Boniva Tablet
Generic Name:
Ibandronate
Brand Names:
Boniva, Boniva Injection
Boniva Tablet Description:
Boniva is a bisphosphonate medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become thin or weak and may break easily. Boniva works to prevent the breakdown of bones and to increase bone density, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Boniva Tablet Uses:
Boniva is used in the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become porous, causing them to become weak or brittle. People with osteoporosis do not have adequate bone gain to equal bone loss. Bone deterioration can lead to fractures or the deterioration of the spine, leaving the back unable to support weight (hunchback).
Boniva works by blocking the activity of bone breakdown and the release of calcium from bone into the blood. Boniva also helps to increase bone gain to counteract bone loss. People taking Boniva will not be able to see or feel a difference, but Boniva may help lower the chances of breaking or fracturing bones.
Boniva Tablet Interactions:
Calcium, aluminum, magnesium or iron supplements may affect the absorption of Boniva. Boniva should be taken at least 60 minutes before taking any of these medications, including antacids, supplements or vitamins.
Taking aspirin with Boniva may cause increased gastrointestinal irritation.
Boniva may interact with H2 blockers, which can cause the bioavailability of Boniva to increase.
Bisphosphonates have been known to interfere with bone-imaging agents.
Side effects may be increased when Boniva is used in combination with cancer chemotherapy and oral steroids including:
- Dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone)
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Prednisone (Deltasone)
Boniva Tablet Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Boniva tablets are available as a 2.5 mg once-daily dose, or as a 150 mg once-monthly dose.
Tablets should be taken at least 60 minutes before any food, drink (other than water), or oral medication is consumed for the day. Boniva should be taken first thing in the morning at the same time each day. Tablets should be swallowed with a 6 to 8-ounce glass of water only; do not take tablets with mineral water, sparkling water, coffee, tea, dairy drinks, or juice. After taking Boniva tablets, wait at least 60 minutes before lying down, eating, or drinking anything except water.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a daily dose of Boniva, skip the missed dose and wait to resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for the missed dose. Do not take a dose later in the day to make up for a missed morning dose.
If the monthly tablet is missed and the next tablet is not scheduled for more than a week, take the tablet the following morning after you remember. If the next scheduled dose is within one to seven days, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Never take two 150-mg tablets in the same week.
Overdosing:
In the case of a Boniva tablet overdose, drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention. Do not lie down or try to make yourself vomit in cases of overdose.
Signs of overdose include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
Boniva Tablet FDA Approval:
May 16, 2003
Boniva Tablet Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There have been no recalls or Black Box warnings issued by the FDA for Boniva tablets.
Other Warnings:
The FDA has issued a warning regarding increased abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) in patients using bisphosphonates such as Boniva.
Patients must receive calcium and vitamin D supplements while taking Boniva.
Treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates such as the Boniva injection has been linked to kidney (renal) toxicity and, in rare cases, kidney failure. The risk of serious kidney toxicity with bisphosphonates seems to be linked to the rate of drug administration. No cases of severe kidney failure were observed with Boniva during clinical trials where the drug was administered over 15 to 30 seconds. Boniva should not be administered to patients with severe kidney impairment.
Bone death (osteonecrosis), particularly in the jaw, has been associated with use of bisphosphonates. Most cases were in cancer patients who were undergoing dental procedures.
Acute, and sometimes debilitating, bone, joint and/or muscle pain has been observed in patients takings bisphosphonates such as Boniva. These occurrences are infrequent and most symptoms dissipated after cessation of treatment.
Sources:
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