ibandronic sodium monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate
Licensed roles
Postmenopausal osteoporosis, prevention of skeletal complications from breast-cancer bone metastases, and tumour-induced hypercalcaemia
Available forms
Oral tablets, intravenous injection and concentrate for intravenous infusion
Fracture evidence
For osteoporosis products, vertebral-fracture reduction is established; efficacy against femoral-neck fractures has not been established
What is ibandronic sodium monohydrate used for?
Licences differ by formulation.
Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at increased fracture risk.
Prevention of pathological fractures and bone complications requiring radiotherapy or surgery in adults with breast cancer and bone metastases, using the infusion formulation.
Treatment of tumour-induced hypercalcaemia, with or without metastases, using the infusion formulation.
How does ibandronic sodium monohydrate work?
Ibandronic acid binds strongly to bone mineral and is taken up at sites of active bone turnover. It inhibits osteoclasts—the cells that remove bone—reducing bone resorption and calcium release from bone.
ibandronic sodium monohydrate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 6 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 150 mg
How to take ibandronic sodium monohydrate
Follow the instructions for the prescribed formulation. Intravenous products must be prepared and administered by healthcare professionals.
Take tablets after an overnight fast and before food, drinks other than plain water, other oral medicines or supplements.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain, low-mineral water while sitting or standing.
Do not chew or suck the tablet, and remain upright for one hour afterwards.
The infusion concentrate must be diluted only with a compatible sodium chloride or glucose solution and must not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions.
ibandronic sodium monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Joint, muscle, bone or back pain
- Flu-like symptoms, fever or fatigue, particularly after intravenous treatment or an initial exposure
- Headache
- Indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation
- Heartburn or irritation of the food pipe with oral tablets
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Low blood calcium causing tingling, muscle cramps, spasms or seizures
- Oesophageal inflammation, ulceration or narrowing causing painful or difficult swallowing or chest pain
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw, suggested by persistent jaw pain, swelling, loose teeth or non-healing mouth sores
- Unusual thigh, hip or groin pain, which can precede an atypical fracture
- Eye inflammation causing pain, redness, light sensitivity or visual disturbance
- Persistent ear pain, discharge or recurrent infection, which rarely may indicate osteonecrosis of the ear canal
ibandronic sodium monohydrate in pregnancy
Ibandronic acid is not generally recommended during pregnancy because human evidence is limited and bisphosphonates remain stored in bone for a long time. Discuss current or planned pregnancy with the specialist or prescriber.
ibandronic sodium monohydrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether ibandronic acid passes into human milk. The selected product information advises against use while breastfeeding, so specialist advice is required.
ibandronic sodium monohydrate interactions
Important interactions depend on the formulation.
Calcium supplements, antacids, iron, magnesium or aluminium products
These bind oral ibandronic acid and reduce absorption, so they must not be taken alongside the tablet and should be separated as directed in the product instructions.
Food, milk and mineral-rich drinks
They substantially reduce tablet absorption; only plain, low-mineral water should accompany the tablet.
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
These and oral ibandronic acid can irritate the upper gastrointestinal tract, so combined use requires caution.
Common questions about ibandronic sodium monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ibandronic sodium monohydrate the same as ibandronic acid?
Ibandronic sodium monohydrate is the salt used in the product to provide the active substance ibandronic acid.
Why must the tablets be taken on an empty stomach?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.