Boniva is used for:
Preventing and treating osteoporosis (weak bones) in women who are past menopause. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Boniva is a bisphosphonate. It works by slowing bone loss and allowing new bone to be formed.
Do NOT use Boniva if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Boniva
• you have severe kidney problems or low levels of calcium in your blood
• you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 60 minutes
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Boniva :
Some medical conditions may interact with Boniva . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have cancer, anemia, or bleeding or blood clotting problems, or if you have an infection
• if you have poor dental hygiene, dental problems, or an upcoming dental procedure
• if you have difficulty swallowing, problems with your esophagus, stomach problems (eg, ulcers), or kidney problems
• if you take a corticosteroid (eg, prednisone), or if you have had or will be having chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Boniva . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium salts (eg, certain antacids or multivitamins) because they may decrease Boniva 's effectiveness
• Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of stomach irritation, including ulcers, may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Boniva may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Boniva :
Use Boniva as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• An extra patient leaflet is available with Boniva . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Boniva by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating. Boniva is only effective when taken on an empty stomach.
• Take Boniva with 6 to 8 ounces (180 to 250 mL) of plain water (not mineral water) first thing in the morning at least 60 minutes before you take any other medicines or drink anything other than plain water.
• Swallow Boniva whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• DO NOT lie down for 60 minutes after taking Boniva .
• Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron may interfere with the absorption of Boniva . Take these products and any other medicines at least 1 hour after taking Boniva .
• If you miss a dose of Boniva and your next scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take one dose in the morning on the day after you remember. Then return to your original schedule. Do not take 2 doses within the same week. If your next scheduled dose is 1 to 7 days away, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Boniva and you are unsure of what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Boniva .
Important safety information:
• Boniva may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Boniva with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Boniva can cause pain or trouble swallowing, heartburn, or, rarely, ulcers in your stomach or esophagus. Taking Boniva with plenty of water and not lying down for at least 1 hour afterward will help to reduce your risk of these problems. Discuss the benefits and risks of Boniva with your doctor.
• Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. Be sure that you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Weight-bearing exercise may also be beneficial in the prevention of osteoporosis. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
• Some patients may develop jaw bone problems while taking Boniva . You may be at a higher risk if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, or certain other conditions (eg, bleeding or blood clotting problems, infection, dental problems), or if you are using certain medicines or therapies (eg, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation). Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dental exam before starting Boniva . Tell your doctor if you develop jaw pain or swelling, or if you have an upcoming dental procedure.
• Proper dental care is important while you are taking Boniva . Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Boniva before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Boniva may interfere with certain lab or diagnostic tests that use a bone-imaging agent. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know that you are taking Boniva .
• Lab tests, including bone thickness or density tests, may be performed while you use Boniva . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Boniva should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Boniva may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Boniva while you are pregnant. It is not known if Boniva is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Boniva , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Boniva :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; heartburn; mild flu-like symptoms; nausea; pain in the arms, legs, or back; stomach upset; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; eye pain; painful or difficult swallowing; severe bone, joint, or muscle pain; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent heartburn or stomach pain; swelling or pain in your jaw; vision changes; vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Proper storage of Boniva :
Store Boniva at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Boniva out of the reach of children and away from pets.