Drug Interactions between Ed Cyte F and ibandronate

MONITOR: Ethanol may increase folic acid elimination and folic acid absorption is decreased in chronic alcoholics. Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to folate deficiency.

MANAGEMENT: Monitoring of patient response to folic acid supplementation if they also consume alcohol regularly may be recommended.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concomitant use of some oral medications may reduce the bioavailability of orally administered iron, and vice versa.

Food taken in conjunction with oral iron supplements may reduce the bioavailability of the iron. However, in many patients intolerable gastrointestinal side effects occur necessitating administration with food.

MANAGEMENT: Ideally, iron products should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e., at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), but if this is not possible, administer with meals and monitor the patient more closely for a subtherapeutic effect. Some studies suggest administration of iron with ascorbic acid may enhance bioavailability. In addition, administration of oral iron products and some oral medications should be separated whenever the bioavailability of either agent may be decreased. Consult the product labeling for specific separation times and monitor clinical responses as appropriate.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly decreases the bioavailability of oral ibandronate. The manufacturer reports up to a 75% decrease in bioavailability when administered 2 hours after a standard meal.

MANAGEMENT: Oral ibandronate should be administered on an empty stomach (after an overnight fast of at least 6 hours) with a 180 to 240 mL glass of plain water and no other food or drink should be taken for at least 30 minutes after administration.