Ibandronate Sodium, marketed under the name Bonviva, is indicated to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause, in order to reduce the risk of fractures.
This medicine is subject to a prescription and can be purchased in pharmacies, for a price of about 50 to 70 reais, if the person chooses a generic, or about 190 reais, if the brand is chosen.
How it works
Bonviva has in its composition ibandronate sodium, which is a substance that acts on bones, inhibiting the activity of cells that destroy bone tissue.
How to use
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, 60 minutes before the first food or drink of the day, except water, and before any other medication or supplement, including calcium, should be taken, and the tablets should always be taken on the same date. every month.
The tablet should be taken with a glass filled with filtered water, and should not be taken with another type of drink such as mineral water, sparkling water, coffee, tea, milk or juice, and the patient should take the tablet standing, sitting or walking, and should not lie down for the next 60 minutes after taking the tablet.
The tablet should be taken whole and never chewed, as it can cause sores in the throat.
Also see what to eat and what to avoid in osteoporosis.
Who should not use
Bonviva is contraindicated in people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula, in patients with uncorrected hypocalcaemia, that is, with low blood calcium levels, in patients who cannot stand or sit for at least 60 minutes, and in people with problems in the esophagus, such as delay in esophageal emptying, narrowing of the esophagus or lack of relaxation of the esophagus.
This medication should also not be used by pregnant women, during breastfeeding, in children and adolescents under 18 years old and in patients who are using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without medical advice.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with Bonviva are gastritis, esophagitis, including esophageal ulcerations or narrowing of the esophagus, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, gastric ulcer, blood in the stools, dizziness, musculoskeletal disorders and back pain.
