Boniva Side Effects

by on March 8, 2012

Common side effects of boniva include confusion, disorientation, irregularity, vomiting, muscle cramps, seizures, convulsions, heartburn, tingling and delusional thoughts. Because bone structure and estrogen production reduces significantly after menopause, Boniva helps maintain normal bone structure and bone mass. Boniva is known generically as Ibandronate.

Common Boniva Side Effects

Some of the most common Boniva side effects are caused by simple mistakes. It is essential that women consuming Boniva sit or stand upright for at least one hour after taking the drug. Failure to do so can result in severe damage to the esophagus or stomach. Therefore, make it a point to remain upright for a minimum of at least 60 minutes after injecting the medication into your body.

Here are some of the more common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Stomachache
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Irregularity

Most of these side effects can be avoided by adhering to the very specific instructions included with Boniva. For example, you should not consume calcium supplements, iron tablets or any other type of herbal supplement until the allotted sixty minutes has passed. Even then, it is best to allow a considerable amount of time go by before you consume any extra medications or vitamins.

Serious Boniva Side Effects

Boniva Side EffectsMore severe side effects can occur in those who are allergic to the drug or sensitive to any of its inactive ingredients. In the event that you experience any of the following side effects, do not hesitate to call for medical assistance immediately:

  • Seizures and Convulsions
  • Irritability
  • Irrational thoughts
  • Strange behavior
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Heartburn

Additional side effects, that you may experience include:

  • Muscle Cramps
  • Stomach Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Delusional thoughts
  • Lack of coordination
  • Pain in the throat
  • Severe cramping in the stomach

Any one of these adverse side effects can be a sign of a serious underlying health issue if it is not a simply allergy to the medication itself. If you experience any of the above side effects, contact help immediately. If you overdose, drink a glass of milk and call your local poison control center. Do not lie down, and do not force yourself to vomit.

Boniva In the Elderly

Boniva is primarily prescribed to women who have just recently entered menopause, rather than women who have been post-menopausal for twenty or thirty years. However, there are exceptions to such patterns, and side effects often affect the elderly harder than it affects younger women.

Signs to look for in the elderly include

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • loss of coherent thought
  • disorientation
  • sweating
  • diarrhea
  • tight muscles in the face

Side Effects and the Liver

It is not known how Boniva affects the liver, but like any synthetic medication, you should proceed with caution when injecting it into your body. To avoid any potentially harmful side effects with regards to liver dysfunction, couple your Boniva intake with a steady influx of water. Eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of water a day is the basic, recommend amount.

Boniva is a drug used to prevent bone loss and fracture in post-menopausal women. Store Boniva tablets away from excessive heat and moisture; room temperature works best. Take Boniva in the morning. Do not take it at night. Alert your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.