How is it used?

Before taking

While taking

Warnings

Ibandronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause ('change of life,' end of menstrual periods). Ibandronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Ibandronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. The 2.5-mg tablet is usually taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach and the 150-mg tablet is usually taken once a month in the morning on an empty stomach. The 150-mg tablet should be taken on the same date each month. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ibandronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ibandronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, you do not think you will remember, or you are unable to follow these instructions:

• You must take ibandronate just after you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or drink anything. Never take ibandronate at bedtime or before you wake up and get out of bed for the day.
• Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces or 180 to 240 milliliters) of plain water. Never take ibandronate with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water.
• Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not suck on the tablets.
• After you take ibandronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications (including vitamins or antacids) for at least 60 minutes. Do not lie down for at least 60 minutes after you take ibandronate. Sit upright or stand upright for at least 60 minutes.

Ibandronate controls osteoporosis but does not cure it. Ibandronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take ibandronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ibandronate without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This information being provided is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland.
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