Ibandronate Sodium

( Boniva )

Last Reviewed: Oct 28, 2024

Common Questions


Common Questions about Ibandronate (Boniva)


Is ibandronate taken monthly?

The 150-mg dose of ibandronate is taken monthly. There is also a 2.5-mg oral tablet that is taken daily. In addition, there is an ibandronate sodium injection that is given by a health care professional every 3 months.



How long should you stay on ibandronate?

Most postmenopausal women stay on ibandronate for 3-5 years. Your healthcare provider will evaluate you periodically to see if you still need ibandronate. If your risk of new vertebral fractures is low, they may recommend stopping treatment.



Does ibandronate cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a typical side effect of ibandronate therapy. Postmenopausal women often experience weight gain due to hormonal changes. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan for weight management. Weight-bearing exercise has a dual benefit of also helping to increase bone density.



What can I take instead of ibandronate?

If you are unable to comply with the dosing instructions for oral ibandronate, talk to your doctor about other treatment options to prevent bone loss, such as an ibandronate sodium injection. You may also be a candidate for one of the new osteoporosis treatments such as romosozumab (Evenity) which is given by injection in a doctor’s office once a month.



Which is better: Ibandronate (Boniva) or alendronate (Fosamax)?

Fosamax is the first-choice drug for postmenopausal osteoporosis because it lowers the risk of osteoporotic fractures in many areas of the body, including the spine, hips, and wrists, and is also approved for other types of osteoporosis. In contrast, ibandronate (Boniva) only lowers the risk of spine (vertebral) fractures and is only for postmenopausal osteoporosis.



What is the price of ibandronate without insurance?

Without insurance, ibandronate can be as high as $413.30, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $23.59 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of ibandronate with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on ibandronate—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for ibandronate. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.