Boniva User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Miranda...
• February 2, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I started my first pill last Friday morning. All day Friday I felt good. Saturday morning I woke up with severe sternum pain and pain around my lower ribs. I hurt so bad I called the clinic. They said it was one of the side effects and just alternate between tylenol and motrin for the rest of the day. My hips hurt, my knee hurt, and from 9 am to 1 pm (4 hours) I had horrible chills and my hands felt ice cold. By nighttime my arm bones hurt. Sunday my lower back started to hurt. Motrin again. Monday arms ached all day. Tuesday felt better. I never had the diarrhea. I'm surprised how many women said the same thing about the horrible sternum pain. My doctor says the next dose won't be so bad...wondering if I should even do a next dose. My mother is badly stooped over and I want to avoid that but am having second thoughts about this medication."

• Blondie
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2020

For Osteoporosis "This is the worse pill I ever took. I followed directions and after taking the pill for awhile, I would wake up in the middle of the night and start vomiting. At first I thought I was getting a cold. Got up in the morning and felt fine until I started to eat. I thought I was having a heart attack. I went to see my doctor and it turns out it was Boniva that was causing it and the reason my food wasn’t going down was cause thickening of the throat. I had to get my throat stretched 5 times and now have acid reflux. I have to take 3 anti acid pills a day now. Shame they produce such dangerous meds"

• Jones...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I am 58 years old and have taken 2 doses of Boniva, the first was a terrible ordeal but the second was even worse. I woke up the day after feeling horrible, nauseous, dizzy, stomach pains, severe headache, body aches and pains, severe jaw and tooth pain, even my fingers and toes hurt and have pains shooting through them. I missed several days of work. It's been 10 days since the second dose and my jaw and back molar still hurt severely along with many other parts of my body. I am using Maximum Strength Anbesol and Aleve in hopes that the pain in my jaw and teeth will go away and there will be no permanent damage in need of dental work. I will never take this pill or any other of the same kind. I am sticking to Vitamin D3 and Citracal from Costco. Thank you all for the reviews, I wish I had read them before taking this drug. Blessing to you all!"

• Duchess
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I took one dose on Saturday morning. I followed the instructions given and had no problems the first day. I woke up early Sunday morning with terrible stomach pain, absolute exhaustion, and pain all over. I don't know if I will try it again....Hoping I can manage to get out of bed tomorrow to go to work."

• Rqtxt
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2019

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I took the once a month pill and within 2 hours I was having severe headaches, diarrhea, back pain and weakness. 36 hours later and I’m still suffering. Be very careful and consider all the side effects before you take this medicine."

• Ann...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 22, 2019

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "After breast cancer surgery my OB/GYN prescribed Boniva for what was diagnosed as "osteopenia." I took the drug for 7 years and discontinued it in June of 2015. I realized that my aches and pains, including groin and hip pain might be related to Boniva, based on other reviews that I had read. I also had lower back pain for at least 3 years at that point. The groin pain went away but the lower back pain grew worse. I saw 2 rheumatologists and an orthopedic specialist. I was told by one rheumatologist that a had "borderline" Lupus. The other said I had a combination of Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The orthopedic specialist diagnosed a discs pressing on the nerve (lower lumbar) based on an MRI. By 2017 my back condition was unbearable and I had to undergo spinal fusion surgery for spinal stenosis (Lower lumber, L4 & L5). I strongly suspect that Boniva was responsible for these conditions."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2009

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I have been on Boniva for 2 years and so far my bone density scans have not shown an improvement. For the past year, my physician has added a prescription weekly dose of Vitamin D, we are hoping that makes a difference. Should know the results within 2 weeks. Boniva has been easy to take just once a month, and the coupons (discount offered) by the company have been extremely helpful."

• Dissa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Just took my first monthly dose yesterday. After about 5 hours severe diarrhea started and I still have it a day later. Back pain with chest heaviness too. I feel like I have been run over by a Mack truck. Don't know if I will continue the medication."

• Miranda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Ok. I went ahead and took the second round. I had no side effects this time. Honestly I was very nervous considering what I went through the first time, but I had no problems. It must be working because I usually take motrin or tylenol for back pain several times a day every day. I only had to take Motrin twice all month and my back fractures haven't bothered me nearly as much. Hopefully the Boniva is doing some good now. :) (also, the doc put me on 3,000 mg of calcium /day)."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I was prescribed Boniva in June, 2022 and had bad diarrhea the next morning and joint pain the next several days. So then my doctor put me on Fosamax and I had diarrhea and developed burping for several months. I had never burped in my life that I can recall but would burp 30-40 times a day. My doctor said she had never heard of that but I found a study being done on the internet. So then, she put me in a Actonel and I had diarrhea for 2 days and overall bad feeling. Then she put me back in Boniva to try again and I had bad diarrhea and joint pain. I don't like any of it - I just might take my chances and not take any meds for osteoporosis- sigh."

