Product Details: Boniva (ibandronate)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Roche/GSK

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a bisphosphonate used to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis (weak bones) in certain women. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. DO NOT TAKE this medicine if you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 60 minutes. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck on the tablet before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with 6-8 ounces of PLAIN WATER ONLY the first thing in the morning, at least 60 minutes before eating; drinking; or taking any other medicines (including antacids, vitamins, minerals, or supplements). DO NOT TAKE WITH mineral water, juice, or other liquids. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 60 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each month will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and your next scheduled dose is more than seven days away, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember, and then return to your original dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses within one week of each other.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including bone density tests, kidney function, and blood calcium levels may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE pain or trouble swallowing, heartburn, or rarely, ulcers in your stomach or esophagus. Taking this medicine with plenty of water and remaining upright as directed will help to reduce your risk of these problems. Discuss the benefits and the risks of this medicine with your doctor. SOME PATIENTS MAY DEVELOP JAW BONE PROBLEMS while taking this medicine. You may be at a higher risk if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, certain other conditions (such as bleeding or blood clotting problems, infection, dental problems) or if you are using certain medicines or therapies (such as chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation). Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dental exam before starting this medicine. Tell your doctor if you develop jaw pain or swelling, or if you have an upcoming dental procedure. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines containing aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache; stomach upset; dizziness; nausea; diarrhea; constipation; trouble sleeping; flu-like symptoms; or pain in your hands or feet. Contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience persistent cough or sore throat; fever; painful or difficult urination; persistent or severe headache or dizziness; or eye pain or vision changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience jaw pain or swelling; severe or persistent heartburn; severe stomach pain; blood in your vomit; dark, tarry stools; chest pain; painful or difficult swallowing; or severe joint, bone, or muscle pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

ibandronate