BONIVA (IBANDRONATE)
Boniva (Ibandronate) is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures. Boniva is prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. Ibandronate helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture. It is not known how long Boniva works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if this medicine is still right for you. If you have any questions regarding boss loss, bone fractures or osteoporosis, please do not hesitate to contact us at our toll free number to speak to a licensed Pharmacist from our contracted Pharmacy department.
USES
BONIVA is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. BONIVA helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture (break).
BEFORE YOU TAKE THE MEDICATION
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: esophagus problems (such as heartburn, narrowing of the esophagus, achalasia), low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), inability to sit upright or stand for 60 minutes, difficult or painful swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ulcers), severe kidney disease. Some people taking ibandronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication. Tell your dentist that you are taking this medication before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away. Before having surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non prescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking ibandronate before your surgery. Ask for specific instructions about stopping or starting this medication. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. This medication may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are not known. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with ibandronate.
STORAGE
You should store Boniva tablets at room temperature (77°F/25°C) in a tightly sealed container away from light. If needed, you may store the tablets between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) for short periods of time, such as when traveling. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
HOW TO USE
Use Boniva exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Boniva tablets are taken once per month. The injection is given into a vein through an IV once every 3 months. The tablets can be taken at home, but a healthcare provider must give the injection. Take the tablet first thing in the morning, at least 60 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Take the medicine on the same day each month and always first thing in the morning. Take the tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water. Do not use coffee, tea, soda, juice, or mineral water. Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not crush, chew, or suck on a tablet. Swallow it whole. For at least 60 minutes (1 full hour) after taking a tablet: Do not lie down or recline. Do not take any other medicine including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
SIDE EFFECTS
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Boniva: hives; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: chest pain, new or worsening heartburn; difficulty or pain when swallowing; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood; new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip; jaw pain, numbness, or swelling; severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or low calcium levels – muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes). Common Boniva side effects may include: heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea; back pain, bone pain, muscle or joint pain; pain in your arms or legs; headache; or fever, chills, tiredness, flu-like symptoms. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN TAKING BONIVA?
Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 60 minutes after taking Boniva. This includes vitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb ibandronate. Avoid smoking, or try to quit. Smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can also cause bone loss.
WHAT OTHER DRUGS WILL AFFECT BONIVA?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: aspirin; or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ibandronate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.
Boniva is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent the thinning of bones, known medically as osteoporosis, in postmenopausal women. Boniva belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates, which slow the breakdown of bone. This medication comes in tablet form. It is taken once a month, on an empty stomach with a glass of water. This medication is also available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional. Common side effects include back pain, heartburn, and abdominal (stomach area) pain.
USA Script Helpers offers best priced* guaranteed. Although USA Script Helpers is not covered by Medicare, USA Script Helpers offers medical expense reports that you may submit to your local insurance companies. Should you be reimbursed that is separate from us. USA Script Helpers also offers best priced* guaranteed for all medications for more information simply give us a call at 1 (888) 646-7749.
