When stomach acid flows up your esophagus and sometimes to the back of your throat, resulting in esophageal irritation and a sour taste in your mouth, it's called acid reflux. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body and helps your body function normally, including proper bone formation and the regulation of your heartbeat. Boniva is an oral bisphosphonates medication that helps prevent bone loss. Certain precautions must be used to avoid adverse reactions when you mix these three things together. Consult with your doctor to minimize your risk of side effects.
Boniva and Calcium Supplements
Boniva is a brand name of the generic drug ibandronate. It slows down bone loss and increases bone mass. Doctor's typically prescribe this drug to osteoporosis patients and sometimes concurrently with calcium supplements as part of your treatment program. However, information from Drugs.com warns patients against taking calcium supplements or any other medication for at least one hour after taking Boniva. It also cautions against taking Boniva if you have hypocalcemia -- low blood calcium levels. Consult with your doctor before taking Boniva and calcium supplements together.
Boniva and Acid Reflux
Taking Boniva can cause side effects, including acid reflux, according to information from an article by Lisa Graham published in the May 2009 issue of the journal "American Family Physician." Information from Drugs.com warns to stop using Boniva and call your doctor immediately if you experience a number of side effects, including new or worsening heartburn, chest pain or difficult or painful swallowing.
Acid Reflux and Calcium Supplements
If you take acid blockers to fight acid reflux symptoms, you may absorb some types of calcium supplements better than others, according to information from the New York State Department of Health. Acid blockers reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, which your body needs to digest calcium carbonate and other forms of calcium properly. It suggests taking supplements with calcium citrate instead of those with calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate does not require an acidic environment in your stomach for proper digestion.
Acid Reflux and Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers can worsen your symptoms of acid reflux, according to Dr. Michael F. Picco, a gastroenterologist from the Mayo Clinic. Calcium channel blockers prevent your body from absorbing calcium, and doctors prescribe this medication for health conditions such as high blood pressure and migraine headaches because it relaxes and widens your blood vessels. Calcium is known to soothe acid reflux and is commonly found as an ingredient in antacids.
References
- Drugs.com: Boniva
- MayoClinic.com; GERD: Can Medications Increase Severity?; Michael F. Picco; December 2009
- New York State Department of Health; Commonly Asked Questions About Calcium Supplements; November 2003
- "American Family Physician"; ACP Releases Guideline on Treatment of Low Bone Mineral Density or Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures; Lisa Graham; May 2009
