Boniva, the brand name of the medication ibandronate, is a prescription medication used to treat bone loss. Boniva is most commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis, the thinning and weakening of bone, in post-menopausal women but may also be used to treat other bone conditions, such as metastatic cancer in the bone. Boniva is beneficial as it increases bone density and therefore helps to prevent bone fractures, but it can also cause unwanted side effects.
Common
Common side effects of Boniva normally subside during treatment as your body adjusts to the medication, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Gastrointestinal side effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Other common side effects include weakness, dizziness, headache, pain in the arms or legs, loss of voice and ear congestion.
Some patients may also experience flu-like symptoms when they begin taking Boniva. These symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat and cough.
Less Common
Boniva may cause some emotional side effects including irritability, feelings of sadness, loss of interest, loss of pleasure and trouble concentrating. Although some patients may experience these side effects, they are rare. Rare gastrointestinal side effects include loss of appetite and difficult bowel movements. Other side effects such as lack of strength, spinning sensations, feelings of constant motion, lightheadedness, joint pain, swollen joints, muscle aches, tooth disorders and trouble sleeping also may occur, but rarely do.
Serious
Some side effects may be a sign of something more serious and should be reported immediately to your health care provider. Urinary side effects include bladder pain, frequent urination, bloody or cloudy urine, painful urination and lower back or side pain. Other serious side effects such as chest pain, mucus-producing cough, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, nervousness, shortness of breath, very fast or very slow heartbeat, tightness in chest, and wheezing may also signal serious problems.
Overdose
Boniva is normally prescribed to be taken either daily (2.5 mg tablet) or monthly (150 mg tablet). This medication should be taken strictly as directed. Taking this medication too often can result in an overdose. An overdose can lead to gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal cramps, sour stomach, burning sensation or pain in the stomach, indigestion, heartburn, belching, loss of appetite, ulcers, and difficulty swallowing. Other side effects induced by an overdose include bone pain, chest pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeats, mood changes, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, unusual weakness and convulsions.
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