Ibandronate
- What is it for
Ibandronate is a medication given to reduce bone breakdown, thus preventing the bone from becoming too weak or brittle. It is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis, and in conditions where the cancer has spread to the bone.
Ibandronate
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Ibandronate
cause?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Mild stomach discomfort e.g. stomach fullness or bloatedness, indigestion
Usually self-limiting - Headache, muscle or joint aches
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Allergic reactions e.g. rash, itch, swelling of eyelids and face, difficulty breathing
- Severe heartburn and/or abdominal pain
- An increase in bone, muscle or joint pain
- Persistent wounds/ulceration or pain in the mouth
Before taking
Ibandronate
, what precautions must I follow?
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Inform your dentist that you are taking Ibandronate.
- Inform your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing or have any history of gastrointestinal problems.
- For women: Inform your doctor of any intention to get pregnant or breast-feed.
Ibandronate
- Dosage and How to Use
How should
Ibandronate
be used?
- It is a tablet, to be swallowed whole after an overnight fast with a full glass of plain water.
- Do not chew or suck the tablet.
- Avoid mineral water.
- For at least 1 hour after taking Ibandronate:
- Remain fully upright sitting or standing. Do not lie down.
- Do not take any food or drink (except plain water), medication or supplements e.g. antacids, calcium, iron.
- Follow your doctor's instruction on how often and how much (exact number of tablets) to take:
- 150mg dose is taken once monthly.
- 50mg dose is taken once daily.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Once-monthly dosing (150mg):
If you miss a dose, take it the next morning after you remember and continue your next dose on your original scheduled date.
However, if there are less than 7 days to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Wait until the scheduled date to take your dose. Do not take two doses within 7 days.
Daily dosing (50mg):
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing time the next day. Do not double dose.
What should I do if I overdose?
If you overdose on this medication, inform your doctor immediately.