Bondronat (Ibandronic Acid)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Bondronat Used For?
Bondronat contains ibandronic acid and belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It works by stopping the breakdown of bone tissue.
Primary Uses
In patients with breast cancer, Bondronat is used to slow down the attachment, spread and growth of cancer cells within the bone (metastatic bone disease). Bondronat injection can also be used to lower very high levels of calcium in the blood that can occur in the presence of a tumor (hypercalcemia of malignancy).
How It Works
Bondronat works by stopping the breakdown of bone, which helps prevent cancer cells from spreading and growing in bone tissue.
Good to know: Bondronat is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Bondronat
Take Bondronat exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The form and dosage will depend on your specific condition and medical needs.
Dosage Instructions
For tablets: The recommended dose is one 50mg tablet once daily, taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink (other than plain water) or any other medicine of the day. Swallow tablets whole with a plain glass of water – do not chew or suck on the tablet. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet. For injection: Your doctor will decide the dose based on your condition. It is given as an infusion into a vein over 1-2 hours, usually in a hospital setting.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your usual dose time, do not take more tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet per day the following day. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Food and other medicines can interfere with absorption. Always take tablets with plain water only, and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Rise in body temperature or feeling hot
- Fever, chills, headache
- Sweating, bone or muscle pain (flu-like symptoms)
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Vomiting, abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness or wheezing
- Severe lightheadedness
- Severe skin rash, itching, hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth
- Severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- Tooth, gum or jaw pain
- Bleeding gums, sudden loosening of teeth
- Infection in the mouth, poor healing of gums
- Numbness/heaviness in the jaw
- New pain, weakness or discomfort in thigh, hip or groin (possible unusual fracture)
- Irritation in the esophagus
- New or worsening heartburn
- Eye irritation, blurred vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Bondronat should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Bondronat
Do not use Bondronat if you are allergic to ibandronic acid or any other bisphosphonate medicine, have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), have certain disorders of the esophagus that cause difficulty swallowing, are unable to stand or sit up straight for at least 30 minutes, or if you are a child (safety not established in children).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have poor kidney function, disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism, poor dental health such as bleeding gums, heartburn, swallowing or digestive problems such as ulcers, or if you take any other medicines or have allergies to medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Bondronat is not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Bondronat passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Jaw Problems Risk: Bondronat may cause jaw-bone problems including infection and delayed healing after dental work. Maintain good dental hygiene and have regular dental check-ups.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Bondronat and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- Aminoglycoside medicines (used to treat severe infections) – both can lower blood calcium levels
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – may cause stomach irritation when given with Bondronat tablets
- Calcium supplements – used to treat low calcium levels
- Antacids – medicines used to treat indigestion and heartburn
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Bondronat affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but consult your doctor about alcohol use while taking Bondronat.
Driving and Operating Machinery
The effect of Bondronat on the ability to drive or use machinery has not been studied. However, Bondronat is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Be careful until you know how the medicine affects you.
Storage
Keep tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Bondronat, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will decide how long you should take Bondronat depending on your response to the medicine and the state of your disease. For metastatic bone disease, injections are typically repeated every 4 weeks.
No, Bondronat tablets should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink (other than plain water) or any other medicine of the day. Food can interfere with the absorption of Bondronat.
No, Bondronat is not addictive.
Do not stop taking Bondronat or change the dose without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor will decide the appropriate duration of treatment based on your condition.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, do not take more tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet per day the following day. Never double dose.
You must not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Bondronat tablets. Remaining standing or sitting upright helps ensure the tablet reaches your stomach quickly and avoids irritating your esophagus.
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth daily and have regular dental check-ups. Tell your doctor and dentist immediately if you develop pain in your mouth, teeth or jaw, bleeding gums, or unusual feelings in your teeth or gums, as Bondronat may cause jaw-bone problems.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.