Check the conditions that apply to you before taking this
medication:
["Before taking this medicine", "You should not use ibandronate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:", "\\\\nsevere kidney disease
or\\\\n\\\\n\\\\nlow blood levels of calcium (hypocalcemia).\\\\n", "Do not take an ibandronate tablet if you have problems with your esophagus, or if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 60 minutes
Ibandronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus
You must stay upright for at least 1 full hour after taking ibandronate.", "To make sure ibandronate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:", "\\\\ntrouble swallowing
\\\\n\\\\n\\\\nproblems with your stomach or digestion
\\\\n\\\\n\\\\nhypocalcemia
\\\\n\\\\n\\\\na dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin using ibandronate)
\\\\n\\\\n\\\\nkidney disease
or\\\\n\\\\n\\\\nany condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).\\\\n", "In rare cases, this medicine may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw
Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work
The longer you use ibandronate, the more likely you are to develop this condition.", "Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids
Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.", "Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.", "It is not known whether ibandronate will harm an unborn baby
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.", "It is not known whether ibandronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.", "", "How should I use ibandronate?", "Follow all directions on your prescription label
Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.", "Ibandronate tablets are taken once per month
Ibandronate injection is given into a vein through an IV once every 3 months.", "Ibandronate tablets can be taken at home, but a healthcare provider must give the ibandronate injection.", "Take the ibandronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 60 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine
Take the medicine on the same day each month and always first thing in the morning.", "Take the ibandronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water
Do not use coffee, tea, soda, juice, or mineral water
Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.", "Do not crush, chew, or suck on an ibandronate tablet
Swallow it whole.", "For at least 60 minutes (1 full hour) after taking an ibandronate tablet:", "\\\\nDo not lie down or recline.\\\\n\\\\n\\\\nDo not take any other medicine including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.\\\\n", "Pay special attention to your dental hygiene while using ibandronate
Brush and floss your teeth regularly
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using ibandronate.", "\\\\n\\\\n", "Ibandronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, bone mineral density testing, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements
Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.", "Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.", "Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine
Ibandronate is often given for only 3 to 5 years.", "", ""]
Talk to your doctor
One or more conditions apply to you. Please
consult a healthcare professional before taking this medication.