Ibandronic Acid

Ibandronic Acid is used to treat high levels of a mineral called calcium in people who have cancer. It is also used to treat or prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) caused by menopause or the use of steroids. Using this medicine can reduce your risk of breaking bones.

Ibandronic Acid is given by a doctor or nurse. You will not need to do this yourself. How much you are given, and how often, will be decided by your doctor. It may just be a single injection but if you are being treated for bone problems caused by the spread of cancer you may need regular injections. Your doctor will ask you to drink plenty of water before the injection, to avoid getting dehydrated. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Ibandronic Acid is only part of a program of treatment that may also include changes to your diet and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.

The most common side effects include headache, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle, or joint) pain, indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. These are usually mild and will disappear after a short time. If they do not go away, tell your doctor. Ibandronic Acid can cause serious kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated, if you take diuretic medicine (water pills), or if you already have kidney disease. It can also cause low levels of calcium in the blood and pain in the mouth or jaw. These are serious side effects and need urgent medical attention. Tell your doctor straight away.

You should not be given this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or low calcium levels. Also, let your doctor know what other drugs you are taking. Some of them may affect, or be affected by, this injection, especially medicines used to treat severe infections and medicines used to treat cancer and osteoporosis. You may need frequent medical tests to check your kidney function and mineral levels. Avoid smoking or try to quit as smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also cause bone loss and should be avoided.

• Osteoporosis
• Hypercalcemia

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It often occurs in women after menopause. This condition can be treated with bone-strengthening medicines. Ibandronic Acid is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It slows down the rate at which bone is broken down in your body. This maintains bone density and reduces your risk of breaking a bone. The injection is usually given once every year to treat osteoporosis and every two years to prevent it.

You can help improve the strength of your bones by doing regular exercise (especially weight-bearing exercise), eating healthy foods containing calcium and Vitamin D, and reducing your consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D3 are also effective.

Hypercalcemia
Calcium is a mineral found in different places in your body and has many functions including bone growth. Most of your calcium should be in your bones. When you have more calcium in your blood than normal it is called hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels). It is a serious condition and affects a large number of people with cancer. Ibandronic Acid is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It reduces the amount of calcium in your blood by slowing down the rate at which bone is broken down in your body. This medicine is normally only given once by injection to treat hypercalcaemia, but you may need additional doses. Make sure you attend all appointments with your doctor.

Being immobile makes hypercalcaemia worse. Whenever possible you should take regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise. Do not take calcium or vitamin D3 supplements and try to decrease your intake of these in your diet.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ibanic

• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
• Headache
• Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Ibandronic Acid is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.

• It is given by injection into a vein, usually over at least 15 minutes or as directed by your doctor.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
• It can lower the level of calcium in the blood. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
• You may develop fever or flu-like symptoms, such as chills, tiredness, and weakness. These are usually temporary and should go away after a few days. You may take a pain reliever/fever reducer to prevent or treat these symptoms.
• It may cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your doctor if you develop sudden pain in your jaw.
• Your doctor will monitor your response to Ibandronic Acid by testing your bone mineral density (BMD). This is usually done every 1-3 years.
• Do not take it if you are pregnant.

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