Should i stop taking boniva

Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at For some people these drugs can cause a risk of thigh fracture. Here's when to stop using them. By Steve Mitchell. March 21, Sharing is Nice Yes, send me a copy of this email. Send We respect your privacy. Oops, we messed up. Try again later. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Learn more. Have you stopped an osteoporosis drug? Tell us your story below. Who Should Consider Taking a Break? Are Osteoporosis Medications Right for You? Steve Mitchell My science background and years of working as a medical journalist enable me to help consumers make informed medication choices.

More From Consumer Reports. In clinical studies, women who had gone through menopause received Boniva tablets , Boniva injections , or a placebo. They may recommend a different medication for you. A fracture of the thigh bone is possible with Boniva use. This type of fracture can happen in either leg and can occur with only light force to the thigh bone.

You may have pain in your thigh area for several weeks before the fracture occurs. Corticosteroids are a type of drug used to reduce inflammation. If you have thigh pain while taking Boniva, tell your doctor right away. However, weight gain is a known side effect of similar drugs, such as Fosamax. Weight gain is also common during menopause. This can happen because of age, genetics, lifestyle, or hormone changes.

They can recommend healthy ways for you to manage your weight while taking this drug. The amount of time that side effects last after you take Boniva can vary. For example, after your first Boniva dose, you may have flu-like symptoms that usually go away within 48 hours. However, bone, joint, or muscle pain may last for several weeks, especially if the pain is a sign of a possible thigh fracture.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any possible side effects you experience while taking Boniva. They can help determine whether these side effects are serious. Your doctor can also help you decide if a different drug option is better for you. Your doctor will start you on the typical Boniva dosage used to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe Boniva for the shortest amount of time needed to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

The goal is to help lower your risk for side effects. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Boniva tablets are approved to prevent and treat osteoporosis after menopause.

In both cases, the typical dosage of Boniva is one mg tablet, once a month. It should be taken on the same day each month. Boniva injections are approved to treat osteoporosis after menopause. The injection is given as an intravenous IV infusion. If you miss a dose of a Boniva tablet, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose on the day of the month you typically take Boniva.

This can raise your risk for having side effects from Boniva. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. It may also be helpful to put your dosage schedule on a calendar. If your risk is low, your doctor typically will have you stop using Boniva after 3 to 5 years.

You may wonder how Boniva compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Boniva and Fosamax are alike and different. Both Boniva and Fosamax belong to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Boniva and Fosamax work by slowing the breakdown of bone in your body. Boniva and Fosamax both prevent or treat osteoporosis. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well.

Below are examples of these side effects. These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with each drug, as well as common side effects that both drugs may share.

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Boniva or that both Boniva and Fosamax share. The use of Boniva and Fosamax in treating osteoporosis after menopause has been directly compared in a review of clinical studies.

Taking Boniva once per month was found to be as effective at increasing bone strength as taking Fosamax once a week. According to estimates on GoodRx. For Boniva injections, it will also depend on the cost of the visit to your healthcare provider to receive your doses. Boniva and Fosamax are both brand-name drugs. Boniva is also available as a generic drug called ibandronate.

Fosamax is available as a generic drug called alendronate. Like Fosamax above , the drug Prolia has uses similar to those of Boniva. Boniva belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. Prolia is given as a subcutaneous injection an injection under the skin by a healthcare provider. The drug is typically given once every 6 months. Boniva and Prolia both treat osteoporosis. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects, as well as some different ones.

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with each drug, as well as mild side effects that both drugs may share. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Boniva or Prolia, as well as serious side effects that both drugs may share. Boniva and Prolia have different FDA-approved uses. The use of Boniva and Prolia in treating osteoporosis after menopause has been directly compared in a clinical study.

One group of women was given Boniva once per month. The other group was given Prolia once every 6 months. After 1 year of treatment, the researchers found Prolia to be more effective at increasing bone strength than Boniva. In addition, for Boniva and Prolia injections, the price will depend on the cost of the visit to your healthcare provider to receive your doses. Boniva and Prolia are both brand-name drugs.

There are currently no generic forms of Prolia. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

Other drugs are available that can prevent or treat osteoporosis after menopause. Some may be a better fit for you than others. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

As with all medications, the cost of Boniva can vary. To find current prices for Boniva tablets in your area, check out GoodRx. The cost you find on GoodRx. The cost of Boniva injections also depends on the cost of the visits to your healthcare provider to receive each dose. Before approving coverage for Boniva, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization.

This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered. If you need financial support to pay for Boniva, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Genentech, the manufacturer of Boniva, offers a patient resource center. Boniva is available in a generic form called ibandronate. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of ibandronate compares to the cost of Boniva, visit GoodRx.

They may have a preference for one version or the other. Boniva tablets are FDA-approved to prevent osteoporosis after menopause. If your risk for having fractures is low while taking Boniva, your doctor will probably have you take the drug 3 to 5 years. The amount of time you take the drug depends on your risk for developing fractures. Osteoporosis is more likely to occur as you get older. During menopause, lower levels of sex hormones such as estrogen can increase your risk for osteoporosis.

The condition can also be caused by other medications, such as corticosteroids. Osteoporosis is usually discovered in a bone mineral density BMD test.

This is a test that measures the strength of your bones. Osteoporosis may cause your height to decrease. The condition may also cause you to have a bent-over posture. Your bones may also break more easily than usual. Clinical studies have found Boniva tablets to be effective in preventing osteoporosis in women after menopause. In these studies, Boniva tablets were compared with a placebo a treatment without an active drug.

