Boniva Tablet Side Effects
Boniva injection may cause the following side effects, and you should contact your doctor if any symptoms increase in severity or do not improve:
- Heartburn
- Pain or trouble swallowing
- Ulcers in the stomach or esophagus
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the extremities (arms, legs)
- Upset stomach
- Flu-like symptoms
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following more severe side effects:
- Pain or trouble swallowing
- Chest pain
- Severe heartburn or heartburn that does not get better
- Allergic reaction symptoms such as skin rash, hives, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Numbness of heaviness in the jaw
- Poor healing of the jaw
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Specific precautions
Bone death (osteonecrosis) can occur in patients taking Boniva. If you experience jaw pain, notify your doctor immediately. Consult with your doctor before having any dental surgery.
In rare cases, patients have reported severe bone, joint or muscle pain while taking Boniva, starting within one day to several months after starting treatment. Contact a doctor if these symptoms develop.
Rarely, treatment with bisphosphonates can cause kidney toxicity and even kidney failure. Tell your doctor about any history of kidney impairment.
Do not take Boniva if you have any of the following conditions:
- Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
- Inability to stand or sit for at least 60 minutes
- Insufficient kidney function
- Poorly functioning kidneys
- Allergy to ibandronate sodium or any other ingredients of Boniva
Conditions or medications that may be affected by the drug or interact negatively with the drug
There are a number of conditions that may be affected by Boniva treatment, including:
- Anemia
- Blood clotting problems
- Cancer or cancer treatment
- Dental or oral disease or infection
- Family history of osteoporosis or other bone problems
- Previous broken bone
- Smoking
- Thin body frame
- Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia)
- Kidney problems
Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia) must be treated before beginning Boniva treatment.
Kidney problems including kidney failure may be made worse while taking Boniva.
Dental or oral infections may be worsened by Boniva and may lead to osteonecrosis.
Safety has not been established in patients who are pregnant. Since Boniva is typically used for post-menopausal women, this may not be an issue. Talk to your doctor if are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Safety and effectiveness of Boniva has not been established in children.
Questions to ask your physician
Inform your doctor if you are on a low-sugar or low-sodium diet. Your doctor may recommend that you eat a diet balanced in vitamin D and calcium, and you will need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any kind of allergic reaction to the ingredients in Boniva.
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Additional drugs
Consult your doctor about any medications, prescription, supplements, or herbs that you will be or may be taking in addition to Boniva. This information must be disclosed in order to prevent the possibility of drug interactions. Certain medications and antacids can stop Boniva from reaching your bones, as well as taking medications too close to the time of your Boniva dose.
Boniva should not be taken with antacids, calcium, or vitamin substances or the absorption of Boniva will be compromised.
Food/alcohol
Boniva should be taken on an empty stomach at least 60 minutes before any food or beverage is consumed (besides plain water).
A diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D may be recommended, as well as supplements.
Certain activities
Boniva should be avoided in pregnancy. Boniva falls under the FDA class C category for pregnancy. However, it is possible for Boniva to be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Boniva should be avoided while breastfeeding unless clearly needed.
Sources:
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
