Ibandronate Sodium Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
Bisphosphonates
Forms:
Tablet, injection
Administration:
By mouth, by intravenous injection
Therapeutic Uses:
Treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Ibandronate (Boniva) Drug Class
Ibandronate (eye-ban-droh-nate) belongs to a group of medications called bisphosphonates.
Ibandronate (Boniva) Age Range
Ibandronate is for use by postmenopausal women (women who have undergone the “change of life” and stopped getting their monthly menstrual periods).
Ibandronate Sodium Uses
Ibandronate (Boniva) Uses
Ibandronate is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (thinning or weakening of the bones) in postmenopausal women. Severe postmenopausal osteoporosis and bone loss can result in vertebral fractures (fractures of the spine) even with routine activities such as bending, twisting, reaching, coughing, or sneezing. Taking ibandronate lowers the risk of vertebral fractures due to postmenopausal osteoporosis.
There may be other uses of ibandronate—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.
Ibandronate (Boniva) Mechanism of Action
Ibandronate prevents bone resorption (breakdown) and increases bone mineral density (bone thickness), thereby lowering the risk of new vertebral fractures.
Ibandronate (Boniva) Doses
Ibandronate sodium tablets come in two strengths - 2.5 mg and 150 mg. The recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily or 150 mg once monthly.
There is also an ibandronate sodium injection which is given once every 3 months by intravenous injection by a healthcare professional.
Ibandronate Sodium Directions
How To Use Ibandronate (Boniva)
Ibandronate comes in the form of a tablet to take by mouth on an empty stomach. The 2.5 mg tablet is to be taken once every day. The 150-mg tablet is to be taken once every month.
Read the prescription label carefully and take ibandronate exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without your doctor’s approval.
Take ibandronate first thing in the morning, at least 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything except water. Do not take any other oral medications or dietary supplements such as vitamins, calcium, or antacids before your ibandronate dose and for at least 60 minutes afterward. Never take ibandronate at bedtime or before you get out of bed in the morning.
Swallow ibandronate sodium tablets whole with a full glass (180-240 mL or 6-8 oz) of plain water while standing or sitting upright. Do not chew or suck on the tablet. Make sure you stand or sit upright for at least 60 minutes after taking the dose. Lying down after taking ibandronate can damage the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach). Sucking or chewing on the tablets can cause mouth sores.
Do not take ibandronate with anything other than plain water. Mineral water may contain calcium and should not be used to take ibandronate. Do not eat or drink anything other than water or take other oral medications for at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate.
If you are taking ibandronate 150 mg to prevent or treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, take your dose on the same date each month. Set a reminder for your “Boniva day” on your smartphone or mark it on your calendar. This will help you remember.
Talk to your doctor about the need for calcium and vitamin D supplementation while on ibandronate.
Ibandronate can help to treat and prevent osteoporosis but does not cure the condition. Continue taking the medicine even if you don’t have any symptoms and feel well. Do not discontinue ibandronate without talking to your doctor. Your provider will evaluate you from time to time to see if you still need ibandronate.
Missed dose: If you are on a once-daily dosing and miss a dose of ibandronate, do not take it later in the day. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose the following morning according to your regular dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose of ibandronate on the same day.
If you are on once monthly dosing and miss a dose of ibandronate, take it on the morning of the following day after you remember, as long as your next dose is at least 7 days away. Never take more than one 150 mg tablet of ibandronate in the same week. You can then return to taking your ibandronate 150 mg tablet every month on your chosen day in the morning. If there are less than 7 days left for your next dose of 150 mg ibandronate, wait until the next month's scheduled day to take your ibandronate tablet and then return to your original schedule.
Storage: Store ibandronate at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused and expired ibandronate should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to it. Do not throw ibandronate in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded ibandronate is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on ibandronate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about ibandronate, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
Discounted prices for ibandronate (Boniva) start at $23.59.
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Ibandronate Sodium Side Effects
Ibandronate (Boniva) Side Effects
Possible side effects of ibandronate are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or persistent.
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Pain with urination
Ibandronate can also cause more serious side effects. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop the following symptoms:
- New or worsening acid reflux or heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain with swallowing
- Pain in the upper chest area
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction (skin rash, hives, itching)
- Gum pain or swelling
- Loosening of the teeth
- Numbness or heaviness in the jaw
- Jaw pain
- Delayed healing in the jaw
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- A dull, aching pain in the groin, hips, or thigh bone
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of ibandronate. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Ibandronate (Boniva) Overdose: In case of an overdose of ibandronate, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 or emergency services if a person has collapsed, stopped breathing, had a seizure, or is not responding. Symptoms of an overdose of ibandronate may include stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea.
