Take in the morning before the first food or drink of the day.
Avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet.
Swallow whole with a full glass of plain water while standing or sitting in an upright position.
Do not lie down for 60 minutes after taking the tablet.
Do not take at the same time as iron, calcium or indigestion remedies.
Uses
Osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause
Preventing bone damage in patients with breast cancer that has spread to the bone
Reducing high levels of calcium in the blood caused by tumours (injection only)
Ibandronic Acid works by stopping the breaking down of bone and stopping calcium from leaving the bone.
Before taking ibandronic acid
Before taking ibandronic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have kidney problems.
If you have liver problems.
If your blood calcium levels are low.
If you are allergic to bisphosphonates.
If you are at risk of heart failure.
How to take ibandronic acid
Depending on what you are being treated for, you will either take tablets or receive intravenous infusions.
If taking tablets, the following should be observed:
Take in the morning before the first food or drink of the day.
Avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet.
Swallow whole with a full glass of plain water while standing or sitting in an upright position.
Do not lie down for 60 minutes after taking the tablet.
Getting the most from your treatment
Your doctor may recommend that you see your dentist if s/he thinks you are at risk of osteonecrosis (a disease where the bone is no longer alive and cannot re-form itself) of the jaw.
Do not take at the same time as iron, calcium or indigestion remedies.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
Can ibandronic acid cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
What can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea - Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain - Drink plenty of liquid and stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Dyspepsia, flatulence - Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Headache - Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Dizziness - Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Fever (high temperature) - Open a window to allow fresh air into the room, drink plenty of water, take off excessive layers of clothing and take paracetamol to reduce your fever- speak to your pharmacist.
Important: If you experience any signs of irritation to your foodpipe during treatment with this medicine (such as new or worsening problems with swallowing, pain on swallowing, pain behind your breastbone, or heartburn) you should stop taking these tablets and inform your doctor.
How to store ibandronic acid
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
