WHAT IS Boniva/Ibandronae sodium TABLETS?

IBANDRONATE slows calcium/Phoslo loss from bones. It is used to treat osteoporosis in women past the age of menopause. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Boniva/Ibandronae sodium?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Boniva/Ibandronae sodium?

You must take this medicine exactly as directed or you will lower the amount of medicine you absorb into your body or you may cause yourself harm. Take your dose by mouth first thing in the morning, after you are up for the day. Do not eat or drink anything before you take this medicine. Swallow the tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water. Do not take this medicine with any other drink. Do not chew or crush the tablet. After taking this medicine, do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines or vitamins for at least 1 hour. Stand or sit up for at least 1 hour after taking this medicine; do not lie down. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. This sheet may change.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Continue your normal schedule starting the next morning. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Boniva/Ibandronae sodium?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medicine. Do not stop taking your medicine except on your doctor's advice. Your doctor or health care professional may order blood tests and other tests to see how you are doing.

You should make sure you get enough calcium/Phoslo and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Some people who take this medicine have severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. Tell your doctor if you have pain that does not go away or that gets worse.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Boniva/Ibandronae sodium?

• drugs for inflammation like ibuprofen/Motrin, naproxen/Aleve, and others
• vitamins with minerals
• magnesium supplements
• aspirin
• aluminum hydroxide
• antacids
• calcium/Phoslo supplements
• iron supplements

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Boniva/Ibandronae sodium?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• heartburn or stomach pain
• pain or trouble when swallowing
• chest pain
• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• black or tarry stools
• bone, joint, or muscle pain
• jaw pain, especially after dental work
• changes in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• trouble sleeping
• eye pain or itching
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea or vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Boniva/Ibandronae sodium?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ibandronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems, like acid reflux or GERD
• kidney disease
• low blood calcium/Phoslo
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• dental disease
• problems sitting or standing
• breast-feeding
• low vitamin D
• trouble swallowing

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.