Source: FDA
Ibandronate Sodium Warnings
Ibandronate (Boniva) Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Ibandronate may cause or worsen health problems in some postmenopausal women. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for osteoporosis if you are at an increased risk of adverse events from this drug. Some of the risks of taking ibandronate include:
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Precautions Before Starting Ibandronate (Boniva)
Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had allergic reactions to ibandronate, any of the active or inactive ingredients in ibandronate tablets, other bisphosphonate drugs, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Ibandronate may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as anemia, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), acid reflux or heartburn, stomach ulcers, any esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems, infections, cancer, cancer treatment, problems with your mouth, gums, or teeth, blood clotting problems, or kidney disease.
You should have a dental exam and any necessary dental treatments, including cleaning, fixing of poorly fitting dentures, or tooth extraction, before you start taking ibandronate.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy at any time in the future. Ibandronate can stay in your body for many years after you stop taking it. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are nursing an infant with breast milk.
Precautions During Use of Ibandronate (Boniva)
Keep all your medical and lab appointments while taking ibandronate.
Take ibandronate on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning after you get out of bed. Make sure you take the medicine with a full glass of plain water.
Do not eat your first food, drink anything, or take any other oral medications or dietary supplements (vitamins, calcium, antacids) before and for at least 60 minutes after your dose of ibandronate. Remain standing or sitting upright for at least 60 minutes after you take this medicine. These dosing instructions are important. Failure to follow them can cause damage to your mouth and esophagus.
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and cleaning your mouth properly while on this medicine. Tell your dentist you are on ibandronate before any dental treatments.
Ibandronate can cause severe bone, muscle, or joint pain in some people. This can happen days, months, or years after you start treatment with this drug. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain at any point during ibandronate therapy. You may need to stop taking this medicine. The pain usually goes away when treatment is discontinued.
Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent osteoporosis or prevent it from getting worse. You should avoid smoking and heavy drinking. Your provider will also recommend getting regular weight-bearing exercise.
Ibandronate (Boniva) Drug Interactions
Taking ibandronate with certain other medications can affect how it works. Drug interactions with other medicines can also increase the risk of severe adverse events. Some of the medications that can interact with ibandronate include:
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve)
- Cancer medications (angiogenesis inhibitors) such as everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress), bevacizumab (Avastin), sorafenib (Nexavar), pazopanib (Votrient), or sunitinib (Sutent)
- Cancer chemotherapy drugs
- Oral corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, prednisone (Rayos), and methylprednisolone (Medrol)
The above list may not describe all the potential interactions of ibandronate. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your other medicines, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.
Ibandronate Sodium Pros & Cons
Ibandronate (Boniva) Pros and Cons
- You only need to take 150 mg ibandronate once a month.
- There is an ibandronate sodium injection that can be given by a healthcare professional every 3 months if you are unable to comply with the dosing instructions for oral ibandronate.
- There is a lower-cost generic available.
- Some people find it difficult to follow the dosing instructions for taking ibandronate by mouth (for example, take it on an empty stomach, sit upright, etc.)
- This medicine is only for postmenopausal osteoporosis. It cannot be used to treat osteoporosis in men or osteoporosis caused by corticosteroid use or Paget’s disease.
- People with severe renal impairment cannot take ibandronate.
Ibandronate Sodium Pharmacist Tips
Ibandronate (Boniva) Tips from Pharmacists
Take ibandronate 150 mg on the same date every month. Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your smartphone to help you remember.
Take ibandronate first thing in the morning after getting out of bed. This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water. You should not eat or drink anything or take other oral medicines before your ibandronate dose and for at least 60 minutes afterward.
Remain upright for at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate. Lying down can cause irritation and damage to your esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and stomach).
Continue taking ibandronate even if you feel well. This drug can increase bone density but does not cure osteoporosis.
Brush your teeth twice a day and keep your mouth clean while on this drug. Tell your dentist you are on ibandronate before any dental treatment.
Tell your doctor if you develop adverse effects such as new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, jaw pain, or bone, joint, or muscle pain while on this drug.
Ibandronate Sodium Rx Savings Tips
Ibandronate (Boniva) Rx Savings Tips
Ibandronate is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand name. Brand name Boniva and generic ibandronate contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx ibandronate coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Ibandronate may be under $24.00 for 3 tablets of the 150 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on ibandronate, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx ibandronate discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions.
Lowest Price for Ibandronate (Boniva) | |
| Brand $197.97 | Generic $23.59 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Ibandronate Sodium 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. |
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