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 often taken once a month on the same calendar day. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. 

It is very important to take your dose right when you wake up, on an empty stomach and with a full glass of water. After you take your dose, you must wait at least one hour 
before you lie down, before you take other medicines, and before you eat or drink anything except plain water. You should read the Instructions for Use for full information.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and feeling a little achy like you would if you had the flu. Other common side effects include a headache or diarrhea. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. 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 jaw bone problems, bone fractures in the thigh, problems in the esophagus 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.