What is Boniva?

Boniva is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause.

Boniva may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Boniva

Take the Boniva 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 a Boniva tablet.

For at least the first 60 minutes after taking a Boniva 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 Boniva 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 a pre-existing dental problems.

Boniva 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.

Before using Boniva

Do not take a Boniva tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least one full hour. Boniva 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 a Boniva tablet.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Boniva:

a vitamin D deficiency;
kidney disease; or
an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.

Some people using medicines similar to Boniva 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 Boniva is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. 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.

How should I use Boniva?

Boniva tablets are taken either once each day or once each month. Boniva intravenous solution is given as an injection into one of your veins once every three (3) months. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will give you the Boniva injection. The tablets can be taken at home.

Take the Boniva 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 a Boniva tablet only once a month, take it on the same day each month and always first thing in the morning.

Take each tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a Boniva tablet. Do not crush, chew, or suck the Boniva tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

After taking a Boniva tablet, carefully follow these instructions:

Do not lie down or recline for at least 60 minutes after taking Boniva.
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 Boniva. 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 on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Boniva 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 Boniva tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take Boniva tablets once a month: If you forget to take Boniva 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 Boniva injections once a month: Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

What should I avoid while taking Boniva?

Boniva 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 Boniva 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.

What other drugs will affect Boniva?

Before using Boniva, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Boniva. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?