What is the use of Ibandronate (Boniva)?

From the Guidelines

Ibandronate is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, as well as to prevent bone loss in patients with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitors 1.

Key Uses

• The recommended dose is 150mg once monthly, or 3mg every 3 months via intravenous injection 1.
• It is also available as a 50mg daily oral tablet or a 100mg or 150mg tablet taken on a specific schedule, such as once monthly on the same day 1.
• Treatment duration should be individualized, but generally, it is recommended for up to 3-5 years 1.
• Patients should also receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D to support bone health 1.

Important Considerations

• Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a potential side effect of ibandronate, especially with long-term use or high doses 1.
• Dental examination and prophylactic measures should be considered before starting ibandronate therapy 1.
• Renal function should be monitored, as ibandronate can increase serum creatinine and may cause acute renal failure in patients with severe renal impairment 1. It's essential to follow the prescribed regimen and consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance and monitoring.

From the FDA Drug Label

Ibandronate sodium injection is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. Ibandronate sodium injection helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture (break).

The use of Ibandronate (Boniva) is to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause by increasing bone mass and reducing the chance of spinal fractures. 2

From the Research

Use of Ibandronate (Boniva)

• Ibandronate, also known as Boniva, is a bisphosphonate used in the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The medication is available in once-monthly oral and quarterly intravenous formulations, which have been shown to be effective and well-tolerated in postmenopausal women 3, 4, 5.
• Studies have demonstrated that ibandronate can increase bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 3, 5, 6.
• The once-monthly oral formulation has been approved for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in the US, and the quarterly intravenous formulation may be particularly useful for women who are noncompliant with or unable to tolerate oral bisphosphonates 5.
• Ibandronate has also been explored for use in other benign bone diseases, including corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and localized transient osteoporosis 7.

Efficacy and Safety

• Clinical trials have shown that ibandronate is effective in reducing bone turnover and increasing BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 3, 4, 6.
• The medication has been found to be well-tolerated, with a similar safety profile to placebo 4.
• Common adverse events associated with ibandronate include gastrointestinal complaints, which are typically mild and transient 6.
• Long-term safety data have shown that ibandronate is safe and effective for use in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 5, 7.

Treatment Regimens

• Ibandronate can be administered orally once a month or intravenously every three months 5.
• The once-monthly oral formulation has been shown to be as effective as daily oral bisphosphonates in reducing bone turnover and increasing BMD 3, 4.
• The quarterly intravenous formulation may be more convenient for some patients and can improve treatment adherence and persistence 5.