Ibandronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases after menopause, as you age, or if you take corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods.

This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Ibandronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ibandronate and each time you get another dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein over a period of 15-30 seconds by a health care professional. It is usually given once every 3 months.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix ibandronate with any other drugs.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to keep receiving this medication even if you feel well. Most people with osteoporosis do not have symptoms. Remember to receive it every 3 months. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Continue to take other medications for your condition as directed by your doctor.

Headache, stomach upset, flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, tiredness, joint/muscle ache), or injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, jaw pain, vision changes, change in the amount of urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using ibandronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, etidronate, pamidronate, risedronate); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following conditions: low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.

Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medications. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions that actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth, other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start ibandronate. Make sure your dentist knows your entire medical history, including any cancer radiation treatments. Also tell your dentist of all the medications you are using, especially cancer chemotherapy and corticosteroids such as prednisone, and tell your dentist you will be using ibandronate. Consult your dentist for more details.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. This medication may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are not known. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with ibandronate.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor of pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

This medication may affect the results of certain lab tests (bone-imaging agents). Be sure to tell lab personnel and all your doctors that you are taking this medication.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., bone density tests, X-rays, height, blood mineral levels, kidney function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, reschedule with your health care professional as soon as possible. Continue every 3 months from the date you actually receive the missed dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.