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BONIVA Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Here are some answers.


  • What are the most common side effects of BONIVA?
  • BONIVA may cause serious side effects. The most common side effects with BONIVA are back pain, heartburn, stomach area (abdominal) pain, pain in your arms and legs, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like symptoms. For more information, visit our Side Effects of BONIVA page.
  • How should I take BONIVA?
    • Take BONIVA exactly as your doctor tells you
    • BONIVA works only if taken on an empty stomach
    • Take 1 BONIVA tablet, after you get up for the day and before taking your first food, drink, or other medicine
    • Take BONIVA while you are sitting or standing
    • Do not chew or suck on a tablet of BONIVA
    • Swallow BONIVA tablet with a full glass (6-8 oz) of plain water only
    • Do not take BONIVA with mineral water, coffee, tea, soda, or juice

    After swallowing BONIVA tablet, wait at least 60 minutes:

    • Before you lie down. You may sit, stand or walk, and do normal activities like reading
    • Before you take your first food or drink except for plain water
    • Before you take other medicines, including antacids, calcium, and other supplements and vitamins

    Do not lie down for at least 60 minutes after you take BONIVA and do not eat your first food of the day for at least 60 minutes after you take BONIVA.

    If you miss a dose of BONIVA, do not take it later in the day. Call your doctor for instructions.

    If you take too much BONIVA, call your doctor. Do not try to vomit. Do not lie down.

    For more information, visit our How to Take BONIVA page.


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  • What is osteoporosis?
  • Osteoporosis is defined as thinning of the bones that are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a "silent" disease — often, you can't feel the symptoms. Left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to stooped posture, fractures, and decreased mobility. Learn more in our About Osteoporosis section.
  • What causes postmenopausal osteoporosis?
  • Before menopause, bones are constantly being broken down and built back up at a similar rate. After menopause, the loss of estrogen throws this cycle out of balance, and bone breaks down faster than regrowth can occur. As a result, women are more likely to experience a fracture.
  • I've heard about osteopenia. How is that different from osteoporosis?
  • Osteopenia is increased thinning of the bones, but not as severe as in osteoporosis. If left untreated, however, osteopenia may lead to osteoporosis.
  • Who is most at risk for postmenopausal osteoporosis?
  • Women over the age of 50 face a serious threat. As a matter of fact, nearly half of women over age 50 will suffer a bone fracture due to postmenopausal osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime. Other risk factors include: being a Caucasian or Asian woman; a family history of osteoporosis; being small-boned and thin; smoking; heavy drinking; and an inactive lifestyle.
  • I was surprised by my diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Shouldn't I have felt something?
  • In most cases, you won't notice any changes or feel different sensations in your body. Unless you have a fracture, the only way to know if you have postmenopausal osteoporosis or osteopenia is to take a bone mineral density (BMD) test. To learn more, visit our Understanding Osteoporosis Diagnosis page.

Indication

BONIVA is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. BONIVA helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture (break).

It is not known how long BONIVA works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if BONIVA is still right for you.

Important Safety Information

You should not take BONIVA if you have certain problems with your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), low blood calcium, cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes, or are allergic to BONIVA or any of its ingredients.

BONIVA can cause serious side effects including problems with the esophagus, low blood calcium, bone, joint or muscle pain, severe jaw bone problems, and unusual thigh bone fractures.

Before starting BONIVA, tell your doctor if you have problems with swallowing, stomach or digestive problems, have low blood calcium, plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed or have kidney problems.

Stop taking BONIVA and tell your doctor right away if you have pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Call your doctor immediately if jaw problems, hip, groin, or thigh pain develop, or if you have symptoms of low blood calcium such as spasms, twitching, cramps in your muscles, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.

Follow the dosing instructions for once-monthly BONIVA carefully.

The most common side effects are back pain, heartburn, stomach area pain, pain in your arms and legs, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like symptoms.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling
1-800-FDA-1088.

Talk to your doctor for more information or if you have questions about your treatment.

Please see full
Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for additional important safety information.

MyBONIVA(R)

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