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Ibandronic acid

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If taking tablets, the following should be observed:

Take in the morning before the first food or drink of the day.
Avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet.
Swallow 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.
Do not take at the same time as iron, calcium or indigestion remedies.
Good dental hygiene is particularly important with this treatment - this means that you must brush your teeth regularly and have routine dental check-ups.

About ibandronic acid

Type of medicine	Bisphosphonate
Used for	Osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause Preventing bone damage in patients with breast cancer that has spread to the bone Reducing high levels of calcium in the blood caused by tumours (injection only)
Also called	Bonviva Bondronat
Available as	Tablets Injection

Ibandronic Acid works by stopping the breaking down of bone and stopping calcium from leaving the bone.

Before 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 liver problems.
If your blood calcium levels are low.
If you have problems swallowing.
If you find it difficult to sit or stand for at least 60 minutes.
If you are allergic to bisphosphonates.
If you are at risk of heart failure.

How to take ibandronic acid

Depending on what you are being treated for, you will either take tablets or receive intravenous infusions.
If taking tablets, the following should be observed:
- Take in the morning before the first food or drink of the day.
- Avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet.
- Swallow 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.

Getting the most from your treatment

Your doctor may recommend that you see your dentist if s/he thinks you are at risk of osteonecrosis (a disease where the bone is no longer alive and cannot re-form itself) of the jaw.
Do not take at the same time as iron, calcium or indigestion remedies.
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, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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.
Nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain	Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Dyspepsia, flatulence	Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Dizziness	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.
Fever (high temperature)	Open a window to allow fresh air into the room. Drink plenty of water. Take off excessive layers of clothing. Take paracetamol to reduce your fever- speak to your pharmacist.

Important: If you experience any signs of irritation to your foodpipe during treatment with this medicine (such as new or worsening problems with swallowing, pain on swallowing, pain behind your breastbone, or heartburn) you should stop taking these tablets and inform your doctor.

Important: If you experience pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw, a "heavy jaw feeling" or loosening of a tooth, tell your doctor.

How to store ibandronic acid

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3881

DocRef: dils3916

Last Reviewed: 9 May 2007

Version: 25

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