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Proper Use
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet. Your doctor may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products).
Take ibandronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach. It should be taken in the morning at least 60 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages, such as mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice, will decrease the amount of ibandronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 60 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids, calcium or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of ibandronate.
Do not lie down for 60 minutes after taking ibandronate. This will help ibandronate reach your stomach faster. It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus.
It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D. However, do not take any food, beverages, or calcium or vitamin supplements within 60 minutes or longer of taking ibandronate. To do so may keep this medicine from working properly.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or suck it.
For the injection: You will receive this medicine from a healthcare professional every 3 months. You should not receive this injection more often than every 3 months.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone)
- Adults—2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning or 150 mg once a month on the same date each month, taken at least 60 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take ibandronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone)
- Adults—2.5 mg once a day in the morning or 150 mg once a month on the same date each month (if directed by your doctor), taken at least 60 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take ibandronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone)
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
