Boniva - the bisphosphonate Ibandronate
Boniva Osteoporosis Treatment
There are many ways in which osteoporosis can be treated; natural methods include increasing calcium and vitamin D intake and performing weight bearing exercises such as walking and dancing. However for people who have risk factors such as previous fractures, smoke, or have other known osteoporosis risks it may be necessary to additionally take drugs aimed at combating osteoporosis.
One of the biggest group of medicines taken to prevent osteoporotic fractures are bisphosphonates. These act by mimicking pyrophosphate, a natural compound found in the body, that is involved in the bone remodeling system. One of the newest bisphosphonates licensed is ibandronate, this is released under the trade name of Boniva and manufactured by Roche.
The use of Boniva to prevent and treat osteoporosis
Boniva is is taken orally. It is usually took either as a once monthly tablet of 150mg or as a daily 2.5mg dose. It is thought that the ibandronate bisphosphonate is able to reduce the risk of fractures by as much as 50%.
Boniva (ibandronate) is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, and it has been found that taking Boniva at the same time as food (specifically breakfast) can reduce the absorption of the drug by as much as 90%.
Once absorbed by the body Boniva (like Fosamax and Actonel) is not systematically metabolized by the body, and as much as 60% is not taken up by bone, but is extracted by the renal system. The use of Boniva is not recommended for people who have intense renal insufficiency.
References
Ibandronate (Boniva) - package pamphlet
Mayes (2007) Review of post menopausal osteoporosis pharmacology. Nutr. Clin. Prac. 22:3: 276 to 285
National Osteoporosis Foundation (2006). Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Washington, DC: National Osteoporosis Foundation; 2003:38