MedlinePlus Drug Information: Ibandronate Injection

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Ibandronate Injection

(i ban' droh nate)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Ibandronate injection is used to treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause ('change of life,' end of menstrual periods). Ibandronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Ibandronate injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic. Ibandronate injection is usually given once every 3 months.

Your doctor will tell you to take supplements of calcium and vitamin D while you are being treated with ibandronate injection. Take these supplements exactly as directed.

You may experience a reaction after you receive your first dose of ibandronate injection. You probably will not experience this reaction after you receive later doses of ibandronate injection. Symptoms of this reaction may include flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, and bone or muscle pain. Your doctor may recommend that you take a mild pain reliever to prevent or treat these symptoms.

Ibandronate injection controls osteoporosis but does not cure it. Ibandronate injection helps to treat osteoporosis only as long as you receive regular injections. It is important that you receive your ibandronate injection once every 3 months for as long as your health care provider prescribes it.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before receiving ibandronate injection,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibandronate or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: cancer chemotherapy and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have hypocalcemia (lower than normal level of calcium in your blood). Your doctor will probably tell you not to use ibandronate injection.
tell your doctor if you are undergoing radiation therapy and if you have or have ever had anemia (condition in which the red blood cells do not bring enough oxygen to all the parts of the body); cancer;diabetes; any type of infection, especially in your mouth; problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums; high blood pressure; any condition that stops your blood from clotting normally; lower than normal levels of vitamin D;or heart or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future, because ibandronate may remain in your body for years after you stop using it. Call your doctor if you become pregnant during or after your treatment.
you should know that ibandronate injection may cause serious problems with your jaw, especially if you have dental surgery or treatment while you are being treated with ibandronate injection. A dentist should examine your teeth and perform any needed treatments before you start treatment with ibandronate injection. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are being treated with ibandronate injection. Talk to your dentist before having any dental treatments while you are receiving this medication.
you should know that ibandronate injection may cause severe bone, muscle, or joint pain. You may begin to feel this pain within days, months, or years after you first receive ibandronate injection. Although this type of pain may begin after you have received ibandronate injection for some time, it is important for you and your doctor to realize that it may be caused by ibandronate. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe pain at any time during your treatment with ibandronate inejction. Your doctor may stop giving you ibandronate injection and your pain may go away after you stop treatment with this medication.
talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular program of weight-bearing exercise.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of ibandronate, you should call your health care provider as soon as possible. The missed dose should be given as soon as it can be rescheduled.After you receive the missed dose, your next injection should be scheduled 3 months from the date of your last injection. You should not receive an ibandronate injection more often than once every 3 months.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Ibandronate injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

stomach pain
nausea
constipation
diarrhea
heartburn
back pain
rash
pain in the arms or legs
weakness
tiredness
dizziness
headache
fever, sore throat, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
frequent or urgent need to urinate
painful urination
redness or swelling at injection spot

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately before receiving any more ibandronate injection:

painful or swollen gums
loosening of the teeth
numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw
poor healing of the jaw
eye pain or swelling
vision changes
sensitivity to light

Ibandronate injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests to be sure it is safe for you to receive ibandronate injection and to check your body's response to ibandronate injection.

Before having any bone imaging study, tell your doctor and health care personnel that you are receiving ibandronate injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Boniva® Injection

Last Revised - 05/01/2008
Last Reviewed - 05/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer