Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is ibandronate. It helps treat and prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. It helps make your bones stronger. Ibandronate may have other uses, too.

This medicine is given as an injection into a vein, usually in your arm. Your doctor or nurse will give a dose to you once every 3 months.  

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a pain in the bones, joints, muscles, back or stomach area. In the first 3 days after a dose, you may feel like you have the flu. You may have symptoms such as a fever, chills or feeling a little tired or achy. These effects are normal if they are mild and should get better in a day or two. If you have these symptoms, be sure to ask your doctor which pain relievers you should take to feel better. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With ibandronate, these include an allergic reaction, jaw bone problems, bone fractures in the thigh, kidney problems, and severe pain in the bones, joints or muscles. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order blood tests to watch for low calcium levels.

Ibandronate can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. 

For best results with ibandronate, ask your doctor if you should take calcium or vitamin D supplements.