[Posted 07/21/2011]ISSUE:FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients about its ongoing review of data from published studies to evaluate whether use of oral bisphosphonate drugs is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus. FDA has not concluded that taking an oral bisphosphonate drug increases the risk of esophageal cancer. There are insufficient data to recommend endoscopic screening of asymptomatic patients. FDA will continue to evaluate all available data supporting the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonate drugs and will update the public when more information becomes available.
BACKGROUND:Oral bisphosphonates are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis as well as to treat other bone diseases such as Paget's disease. There have been conflicting findings from studies evaluating the risk of esophageal cancer. Esophagitis and other esophageal events have been reported, particularly in patients who do not follow the specific directions for use of oral bisphosphonates. See the Data Summary in the Drug Safety Communication for additional details at: Web Site.
RECOMMENDATION:Patients should talk with their healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of taking oral bisphosphonates and how long they should expect to take them. Patients should talk with their healthcare professional if they develop swallowing difficulties, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when swallowing. Patients should be instructed to carefully follow the directions for use of the oral bisphosphonate drug they are prescribed. For more information visit the FDA website at: Web Siteand Web Site.
Ibandronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (''change of life,'' end of menstrual periods). Ibandronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).
Ibandronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. The 2.5-mg tablet is usually taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach and the 150-mg tablet is usually taken once a month in the morning on an empty stomach. The 150-mg tablet should be taken on the same date each month. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ibandronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Ibandronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, you do not think you will remember, or you are unable to follow these instructions:
Ibandronate controls osteoporosis but does not cure it. Ibandronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take ibandronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ibandronate without talking to your doctor, but talk to your doctor from time to time about whether you still need to take ibandronate.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with ibandronate and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ( Web Site) or the manufacturer's website} to obtain the Medication Guide.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking ibandronate,
You should eat and drink plenty of foods and drinks that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking ibandronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods and drinks are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a supplement.
If you forget to take the daily 2.5-mg tablet, do not take it later in the day. Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule the next morning. Do not take two tablets of ibandronate on the same day.
If you forget to take the once-monthly 150-mg tablet, and your next scheduled day to take ibandronate is more than 7 days away, take one tablet the morning after you remember. Then return to taking one tablet each month on the regularly scheduled date. If you forget to take the once-monthly 150-mg tablet and your next scheduled day to take ibandronate is 7 or fewer days away, skip the dose and wait for your next scheduled day. You should not take two 150-mg tablets of ibandronate within 1 week.
If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose of ibandronate, call your doctor.
Ibandronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately before you take any more ibandronate:
Ibandronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Taking a bisphosphonate medication such as ibandronate for osteoporosis may increase the risk that you will break your thigh bone(s). You may feel pain in your hips, groin, or thighs for several weeks or months before the bone(s) break, and you may find that one or both of your thigh bones have broken even though you have not fallen or experienced other trauma. It is unusual for the thigh bone to break in healthy people, but people who have osteoporosis may break this bone even if they do not take ibandronate. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking ibandronate.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, give the victim a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Do not allow the victim to lie down and do not try to make the victim vomit.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain tests to check your body's response to ibandronate.
Before having any bone imaging study, tell your doctor and healthcare personnel that you are taking ibandronate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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