Researchers wanted to know which treatment was better at improving the results of a BMD test for the spine. After 2 years of treatment, women who were given Boniva tablets had stronger spinal bones. The average spine BMD results were 3. The percentages varied depending on the dose of Boniva tablets being studied.

Boniva tablets are also FDA-approved to prevent osteoporosis after menopause. The amount of time you take the drug depends on your risk for having fractures as a side effect. Clinical studies have found Boniva tablets and Boniva injections effective for treating osteoporosis in women after menopause. In these studies, Boniva tablets were compared with Boniva injections. Researchers wanted to know which treatment was better at improving results of a BMD test for the spine.

After 1 year, the results showed that the spine BMD of women given Boniva injections improved by 4. In comparison, the spine BMD of women given Boniva tablets improved by 3. These studies also compared Boniva tablets with a placebo a treatment without an active drug. Researchers wanted to know which treatment was better at preventing new or worsening spine fractures. Boniva comes in two forms. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Get the facts. Your options Take a bisphosphonate to lower the risk of bone fractures. Also use healthy habits to help protect your bones. Don't take a bisphosphonate. Try healthy habits alone to protect your bones.

This information may not be right for you if: You are a man. You are a woman who has not been through menopause. You have osteoporosis caused by another medical condition, such as cancer or a bone disease.

Your doctor told you that you have osteoporosis because of a side effect of taking medicines, such as steroids. Or you are taking steroids now or plan to start taking a long-term course of them.

Key points to remember The decision about whether or not to take bisphosphonates depends on what your risk of a fracture is and how you feel about the pros and cons of your options.

There isn't only one right decision. If you are at a higher risk of having a fracture, taking bisphosphonates is more likely to help you prevent a fracture. If your risk of a fracture is lower, it's less likely that these medicines will help you. Your doctor might use the FRAX tool to help predict your risk of a fracture. Bisphosphonates can cause problems with the jaw or thigh bone.

But most women do not have these side effects. They seem to be more likely if women take bisphosphonates for more than 5 years. Whether you take medicine or not, healthy habits can help protect your bones.

Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Get regular weight-bearing exercise. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. If you smoke, quit. Your doctor may suggest a different medicine depending on your health or if you are having a problem with side effects from bisphosphonates. What is osteoporosis? What is low bone density? Low bone density means you are at a higher risk for osteoporosis.

What healthy habits can help protect your bones? Whether or not you take medicine, experts recommend that you: footnote 2 Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Avoid smoking. What are bisphosphonates? They include: Alendronate Fosamax. Ibandronate Boniva. Risedronate Actonel or Atelvia.

Zoledronic acid Reclast. How are they taken? What are the benefits of these medicines? The higher your risk of a fracture, the more likely it is that bisphosphonates can help prevent a fracture.

The lower your risk of a fracture, the less likely it is that taking these medicines can help prevent a fracture. How can you find out your risk of a fracture? Your risk depends on several things, including: Your age, height, and weight. If you've had a fracture in the past. If one of your parents ever fractured a hip.

If you smoke. How much alcohol you drink. The results of a bone density test, if you've had one. Who is helped the most by bisphosphonates? For women who have been through menopause: If you have osteoporosis your T-score is This includes lowering your risk of a hip fracture, which is a more harmful kind of fracture that can happen with osteoporosis.

This evidence is not as strong. Experts recommend that you and your doctor think about not only your bone density but also those other things about you that affect your risk of having a fracture.

That will tell you how likely it is that taking bisphosphonates might prevent a fracture. What are the side effects of these medicines? Bone side effects Certain bone problems have been reported in women taking bisphosphonates. This is called osteonecrosis. Research has shown that bisphosphonates seem to increase the chance of this jaw problem.

If it happens, surgery may be needed. This is called an atypical fracture. More research is needed to find out if taking bisphosphonates is a cause of these fractures. How long would you need to take bisphosphonates? Are there other medicines for osteoporosis or low bone density? Other medicines include: Denosumab Prolia.

Hormone therapy HT or estrogen therapy ET. Raloxifene Evista. Teriparatide Forteo. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Take a bisphosphonate Try using healthy habits alone. Compare Option 2 Take a bisphosphonate Try using healthy habits alone. Take a bisphosphonate Take bisphosphonates You take bisphosphonate pills on a schedule such as once a week. Or you may get a shot in a vein in your arm once a year.

You and your doctor will discuss how long you'll take the medicines. You make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D. You get regular weight-bearing exercise. And you avoid drinking too much alcohol and smoking.

The higher your fracture risk, the more likely it is that bisphosphonates can help prevent a fracture. The lower your fracture risk, the less likely it is that these medicines can help prevent a fracture. If you have osteoporosis or you have had a fracture, taking bisphosphonates lowers your risk of a fracture. If you have low bone density but haven't had a fracture , taking bisphosphonates might lower your risk of a fracture. Some women feel heartburn or irritation of the esophagus.

These side effects can usually be avoided by following the instructions for taking the medicine. Jaw and thigh bone problems have been reported, especially in women taking bisphosphonates for more than 5 years. That means out of 1, people will not have a bone side effect. Try using healthy habits alone Try using healthy habits alone You make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D. Your doctor will probably ask you to check in over time to see if using healthy habits alone is still enough to protect your bones.

You may be able to lower your risk of fractures enough without taking medicines. Or you may feel your risk of fractures is already low enough and medicines aren't worth taking. You avoid the possible side effects and cost of bisphosphonates. Especially if you are at a higher risk of fractures, using healthy habits alone won't lower your risk as much as taking bisphosphonates.

Personal stories about taking bisphosphonate medicines These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to take bisphosphonate medicines Reasons to try healthy habits alone.