Ibandronate or Ibandronic acid for Osteoporosis

Overview
Ibandronate is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Ibandronate is also called Ibandronic acid. Ibandronate is sold under brand names including Boniva.

Ibandronate is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are believed to work in cases of osteoporosis by reducing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.

How do I take it?
Ibandronate is taken on differing schedules, either once a day or once a month, depending on dosage. Ask your doctor whether you need to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements while on Ibandronate.

Ibandronate comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Ibandronate lists common side effects including dizziness, weakness, headache, cold symptoms, back pain, muscle pain, pain in extremities, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, and urinary tract infections.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Ibandronate include severe gastrointestinal problems, osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue) in the jaw, atypical femoral (upper leg) fractures, and severe bone, muscle, or joint pain.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Boniva - RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/boniva-drug.htm

Ibandronate - MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605035.html

Bisphosphonates - International Osteoporosis Foundation
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/bisphosphonates