Ibandronate (i-BAN-droh-nate)

Treats or prevents weak bones (osteoporosis) in postmenopausal women.

Brand Name(s):

Boniva

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a dental problem, kidney disease, or other diseases that may affect your kidneys, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
• Your doctor should know if you have any type of vitamin or mineral deficiency or imbalance.
• Your doctor may instruct you to take extra calcium and vitamin D supplements. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about taking this medicine with other supplements. Taking too much vitamin D can be harmful.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine, especially if you are having dental surgery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Difficult, burning, or painful urination.
• Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe bone, muscle, joint, or back pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Vision changes or eye redness.