Ibandronate

Pill: 150 mg in a single monthly dose.

Infusion: 3 mg/3 mL every 3 months.

Heartburn; stomach pain. Joint pain and fever may accompany infusions, most commonly with first infusion.

Swallow whole with liquid. Do not split, crush, chew or dissolve tablets. Take at least 30 minutes before meals.

Do not eat or drink anything else or take any other medication, including calcium tablets, for at least 60 minutes.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products.

Blood levels of calcium and vitamin D must be normal before starting therapy. If they are low, your doctor may recommend supplementation with ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol before taking potent bisphosphonates. Rarely, osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates. You should have dental checkup before starting bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates have also been linked to a rare type of leg fracture. Tell your doctor if you have persistent leg pain.

                                                                        LAST UPDATED: 03/27/2014