Ibandronate - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Ibandronate is a medication to treat or prevent osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures and is more common in postmenopausal women or people who are on long-term corticosteroid treatment.

Ibandronate belongs to the class of bisphosphonate drugs. This drug works by slowing the loss of bone mass, which helps maintain bone strength and lowers the risk of fractures. Ibandronate can only be used according to a doctor's prescription.

ibandronate trademark: Bondronat, Bonviva

What's that Ibandronate

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryBisphosphonates
BenefitPrevent and treat osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
Used byMature
Ibandronate for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether ibandronate is absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult a doctor before using this medicine.

Drug formTablets and injections

Precautions Before Using Ibandronate

Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Ibandronate should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney disease or low levels of calcium in your blood. Ibandronate should not be given to patients with these conditions.
  • Tell your doctor if you have difficulty sitting up or standing up while you are taking ibandronate. This is because after taking this medicine, you should not lie down for at least 1 hour.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have had difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal disease, dental disease, or malabsorption.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using ibandronate.

Dosage and Rules of Use Ibandronate

The following are common doses of ibandronate to treat and prevent osteoporosis after menopause based on the form of the drug:

  • Drug form: Tablet

    The dose is 150 mg, once per month, given on the same date each month. An alternative dose is 2.5 mg per day.

  • Drug form: Injection (intravenous/IV)

    The dose is 3 mg by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV) for 15-30 seconds, every 3 months.

How to Use Ibandronate Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before using ibandronate. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Ibandronate injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV) as recommended by the doctor.

During treatment with ibandronate, the doctor will advise you to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, to meet the needs of vitamin D and calcium.

Ibandronate tablets are recommended to be taken some time after getting up in the morning or 1 hour before breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not suck, crush or chew the medicine.

Do not lie down after taking this medicine. You are required to stand or sit up straight for 1 hour after taking ibandronate.

Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 1 hour after taking ibandronate. If you are taking other medications, supplements, vitamins, or antacids, wait at least 1 hour after taking ibandronate.

Store ibandronate at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Ibandronate Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are some drug interactions that can occur when ibandronate is used with other drugs:

  • Increased risk of injury or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract when used with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Decreased absorption of ibandronate in the body when used with antacids or calcium supplements

Side Effects and Dangers of Ibandronate

The side effects that commonly occur after using ibandronate are:

  • Diarrhea, heartburn, or vomiting
  • Pain in the arms or legs
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Muscle or back, arm, or leg pain
  • Fever or chills

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty or pain when urinating
  • Fast or slow heart rate
  • Difficulty sleeping or depression
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be characterized by symptoms such as pain or numbness in the jaw and swollen gums or missing teeth
  • Sore throat, runny nose, fever, cough with phlegm, or signs of a respiratory infection
  • Low calcium levels, which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as muscle spasms, numbness, or a stinging or prickling sensation around the mouth or fingers and toes