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HomeDrugsIbandronate (Boniva) Prices

ibandronate

Generic Boniva

Used for Osteoporosis

Ibandronate (Boniva) is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It can help improve bone mineral density (BMD) and lower the risk of back fractures. Unlike other similar osteoporosis medications, ibandronate (Boniva) is only approved for women who have gone through menopause.

Reviewed by:

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 28, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Contraindications Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Ibandronate (Boniva)?

What is Ibandronate (Boniva) used for?

Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

How Ibandronate (Boniva) works

Ibandronate (Boniva) is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates work to slow down bone breakdown so the body can make new, healthy, and strong bone. Ibandronate (Boniva) helps raise BMD, which is a measure of how dense your bones are. A higher BMD means your bones are stronger, which helps lower your risk of bone fractures.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBoniva

Drug ClassBisphosphonate

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$343.39(save 93.26%)

GoodRx discount

$23.13

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What are the side effects of Ibandronate (Boniva)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Stomach pain (8%)
Heartburn (6%)
Joint pain (6%)
Back pain (5%)
Nausea (5%)
Diarrhea (5%)
Arm or leg pain (4%)
Headache (3%)
Muscle pain (2%)

Other Side Effects

Constipation
Flu-like symptoms
Common cold
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Dizziness
Trouble sleeping

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

New fractures: dull or aching pain in your hips or thigh, severe pain in your bones or joints

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

chest pain

cough producing mucus

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with breathing

fever or chills

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

nervousness

pounding in the ears

shortness of breath

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sore throat

tightness in the chest

Less common

Bloody or cloudy urine

body aches or pain

congestion

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dryness of the throat

fast heartbeat

frequent urge to urinate

hives

hoarseness

itching

numbness

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

runny nose

skin rash

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tingling

unusual tiredness or weakness

voice changes

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps

blurred vision or other change in vision

bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating

confusion

convulsions

eye redness

eye tenderness

heavy jaw feeling

irregular heartbeats

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loosening of a tooth

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

noisy breathing

numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet

pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw

sensitivity to light

severe eye pain

tearing

tremor

unusual pain in the thighs, groin, or hips

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bone pain

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

heartburn

indigestion

loss of appetite

pain or burning in the throat

sores or ulcers

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

tenderness in the stomach area

vomiting

white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

ear congestion

headache

loss of voice

pain in the extremity (arms and legs)

Less common

Cough

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

difficulty with moving

discouragement

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling sad or empty

general feeling of discomfort or illness

irritability

joint pain

lack or loss of strength

lightheadedness

loss of interest or pleasure

muscle aches and pain

muscle stiffness

pain, swelling, or redness in the joints

sensation of spinning

shivering

stuffy nose

sweating

tooth disorder

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Ibandronate (Boniva)

Pros

Taken once a month as a tablet

Also available as an IV infusion given by a healthcare provider every 3 months if there are too many stomach problems from the tablet

Helps lower the risk of back fractures

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

Risk of many side effects, including stomach pain and severe jaw problems

Not approved for osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use, men with osteoporosis, or people with Paget's disease

Not recommended for people with severe kidney disease

Pharmacist tips for Ibandronate (Boniva)

Mark the same date every month on your calendar to help you remember when to take ibandronate (Boniva).

Take the whole tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water (6 oz to 8 oz) while standing or sitting upright. Don't chew or suck on the tablet. This can help lower your risk of irritating or causing ulcers in your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach).

Don't eat, drink anything (except plain water), or lie down for at least 1 hour after taking ibandronate (Boniva).

Don't take other medications or supplements (like calcium, antacids, or vitamins) for at least 1 hour after taking ibandronate (Boniva). Some medications can block ibandronate (Boniva) from working as well in the body.

It's important to have good mouth care when taking this medication to lower the risk of jaw problems. Let your dentist know you're taking ibandronate (Boniva) before starting the medication.

You can take calcium and vitamin D supplements every day to prevent low calcium levels and help your bones grow stronger.

If you have trouble swallowing, pain when you swallow, chest or stomach pain, new or worsening heartburn, or any pain around your hips, thighs, or jaw, tell your healthcare provider right away.

Frequently asked questions about Ibandronate (Boniva)

What should I do if I forget to take ibandronate (Boniva)?

If you forget to take ibandronate (Boniva) on your chosen date of the month and your next scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take it in the morning on the next day. If your next scheduled dose is 1 to 7 days away, wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medication. For the doses in the future, take ibandronate (Boniva) on your regular chosen date each month.

How do I take ibandronate (Boniva)?

Take ibandronate (Boniva) before you eat or drink anything in the morning with a full glass of plain water (not mineral water). Mineral water can contain more calcium than plain water, which can block the medication from working as well in the body. To prevent stomach irritation, heartburn, or ulcers, it's important that you don't lie down for at least 1 hour after taking the tablet. Also, don't eat, drink, or take other medications (like vitamins, supplements, or antacids) for at least 1 hour after taking the medication.

