What is Ibandronate?

Ibandronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Ibandronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Ibandronate is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause.
Ibandronate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Ibandronate?

Do not take an ibandronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least one full hour. Ibandronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 60 minutes after taking this medication.
Take the ibandronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 1 hour (60 minutes) before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Take each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an ibandronate tablet.
For at least the first 60 minutes after taking an ibandronate tablet, do not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
Some people using medicines similar to ibandronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and pre-existing dental problems.
Ibandronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ibandronate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ibandronate, or if you have severe kidney disease, low blood levels of calcium (hypocalcemia), or a problem with your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Do not take an ibandronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least one full hour. Ibandronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You will need to stay upright for at least 60 minutes after taking this medication.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• a vitamin D deficiency
• kidney disease
• an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus; or
• trouble swallowing

Some people using medicines similar to ibandronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ibandronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether ibandronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ibandronate Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Ibandronate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using ibandronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain
• difficulty or pain when swallowing
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back
• new or worsening heartburn
• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling

Less serious side effects may include:

• back pain, headache
• redness or swelling of your eyes
• diarrhea
• flu symptoms
• redness or swelling where the medicine was injected
• nausea or upset stomach; or
• pain in your arms or legs

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ibandronate Interactions

What other drugs affect Ibandronate?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as:

• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• diflunisal (Dolobid)
• ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• ketoprofen (Orudis)
• ketorolac (Toradol)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); or
• piroxicam (Feldene), and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ibandronate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Ibandronate?

Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 60 minutes before or after taking an ibandronate tablet.
Avoid milk and other dairy products for at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate (except in the case of overdose as stated above).
Do not lie down for at least 1 hour (60 minutes) after you take an ibandronate tablet.

Ibandronate Dosage

How should I take Ibandronate?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Ibandronate tablets are taken either once each day or once each month. Ibandronate intravenous solution is given as an injection into one of your veins once every three (3) months. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Ibandronate tablets can be taken at home.
Take the ibandronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 1 hour (60 minutes) before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you take an ibandronate tablet only once a month, take it on the same day each month and always first thing in the morning.
Take each ibandronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an ibandronate tablet.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the ibandronate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
After taking an ibandronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions:

• Do not lie down or recline for at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate
• Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water
• Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 60 minutes after taking ibandronate. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Ibandronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store ibandronate tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Ibandronate?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

What happens if I miss a dose of Ibandronate?

If you take ibandronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
If you take ibandronate tablets once a month: If you forget to take ibandronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular monthly schedule on your chosen dose day. If your next scheduled dose is less than 7 days away, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one week.
If you receive ibandronate injections every 3 months: Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com