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Boniva Side Effects

Generic name: ibandronate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 22, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Boniva Side Effects associated with ibandronate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Boniva.

Applies to ibandronate: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of Boniva

Along with its needed effects, ibandronate (the active ingredient contained in Boniva) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ibandronate:

More common

  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • chest pain
  • cough producing mucus
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with breathing
  • fever or chills
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • lower back or side pain
  • nervousness
  • pounding in the ears
  • shortness of breath
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • tightness in the chest

Less common

  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • body aches or pain
  • congestion
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • dryness of the throat
  • fast heartbeat
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • hives
  • hoarseness
  • itching
  • numbness
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • runny nose
  • skin rash
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • tingling
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • voice changes

Incidence not known

  • abdominal or stomach cramps
  • blurred vision or other change in vision
  • bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating
  • confusion
  • convulsions
  • eye redness
  • eye tenderness
  • heavy jaw feeling
  • irregular heartbeats
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loosening of a tooth
  • muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
  • noisy breathing
  • numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
  • pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
  • sensitivity to light
  • severe eye pain
  • tearing
  • tremor
  • unusual pain in the thighs, groin, or hips

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking ibandronate:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Boniva

Some side effects of ibandronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • diarrhea
  • ear congestion
  • headache
  • loss of voice
  • pain in the extremity (arms and legs)

Less common

  • cough
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • difficulty with moving
  • discouragement
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • feeling sad or empty
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • irritability
  • joint pain
  • lack or loss of strength
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • muscle aches and pain
  • muscle stiffness
  • pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
  • sensation of spinning
  • shivering
  • stuffy nose
  • sweating
  • tooth disorder
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ibandronate: intravenous kit, intravenous solution, oral tablet.

General

The most serious reported adverse reactions are anaphylactic reaction/shock, atypical fractures of the femur, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and ocular inflammation.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions are arthralgia and influenza-like symptoms, typically associated with the first dose, generally of short duration, mild, or moderate intensity.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

Metabolic

Decreased renal calcium excretion may be accompanied by a fall in serum phosphate levels not requiring therapeutic measures. The serum calcium level may fall to hypocalcemic values.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Cardiovascular

Genitourinary

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Local

Nervous system

Other

Combination of influenza-like illness and acute phase reaction has occurred. Influenza-like illness includes events reported as acute phase reaction or symptoms, including myalgia, arthralgia, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and bone pain.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Renal

Dermatologic

Rash occurred in combination of rash pruritic, rash macular, rash papular, rash generalized, rash erythematous, dermatitis, dermatitis allergic, dermatitis medicamentosa, erythema and exanthema.[Ref]

Hematologic

Ocular

References

1. (2005) "Product Information. Boniva (ibandronate)." Roche Laboratories

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Boniva side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.