Drugs & Vitamins

Ibandronate Active Ingredients: Ibandronate Representative Names: Boniva Available Product Images: What are ibandronate tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with ibandronate? What side effects may I notice from receiving Ibandronate? What should I watch for while taking Ibandronate? Where can I keep my medicine? What are ibandronate tablets? (Back to top) IBANDRONATE (Boniva™) reduces calcium loss from bones. It helps prevent bone loss and increases production of normal healthy bone in patients with osteoporosis and other conditions which place someone at risk for bone loss, including after menopause in females. Generic ibandronate tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •dental disease •kidney disease •low level of blood calcium •problems swallowing •stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems, like acid-reflux or GERD •vitamin D deficiency •an unusual or allergic reaction to ibandronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take ibandronate tablets by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6—8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablets with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not take with mineral water, orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of ibandronate. Do not chew or suck on the tablets; this may cause mouth ulcers (sores). Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 1 hour after taking ibandronate. Taking on an empty stomach is critical to drug effectiveness and the avoidance of selected side effects. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down or bend over) for at least 1 hour. This will help to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you take a daily dose of ibandronate: If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Continue your normal schedule starting the next morning, before you have eaten. Do not take double or extra doses. If you take a once-monthly dose of ibandronate: If you miss a dose of ibandronate 150-mg once a month and your next scheduled ibandronate administration day is more than 7 days away, take the dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a month, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the month. NEVER take 2 tablets in the same week. If your next scheduled ibandronate day is only 1 to 7 days away, wait until your scheduled day to take your tablet. Then return to taking one ibandronate 150-mg tablet every month in the morning of your chosen day, according to your original schedule. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with ibandronate? (Back to top) •aluminum hydroxide •antacids •anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others •aspirin •calcium supplements •iron supplements •magnesium supplements •parathyroid hormone •teriparatide •vitamins with minerals Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Ibandronate? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: More common: •stomach pain •heartburn •pain or difficulty swallowing Rare or uncommon: •black or tarry stools •constant jaw pain, especially burning or cramping •eye inflammation, pain or change in vision •skin rash, itching (hives) •swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat •vomiting •allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea or constipation •headache •nausea •bone, muscle or joint pain •rash What should I watch for while taking Ibandronate? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking ibandronate except on your prescriber's advice. Low blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can occur but usually do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests to check for these problems. It is very important to take ibandronate with a full glass of plain water (6—8 ounces). Do not take with mineral water, orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of ibandronate. Do not take ibandronate with food. Wait at least 1 hour or longer after taking ibandronate before you eat, drink, or take other medicines. Because ibandronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 1 hour after taking ibandronate; do not lie down. Do not lie down. Do not bend over while you are sitting, standing, or walking. If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away. You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking ibandronate, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist. If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor. However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after treatment with ibandronate. If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, wait to take them at least 2 hours after you take ibandronate. Do not take them at same time. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:09/26/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.