• Charl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2018

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I've only taken one pill (150 mg) monthly dose. That was 2 days ago. Have had a little more heartburn than usual (I already have reflux) and take meds for it. I've had a little more joint pain and stiffness than usual (but am used to it): am 61 yrs young after all. Just a little headache this morning. Some dizziness the first day. I was just diagnosed with Osteopenia last month. The side effects aren't that bad. I consider it so worth it (considering the alternative - ending up hunched over; unable to stand up straight like the women I sometimes see in public. Note: since taking this drug, I've noticed I can stand upright more. I was beginning to be hunched over. I have a slight degree of scoliosis also. Perhaps if I had taken more calcium and vitamin D when younger, this might not have happened to me. Stopped drinking milk when I was in my 40s. Big mistake."

• Healthy...
• March 18, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I started Boniva 3 months ago when diagnosed with osteoporosis. Before taking it, although quite active, I had a constant dull, nagging pain in both hips. That pain has stopped. I feel great but am really watching for side effects. My only symptom has been that my sight has become a little blurry. If I get some of the symptoms others complain about I will stop. I am considering taking the pill every other month instead of every month. I have begun walking more and also am now eating plant based estrogen in ground flax seeds (I put it in my cereal) and true yams (not those orange sweet potato type) to help my body heal itself. Some say the loss of estrogen is what contributes to bone loss, so after studying this, figured I'd give it a try! I wish good health to you all."

• Dina
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Having DEXA scans once a year for the past 5 years (age 57). The first scan showed Osteopenia. Took Calcium supplement but developed calcification in shoulder bone . Next year the DEXA scan shows improvement. Year after that, and following first two doses of COVID vaccine, DEXA shows Osteoporosis! Dr. prescribes Boniva and says I need to start it right away. Took my first pill in the morning following all the directions (on an empty stomach, can't lie down for at least an hour after taking it). Feeling fine all day until late in the evening when I started feeling a little light headed so went to bed. Woke up in the middle of the night feeling absolutely horrible. Cold sweat, diarrhea, vomiting, uncontrollable chills and back pain that felt like an electric current was passing through me when I tried to walk. This lasted for a few hours. Next day I was absolutely drained & just wanted to sleep. Never took the drug again."

• Hope
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Fine for the first 3 months, 4th dose caused headache, face flushing, upset stomach, major abdomen swelling. Side effects lasted for two weeks. Went to my primary care doctor and got diagnosed with gastritis. Was told it is very common with this medication."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2009

For Osteoporosis "Boniva has helped me with my t-score of 3. 8 which is very severe. I was percribed the drug nurtin for migraine headaches which drained calcium from bones. Boniva i. V has worked over one year too build bones. Mild side effect."

• AZGirl
• August 14, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I took Boniva (Ibandronate Sodium) for 4 times. Feb, March, April, May 2021 It is now the 14th of August 2021 and I am still not feeling well. This drug is feel like a poison. The first month I just had a tummy ache for the first hour or so and a headache. then the next month, I got a headache and feelings of unease. third time it affected my eyes like a cloud was coming over me and made my eyes blurry, increased my anxiety. Also my heart rate increased and so did my blood pressure. The fourth and final month everything just got worse. Severe anxiety, shaky, heart rate, BP, headache, blurry eyes... it is taking a very long time to get it out of my body. I have lost weight. I'm praying I will be healed. NEVER again will I take any osteoporosis drugs. I also tried Evista which made my legs hurt horrible. Don't take it. Just don't take it. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and do some weights and walking, jumping, etc."

• mother...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 30, 2022

For Osteoporosis "One year of taking it. First loss of appetite. Then few months later back pain at night. Leg cramps. Then some throat/easophagus pain. Feeling of food getting stuck. Worsening insomnia. 24.09 Gastroscope for diagnosis. 04.10 Boniva. Few days later 0 appetite, trouble swallowing. Everything is worsening with each day. Ar. 20.10 flulike symptoms. Fever. 30.10 still horrible pain swallowing and vomitting, only blended food goes through. On fluid IV now. we might end up in the hospital."

• Janet
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with lower spinal and left hip Osteoporosis and was prescribed Boniva which I've been taking for over a year now. I've always done as prescription directions say, I don't drink anything for an hour after taking, I don't lay back down after taking and I've had no side affects. I also take liquid Ultra-D 5000 supplement (emulsified Vitamin D w/cod liver oil) twice a day, as well as Calcium and Magnesium 225mg/75mg (2 twice a day) from Vital Nutrients. I just had my second DEXA scan and the doctor was happy to tell me that my bone density has greatly improved. It may be the vitamins, but I'll continue to take Boniva with the vitamins and look forward to continued improvement."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I took my first oral dose 1 month ago. Had gastrointestinal issues about 3 days, with mild headache, and acid reflux, which is rare for me. After 3 days, I felt fine and continued my normal exercise. My doctor says Boniva reversed osteoporosis in some of her patients and they successfully come off it and can stay off for several years. She plans to take me off it once I stop taking an aromatase inhibitor (which is known to cause bone loss) in 1-2 years depending on DEXA results."

• packe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I took this last Friday and had no side effects! Saturday morning I woke up from bed and my lower to mid back hurt very bad that progressed to unbearable by evening! I had severe muscle spasms and couldn't take the pain anymore! My mom took me to Urgent Care at the hospital and the Dr there told me I was having adverse side effects of Boniva! I would NEVER recommend this to anybody it's a pain in the back!"

• Megan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I have been taking Ibandronate Sodium 150 MG (generic Boniva), and I am in my 4th month of a 12 month treatment plan. I have had no side effects that I am aware of too busy to feel any sickness. I am currently in a boot camp class 2 times a week, and I am now able to also walk my dogs over 2 miles with no pain. In boot camp I still cannot jump, but I do finish the class."

• Barba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I was prescribed 150mg monthly dosage. Developed severe groin pain and dry eyes afterwards. This minimized over the next 30 days so I took the next month's dose. Groin pain is now constant, dry eyes also. Discontinued on recommendation of DR. and Rx."

• DThom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 12, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I was prescribed Boniva after breast cancer surgery. I took one pill a month for 9 months. When I took the Boniva on 8/8/2022, I immediately started having severe joint pains, especially hips, knees, and feet. I reported to my internal medicine doctor and had blood work done. I reported to my knee surgeon because of the pain. Both replaced knees were x-rayed and the doctor sees no problem. From December 2022-January 2023, I suddenly develop neuropathy in both feet. I am diagnosed by a neurologist. I am still in pain in my knees and especially my feet. Neuropathy is a debilitating condition. If I am on my feet at all, I have pain. The neuropathy pain will awaken me at night. I had all of the tests ordered from the neurologist to find the cause of the neuropathy. My test results were all within the normal range. I feel Boniva is causing this problem."

• Boniva...
• January 9, 2022

For Osteoporosis "After diagnosis of osteoporosis at 2.9 in my lower spine, I took ONE 150mg Boniva pill on August 1 2021. The next day I started having lower back pain while sitting at my desk. The pain continued to get worse, and left me unable to get up from my desk or bend over without severe pain. Pain relievers did not help much, patches at night helped some, heating pad at my desk helped some but I had a bad month of pain. I also experienced numbness in my feet and toes and teeth sensitivity for the first time. After 5 months of being off of Boniva, the lower back pain and teeth sensitivity is almost all gone. There is still some numbness in my feet but I am taking alpha lapoic and that is much better also. I am not currently taking anything for the osteoporosis or for pain, and trying to control with improved diet, exercise, and calcium, D3, and K2 supplements. Doctors said my back pain was not from Boniva. I say doctors should only prescribe for severe osteo, due to the potential bad side effects."

• Leah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2021

For Osteoporosis "My osteopenia worsened to osteoporosis after taking Tamoxifen for my Breast CA { HX of Breast CA since 2008} I was prescribed by my MD to take Boniva due to my B/L hip osteoporosis since last year. It's only this month that I had the courage to take it. I took it last Sunday at 6AM and after dinner on same day, I felt terribly sick: flu=like symptoms with low-grade fever that started at 8 pm. I thought I got the COVID. Monday came and the chills are gone but I still had 100.6 fever and body aches plus GI upset. My abdominal pain was terrible like sharp pain (terrible spasms that come and go every 10 minutes) either when I was at rest or moving. Today is the 4th day but no improvement with my GI symptoms. Additional SE today is bloated stomach now. I reached out for the help of my GI doctor and he prescribed me an anti=spasmodic tablet which has helped a little bit. True enough after reading all these comments that BONIVA is awful to the body. One dose is enough for me."