Boniva Side Effects

Generic name: ibandronate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 23, 2024.

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: intravenous solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral tablet

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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ibandronate:

More common side effects

• back pain
• blurred vision
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness
• headache
• muscle pain or stiffness
• nervousness
• pain in the joints
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat

Less common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• cough producing mucus
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty with breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• loss of appetite
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• muscle cramping
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• pain in the arms or legs
• pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
• shivering
• shortness of breath
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sweating
• swollen joints
• tightness in the chest
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• agitation
• blurred vision or other change in vision
• bone, joint, or muscle pain (severe)
• coma
• confusion
• convulsions
• decreased urine output
• decreased vision
• depression
• difficulty with swallowing
• eye pain
• eye redness
• eye tenderness
• heavy jaw feeling
• hives
• hostility
• increased tearing
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• itching
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• lethargy
• loosening of a tooth
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
• rapid weight gain
• rash
• seizures
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• severe eye pain
• stupor
• tearing
• tremor
• unusual pain in the thighs, groin, or hips

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 side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• constipation
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• indigestion
• red streaks on the skin
• stomach discomfort or upset
• stuffy nose
• swelling, tenderness, or pain at the injection site
• tenderness in the stomach area
• weakness

For healthcare professionals

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

General adverse events

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

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspepsia (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, tooth disorder, vomiting, gastritis, constipation, gastroenteritis abdominal pain, esophagitis, nausea, sore throat
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hemorrhage, duodenal ulcer, dysphagia, dry mouth^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory infection (up to 34%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, influenza, nasopharyngitis, asthma exacerbation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypocalcemia
• Postmarketing reports: Hypocalcemia^[Ref]

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

• Very common (10% or more): Back pain (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in the extremity, myalgia, joint disorder, arthritis, arthralgia, localized osteoarthritis, muscle cramp
• Postmarketing reports: Severe or incapacitating bone, join, or muscle pain (musculoskeletal pain); osteonecrosis of the jaw; atypical, low-energy, or low-trauma fractures of the femoral shaft; atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, cystitis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Facial swelling/edema, urticaria
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction/shock with fatalities, angioedema, bronchospasm, asthma exacerbations, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and dermatitis bullous^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Redness or swelling at the injection site^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, paraesthesia, dysgeusia (taste perversion)^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, vertigo, influenza-like illness, peripheral edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise, pain^[Ref]

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

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, depression^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased creatinine
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Azotemia (uremia)
• Postmarketing reports: Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, rash^[Ref]

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

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, increased blood parathyroid hormone^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Ocular inflammation, iritis, uveitis, episcleritis (in some cases, these events resolve only after this drug was discontinued)^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What medications are available to treat osteoporosis?

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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer