly schedule.

If your next (monthly scheduled) dose is less than 7 days away, skip the missed dose and follow your monthly schedule.

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

If you have taken a Boniva overdose, you should drink a full glass of water and seek medical attention immediately. Do not lie down or make yourself vomit.

Boniva interactions

Before taking Boniva, consult your doctor if you take ketorolac (Toradol), ketoprofen (Orudis), piroxicam (Feldene), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diflunisal (Dolobid), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Voltaren), celecoxib (Celebrex).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Boniva side effects

Boniva side effects include hives, breathing difficulty, chest pain, pain or burning sensation in the back or under the ribs, pain or difficulty while swallowing; pain, swelling or numbness in jaw; severe pain in joints, muscle or bones; swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat, hands or feet, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Boniva, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Back ache, sore throat, cough, cold, fever, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, headache, pain in arms or legs; redness or swelling in eyes or in the area where the injection was given, are some less serious side effects of Boniva.