Boniva
(ibandronate)
Prevents bone loss.
Our bottom line
Boniva (ibandronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis and is available as a generic, but how you have to take it can be a hassle. It's also only approved for women, not men.
- Price before coupon$38.95
- Lowest price with coupon$22.76
- Savings42%
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ibandronate)
Upsides
- Available in generic.
- Available in pills that can be taken by mouth once a month.
- Also available as a shot given into your vein every 3 months.
What to expect from Boniva, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
64Downsides
- You have to take Boniva (ibandronate) first thing in the morning with a full glass of water.
- You have to remain upright for at least 60 minutes after you take the medicine, which can be a problem if you have mobility issues.
- It is only approved to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause.
What to expect from Boniva, on one page
Download Fact SheetBoniva (ibandronate) is a bisphosphonate. It slows down osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. This results in greater bone mass and lowers the possibility of fractures.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ibandronate)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$15.43Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$22.76
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$23.63
- Get free coupon
$26.54
What to expect when you take Boniva (ibandronate) for Postmenopausal osteoporosis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Back pain
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Cold symptoms
- Stomach issues
- Jaw fractures and other bone fractures
Side effect rates for Boniva (ibandronate)
- Abdominal pain8%8%
- High blood pressure6%6%
- Indigestion6%6%
- Joint pain6%6%
- Nausea5%5%
- Diarrhea5%5%
- Back pain5%5%
- Constipation4%4%
- Pain in arms or legs4%4%
- Flu4%4%
- Cold4%4%
- Localized joint stiffness and pain3%3%
- Bronchitis3%3%
- Headache3%3%
- Influenza-like illness3%3%
- Muscle pain2%2%
- Muscle cramp2%2%
- Urinary tract infection2%2%
- Upper respiratory tract infection2%2%
- Dizziness2%2%
- Rash2%2%
- Sleep difficulty2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Boniva.
People taking Boniva felt side effect more
People taking Boniva felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Boniva (ibandronate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking with aspirin or other NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- › History of ulcers, or other stomach or esophageal problems
- › History of difficulty swallowing
- › Unable to sit upright or stand for 60 minutes after taking the medicine
Some people taking the pill form of Boniva (ibandronate) have had stomach and esophagus irritation, including ulcers. It is very important to remain standing or sitting upright for at least 60 minutes after you take the medicine to help stop this from happening. You also need to take it first thing in the morning when you wake up with a full glass of plain water. Talk to your doctor if this will be a problem for you. Also, talk to your doctor if you notice new pain with swallowing, or pain around the middle of your chest or stomach while taking this medication.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause.Common concerns from people taking Boniva (ibandronate)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Although rare, breakdown of the jawbone has happened in people taking Boniva (ibandronate). This is more likely to happen if you have oral or dental surgery, or if you have poor oral hygiene. The risk might also increase the longer you take Boniva (ibandronate). If you notice pain or swelling in your jaw, talk to your doctor right away.
- If you have pain with swallowing around your chest or stomach, new or worsening heartburn, or any pain around your hips, thighs, or jaw, tell your doctor right away.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Bonivaon 11/9/2015Muscle aches, joint pain, 4 finger joints swelled, fever, headache. I could barely walk to the kitchen and bathroom. Took 10 tries to get up out of the chair.70WomanLess than a week