How often should I take ibandronate (Boniva)?

If you're taking the tablet form of ibandronate (Boniva), you should take the medication once a month on the same date. Mark the date you need to take the medication each month on your calendar to help you remember when to take it. If you're getting the IV infusion, you will get it once every 3 months from your healthcare provider's office.

Does ibandronate (Boniva) cause weight gain?

Ibandronate (Boniva) typically doesn't cause weight gain. Weight gain is common in postmenopausal women because of hormonal changes in the body, among other factors. Because ibandronate (Boniva) is used in women who have gone through menopause, weight gain might be related to this stage in life.

Is ibandronate (Boniva) better than alendronate (Fosamax)?

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology guidelines recommend alendronate (Fosamax) as a first-choice option for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis rather than ibandronate (Boniva). This is because alendronate (Fosamax) works well to lower the risk of fractures in many parts of the body, including the hip and back, while ibandronate (Boniva) only works well to lower risk of back fractures. Ibandronate (Boniva) is also not FDA-approved for as many types of osteoporosis as alendronate (Fosamax) is.

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What are the risks and warnings for Ibandronate (Boniva)?

Ibandronate (Boniva) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Stomach and esophagus irritation and ulcers

Risk factors: History of ulcers or other digestive problems | Taking with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Not drinking enough water when taking ibandronate (Boniva) | Lying down after taking ibandronate (Boniva)

Stomach and esophagus irritation, including heartburn, pain, and ulcers, can happen after taking ibandronate (Boniva). To help prevent irritation, it's very important to follow the directions on how to take the medication and any other directions your provider has given you. Take ibandronate (Boniva) with a full glass of plain water while standing or sitting upright, and avoid lying down for at least 1 hour. Stop taking ibandronate (Boniva) right away and talk to a healthcare provider if you notice you have trouble swallowing, new pain with swallowing, pain around the middle of your chest, or new or worsening heartburn while taking this medication.

Breakdown of the jawbone (osteonecrosis)

Risk factors: Gum or dental disease or surgery | Anemia (low red blood cell count) | Bleeding problems | Cancer | Taking cancer medications at the same time | Poor mouth care or dentures that don't fit well | Taking ibandronate (Boniva) for a long time

Although rare, ibandronate (Boniva) can break down and weaken the jawbone. This breakdown is more likely if you get a tooth extraction, dental implants, bone surgery around or in your mouth, or an infection in the mouth that hasn't healed while taking ibandronate (Boniva). Keeping your teeth healthy with regular brushing and flossing can lower your risk of this problem. If you notice pain or swelling in your jaw, talk to your doctor or dentist right away. It's also important to let your dentist know that you're taking ibandronate (Boniva). You might need to complete any necessary dental work before starting the medication.

Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain

Though rare, some people taking ibandronate (Boniva) have had severe pain in their bones, joint, or muscles. It can happen as quickly as one day to several months after starting this medication. Generally, the pain improves after stopping the medication. If you feel severe pain in these areas, talk to a healthcare provider, as you might need to stop ibandronate (Boniva).

Leg bone fractures

Risk factors: Taking corticosteroid medications at the same time

Very rarely, leg bone fractures can happen without any known cause in people taking ibandronate (Boniva). If you notice new dull or aching pain in your hips or thighs, tell your healthcare provider right away. You might need to stop taking ibandronate (Boniva).

Low calcium in the blood

Risk factors: History of low calcium in the blood

Ibandronate (Boniva) can lower the calcium levels in your blood. If you have low calcium levels, you'll need to be treated before starting ibandronate (Boniva) to prevent this problem from getting worse. To help keep your calcium levels from getting too low, you might need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice muscle spasms or twitching, or numbness and tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth, as these can be signs of low calcium levels.

Ibandronate (Boniva) dosage forms

The average cost for 1 dose pack of 3 tablets of 150mg of Ibandronate (Boniva) is $25.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 92.72% off the average retail price of $343.39.

Dose pack

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
1 tablet of 150mg	3 dose packs	$23.13	$7.71
3 tablets of 150mg	1 dose pack	$25.00	$25.00

Typical dosing for Ibandronate (Boniva)

The typical dose is 150 mg taken by mouth once a month. Take the tablet on the same day each month.

Ibandronate (Boniva) is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's administered by a healthcare provider once every 3 months for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Interactions between Ibandronate (Boniva) and other drugs

Ibandronate (Boniva) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ibandronate (Boniva). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

How much does Ibandronate (Boniva) cost?

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Boniva (brand)

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$23.13

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Ibandronate (Boniva) (generic)

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Ibandronate (Boniva) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ibandronate (Boniva) will not be safe for you to take.