Sign inBefore taking ibandronic acid
Before taking ibandronic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you have heart problems.
- If you have problems swallowing.
- If you find it difficult to sit or stand for at least 60 minutes.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take ibandronic acid
- Depending on what you are being treated for, you will either take tablets or be given an injection.
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- If you are taking Bondronat® or Iasibon® tablets:
- Take your dose each morning before the first food or drink of the day (other than water).
- Avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain water while standing or sitting in an upright position.
- Do not lie down for 60 minutes after taking the tablet.
- If you forget to take a dose, just take your tablet the next day as usual. Do not take a double-dose to make up for the missed dose.
- If you are taking Bonviva® tablets:
- Take your dose on the same morning each month before the first food or drink of the day (other than water).
- Avoid food or drink for at least 60 minutes after taking the tablet.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain water while standing or sitting in an upright position.
- Do not lie down for 60 minutes after taking the tablet.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it on the morning after you remember unless you are due to take your next dose within 7 days. If your next dose is due within 7 days, then skip the missed dose and take the next dose when it is due.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Your doctor may recommend that you see your dentist before starting this treatment. This is because this treatment may increase the risk of you developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a disease where the bone is no longer alive and cannot re-form itself. This risk is reduced by having good dental hygiene which means having regular dental check-ups and brushing your teeth regularly.
- When you are having any dental treatment, it is important that you tell your dentist that you are being treated with ibandronic acid.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
Can ibandronic acid cause problems
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Indigestion, feeling sick, stomach ache | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Dizziness | Getting up or moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down for a few minutes until the dizziness passes. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Muscle and joint pains, 'flu-like' feelings | These may occur at the beginning of treatment but should soon pass. If they continue beyond the first few days, let your doctor know |
Important: if you experience pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw, a "heavy jaw feeling" or loosening of a tooth, tell your doctor.
Important: if you experience any thigh, hip, or groin pain, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
How to store ibandronic acid
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Bondronat® 50 mg film-coated tablets, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Bonviva® 150 mg film-coated tablets, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2010.
- British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.