Title: Boniva Ibandronate for Osteoporosis: What to Discuss with Doctor Before Treatment

Proper knowledge about any medication is highly essential for a successful treatment. Therefore, you should discuss with your doctor in detail regarding various aspects of Boniva (Ibandronate) before beginning the therapy. This effective bisphosphonate drug is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. It helps to lower the risk of fractures, stops further bone loss and increases bone mass in majority of women. You need to inform the following things to your doctor before undergoing Boniva treatment.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Ibandronate which is the active ingredient in this medication or any of its excipients. In case of allergic reaction to the drug, the doctor will recommend you not to use it at all. Boniva is also prohibited in patients who have low blood levels of calcium or hypocalcemia.

Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot stand or sit straight for at least 60 minutes after taking the medicine. Taking Boniva tablets requires you to stay upright for this specified period of time so that you can prevent the drug from causing severe problems in the stomach or esophagus (the passage between the pharynx and the stomach).

Inform your doctor if you have medical conditions such as kidney disease, an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus, or a vitamin D deficiency. In such cases, you will be prescribed to alter your Ibandronate doses or perform special tests to ensure safe use of the medication.

A condition of osteonecrosis of the jaw should be informed to your doctor. This condition leads to loss of bone in the jaw due to use of medicines similar to Boniva (Ibandronate). Symptoms of osteonecrosis may include swelling of the jaw, loose teeth, jaw pain, lack of sensation, gum infection, or slow curing after injury or operation involving the gums. Osteonecrosis of the jaw may occur in those patients who have cancer or have been treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. In addition, conditions like blood clotting disorders, low red blood cells (anemia), past dental problems, and dental surgery may also lead to osteonecrosis.

Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the treatment. The drug is listed in the FDA pregnancy category C. So, it is unknown whether Boniva causes harm to an unborn baby. In the same way, it is still unclear whether Boniva passes into breast milk and harms a nursing baby. Do not start using the medication without letting your physician know if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Lastly, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. These must include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and supplements. Some vitamins, supplements, and antacids can block Boniva (Ibandronate) from reaching your bones. This can occur if you take other drugs within a short period of time after you take Boniva.