Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ibandronate is an oral drug that is used for treating osteoporosis. It is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonate that includes alendronate (Fosamax) and
risedronate (Actonel), both of which are orally available which can be taken daily or weekly. Ibandronate may be taken daily, but it is the only oral biphosphonate that is approved to be taken monthly. There are also several injectable bisphosphonate, etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronate (Zometa), which can also be used to prevent or treat osteoporosis and which may be given every three months or yearly. All of the
bisphosphonates prevent the breakdown of bone by bone cells called osteoclasts. In persons who are at high risk for osteoporosis, bisphosphonates not only result in increased amounts of bone and bone strength, they also reduce the risk of hip fractures and other
bone fractures.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets, 2.5 and
150 mg; Intravenous injection, 3 mg/3 ml
STORAGE: Ibandronate tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F). Keep all medicines away from the reach of children.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ibandronate is used to prevent and to treat osteoporosis in women after the menopause.
DOSING: The dose of
ibandronate is 2.5 mg once daily or 150 mg once monthly. If monthly dosing is
used, the tablet should be taken on the same day of each month. Tablets should
be taken at least 60 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other
than plain water) or before other oral medication, because of concern that that
food or medication will interfere with the absorption of ibandronate.
(Absorption of ibandronate from the intestine is poor, and any potential further
decrease in absorption by food or medications needs to be avoided.) Ibandronate
tablets also should be swallowed whole with six to eight ounces of plain water
while in an upright position, in order to be certain that the tablets enter the
stomach. (If the tablets stick in the esophagus they can irritate the
esophagus.) For the same reason, one should not lie down for 60 minutes after
taking ibandronate. (Tablets are more likely to stick in the esophagus when
lying down.) Tablets should not be chewed or sucked in order to avoid irritation
of the mouth and throat.
The dose of ibandronate intravenously is 3 mg every three months.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Other than the potential for interference with absorption (most notable with some foods, calcium and iron), there are no known
drug interactions with ibandronate.
PREGNANCY: Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal harm in animals, but there are no data on risk to the fetus in humans. Ibandronate should be used
during pregnancy only if the physician feels that its potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: Ibandronate appears in the breast milk of animals. It is not known whether it appears in human breast milk. Since most medications do appear in
human breast milk, it is generally recommended that caution be exercised when ibandronate is given to women
who are lactating.
SIDE EFFECTS: Ibandronate is generally safe, with the overall rate of reported side effects being the same as with placebo (a look alike, but inactive tablet). Some of the more common side effects reported include
back pain, pain in the arms or
legs, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Severe irritation of the esophagus can occur. Ibandronate should not be used by individuals with abnormalities of the esophagus.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
Osteopenia is a bone condition characterized by bone loss that is not as severe as in osteoporosis. Bone fracture is the typical symptom of osteopenia, though the condition may be present without symptoms. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications (quitting smoking, not drinking in excess) and ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium.
Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests
are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
Screening tests are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests
are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may
be available elsewhere. Take an active role and discuss screening tests with
your doctor early in life. The following charts are beneficial (generally simple
and safe) screening tests that can help detect diseases and conditions before
they become harmful.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition with progressive loss of bone density leading to
bone fractures. Estrogen is important
in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, bone loss accelerates. Thus osteoporosis is most
common among postmenopausal women.
Screening tests
Measurement of bone density using dual energy X-ray
absorptiometry (DEXA) scan
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