Ibandronic acid is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in postmenopausal women. It helps stop the loss of bone and increase bone mass.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Ibandronic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine first thing in the morning, upon getting up for the day. Take it with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before the first food, drink, or other medicine of the day. Do not take this medicine with mineral water, milk, coffee, tea, juice or any other drink besides plain water. Swallow it whole. Do not suck, chew, or crush it.
Take Ibandronic acid in an upright (sitting or standing) position. Do not take it at bedtime or while lying down. Do not lie down for at least 1 hour after swallowing this medicine. Do not take other medicines or eat or drink anything except plain water during this 1 hour.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully. Ibandronic acid may cause severe irritation to the gullet (food pipe) and stomach if not taken exactly as instructed. Taking this medicine in the manner described here will help to minimise any stomach irritation that it may cause. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any questions.
There are 2 types of Ibandronic acid available - one type is to be taken every day and the other is to be taken only once a month.
If you are taking the Once Daily tablet, take it at the same time every day.
If you are taking the Once-a-Month tablet, take it on the same date each month.
Your doctor will advise you about which type to take. Make sure you understand how often you need to take this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Ibandronic acid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you are taking Ibandronic acid daily, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing the next morning.
If you are taking Ibandronic acid only once a month:
- If the next scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take the missed dose the next morning and return to your usual once-a-month dosing schedule.
- If the next scheduled dose is due in 7 days or less, skip the missed dose. Wait until the next scheduled date to take your tablet.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances. Never take 2 tablets within the same week.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low levels of calcium in your blood
- disease of the gullet (food pipe)
- unable to sit or stand upright for at least 60 minutes
as Ibandronic acid may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- at risk of having ear infections or trauma
- low levels of vitamin D
- unusual bone fractures involving thigh bones
- stomach problems e.g. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), stomach ulcers
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer or going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, always inform your doctor, or dentist that you are taking Ibandronic acid.
Ibandronic acid may cause your jaw bones to weaken. You may experience dental problems such as jaw swelling and pain, loose or shaky teeth. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with Ibandronic acid. Your doctor may recommend that you have a dental check-up before starting you on this medicine. Inform your doctor and dentist if you:
- develop a tooth infection
- develop pain, numbness or discomfort in your teeth or gums
- have a tooth extraction
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Ibandronic acid. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. bone mineral density, calcium and vitamin D levels, urine test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of height, weight, and signs and symptoms of gullet reactions and limb pain or fracture may also be needed.
Ibandronic acid may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, dry mouth, hair loss, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs of low calcium levels e.g. fits or seizures, muscle cramps, spasms or numbness
- severe jawbone problems
- severe joint and/or muscle pain
- chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, trouble or pain when swallowing
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- changes in eyesight, eye pain, inflammation, or severe eye irritation
- signs of bone damage in the ear e.g. ear pain, discharge, inflammation
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
- certain antibiotics e.g. amikacin, gentamicin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ibandronic acid.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) or supplements (e.g. calcium supplements), as they could reduce the effectiveness of Ibandronic acid. If you must take antacids or supplements, take them between meals at least 1 hour after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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