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Ibandronate oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe ibandronate oral tablet for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause. You take it by mouth once per month.
Medically reviewed by Timothy Ivers, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes ibandronate oral tablet’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for ibandronate. If you want to know more about ibandronate oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ibandronate oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Boniva, which is no longer available. Ibandronate also comes in an injectable form, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

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Form and strength of ibandronate

Ibandronate oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strength: 150 milligrams (mg)

Dosage of ibandronate

This article describes the recommended dosage for ibandronate oral tablet. The drugmaker provides this dosage.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of ibandronate oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of ibandronate in adults

The usual recommended dosage of ibandronate oral tablet for treating or preventing osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause is:

  • Dose: 150 mg
  • Frequency: once per month on the same day each month

You will take ibandronate oral tablet on the same day each month. For example, you could take your once per month dose on the 15th day of each month.

Missed dose of ibandronate

If you miss your once per month dose of ibandronate, whether you take the missed dose depends on how soon your next dose is scheduled. If it’s more than 7 days before next month’s scheduled dose, take the missed dose. If it’s 7 or less days before next month’s scheduled dose, do not take the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.

After the missed dose, resume your usual schedule and take the next dose on the scheduled date of the next month.

For tips on how to plan your doses of ibandronate oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about ibandronate oral tablet and its dosage.

How does the dosage of ibandronate compare with the dosage of alendronate?

Ibandronate is taken at a higher dose only once per month. Alendronate is taken in a smaller dose, but it must be taken daily or once weekly. The specific dosage of alendronate will depend on the condition it’s treating. Talk with your doctor for more information about alendronate.

Is ibandronate taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe ibandronate oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take ibandronate oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How ibandronate is taken

You’ll swallow ibandronate oral tablet whole once per month on the same day each month.

Take ibandronate with a full glass of water 60 minutes before you eat or drink anything (other than water) and before you take any medications. Swallow ibandronate while sitting upright or standing to reduce throat irritation.

Do not eat, drink anything besides water, or take any medications or supplements for 60 minutes after you take ibandronate. Avoid lying down for 60 minutes after taking ibandronate. Do not suck or chew the tablet.

Your doctor will advise that you take this medication around the same time each month. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of ibandronate

It’s important that you do not take more ibandronate oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of ibandronate overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • low calcium and phosphorus levels
  • upset stomach
  • inflammation of your throat
  • ulcers

What to do if you take too much ibandronate

If you think you’ve taken too much ibandronate, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for ibandronate oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of ibandronate oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take ibandronate oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Why do I need to take ibandronate in the morning?
  • What do I do if I have difficulty swallowing ibandronate or it irritates my throat?
  • How long do I need to take ibandronate?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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