BONVIVA TABLET 150mg Tablets

Ibandronic acid, also called ibandronate, belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It slows down the breakdown of bone and helps bones become denser.

It is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thin, weak bones that break easily) in women after the menopause. It helps control osteoporosis but does not cure it.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Tablets must be taken in a special way so they work and do not irritate your food pipe:

• Take it first thing in the morning, before any food, drink or other medicines.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain water only. Do not chew, crush or suck it.
• Stay sitting or standing, and wait at least 60 minutes before eating, drinking, lying down or taking other medicines, vitamins or antacids.
• If you miss a dose, check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist. Never take two doses on the same day.
• The injection is given into a vein by a doctor or nurse.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick, tummy pain, diarrhoea or constipation
• headache, dizziness or weakness

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• new or worse heartburn, pain or difficulty swallowing, or chest pain
• pain, swelling or numbness in the jaw, loose teeth or gums that are sore or do not heal
• a dull ache in the hip, groin or thigh
• a rash, or severe bone, muscle or joint pain

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have low calcium levels or kidney disease
• have problems swallowing, or stomach or food pipe problems
• cannot sit or stand upright for 60 minutes
• have dental problems or planned dental treatment (a dental check-up before starting is advised)
• take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or any other medicines or supplements

Get enough calcium and vitamin D, as your doctor advises.

Keep the tablets in their original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. This medicine can stay in the body for years.

Dental care: keep your teeth and gums healthy and tell your dentist you take it.

Lifestyle: regular exercise, not smoking and avoiding heavy drinking help protect your bones.