Boniva is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It slows bone loss and prevent fractures by increasing bone mass.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Boniva exactly as prescribed.

• Boniva tablets are usually taken once per month.
• Take first thing in the morning at least one hour before you eat, drink or take any other medication, vitamins, or supplements.
• Use only plain water to take your Boniva tablet.
• Do not lie down or recline for at least an hour after taking Boniva.
• Take on the same day each month.

Boniva can cause problems in the stomach and esophagus, and you must remain upright for at least one hour after taking the tablet.

Before taking Boniva, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Kidney disease
• Low blood calcium levels
• Difficulty swallowing
• Digestion problems
• Malabsorption
• Dental problems

Common side effects of Boniva include:

• Heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever, flu-symptoms, chills, tiredness
• Pain in arms and legs
• Back pain, bone pain, muscle or joint pain

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Severe pain in joints, bones, or muscles
• Low calcium levels – muscle spasms, numbness and tingling in fingers, toes, and around mouth
• Chest pain
• Burning pain in heart or upper stomach, coughing up blood
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in back or under ribs

How long will I take Boniva?

Boniva and other similar osteoporosis medications are usually taken for 3 to 5 years.