Boniva is a prescription drug licensed to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This eMedTV Web page describes the effects of Boniva, explains when and how to take the drug, and lists possible side effects that may occur.
Bronchitis, indigestion, and back pain are among the most commonly reported Boniva side effects. This eMedTV segment lists other common side effects of the drug and describes rare but potentially serious problems that may require medical attention.
Insomnia is reported in up to 2 percent of women taking Boniva. This article from the eMedTV archives offers more detailed information about Boniva and insomnia, and provides a list of suggestions for improving sleep habits.
Boniva uses are primarily concerned with preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This eMedTV resource explains how the drug helps with bone loss, lists possible "off-label" uses, and discusses giving the drug to children.
For women who are taking monthly doses of Boniva, dosage recommendations typically start at 150 mg. This eMedTV article also offers Boniva dosing guidelines for those who are taking the drug daily or who prefer the injectable form of the medicine.
When iron supplements, aspirin, or NSAIDs are taken with Boniva, drug interactions may occur. This eMedTV segment describes other things that may interact with Boniva, such as food and beverages, and explains what may happen as a result.
Boniva may potentially irritate or damage the esophagus and stomach. This eMedTV page lists other possible complications that may occur with Boniva. Warnings and precautions on who should not take the drug are also included in this article.
Common symptoms of a Boniva overdose may include low calcium levels in the blood, ulcers, and heartburn. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible symptoms of a Boniva overdose and explains what treatment options are available.
The full risks of using Boniva during pregnancy are not known. As this eMedTV page explains, animal studies on Boniva and pregnancy show that the drug may cause a difficult delivery, birth defects, developmental problems, and even death during labor.
It is not known whether Boniva passes through breast milk in breastfeeding women. This page of the eMedTV library further discusses Boniva and breastfeeding, and explains the importance of communicating with your physician about your situation.
Generic Boniva is not expected to become available until March 2012 at the earliest. This eMedTV Web page further discusses when generic forms of the drug will be available and explains the dangers of buying so-called "generic Boniva" products.
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