Boniva (Ibandronate) for Osteoporosis

Overview
Boniva is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Boniva is also referred to by its drug name, Ibandronate, or Ibandronic acid.

Boniva is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are believed to work in cases of osteoporosis by reducing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.

How do I take it?
Boniva is taken once a month. Ask your doctor whether you need to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements while on Boniva.

Boniva comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Boniva lists common side effects including headache, cold symptoms, back pain, muscle pain, pain in extremities, upset stomach, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Boniva include severe gastrointestinal problems, osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue) in the jaw, atypical femoral (upper leg) fractures, and severe bone, muscle, or joint pain.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Boniva - RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/boniva-drug.htm

Bisphosphonates - International Osteoporosis Foundation
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/bisphosphonates