Title: Postmenopausal Women Can Rely on Boniva Ibandronate to Treat Osteoporosis

Ibandronate under the brand name Boniva is an oral prescription drug for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates that also have alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel). Though Boniva can be taken daily, it is the only medication in its class to be approved for once-monthly use.

Osteoporosis can occur due to a number of factors. You should consult your doctor about your chances of getting affected by this bone disorder. Women who are going through or have passed menopause are very much prone this disease. White (Caucasian) or Asian women have the highest risk for getting Osteoporosis. In addition, people who are thin, have a family history of osteoporosis, have deficiency of vitamin D or calcium, do not exercise, smoke a lot, frequently take alcohol, and use bone thinning drugs such as prednisone for a prolonged period.

Boniva (Ibandronate) works by preventing the breakdown of bone by bone cells called osteoclasts. It not only increases bone mass and bone strength, but it also lowers the risk of fractures in back, hip, and wrist bones. However, you need to closely follow its dosing instructions for maximum clinical benefit.

Go for emergency medical help if you think you’ve taken overdoses of Boniva. Drink a full glass of milk and contact your nearest poison control center immediately. Refrain yourself from vomiting or lying down. Symptoms of an overdose may include heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, numbness or tingling, muscle cramps, seizure (convulsions), tight muscles in your face, irritability, and abnormal thinking or actions.

As far as timing of the Ibandronate dosage is concerned, you have to take the pill first in the morning before anything else. Any food, beverage or medicine should not be taken for at least one hour after taking the dose. Boniva is orally taken once in a month with a full glass of plain water (not mineral water). Users of the drug are strongly advised not to lie down or recline for 60 minutes after swallowing the pill. There is also restriction on using all kinds of medicines including vitamins, calcium or antacids during this period.

Like any other bisphosphonate drugs, the oral administration of Boniva may cause upper gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), dysphagia (difficulty or painful swallowing), and esophageal or gastric ulcer. The only way to minimize the risks associated with these disorders is to abide by the dosing guidelines closely. You should discontinue the medication if any new or aggravating symptoms come to the fore.

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.