Ibandronate: uses, appearance and warnings

Ibandronate Sodium Tablets are a bisphosphonate indicated for the treatment and prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis. (1.1) Limitations of Use The optimal duration of use has not been determined. For patients at low-risk for fracture, consider drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. (1.2). 1.1 Treatment and Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Ibandronate Sodium Tablets are indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Ibandronate sodium increases bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures. 1.2 Important Limitations of Use The optimal duration of use has not been determined. The safety and effectiveness of Ibandronate Sodium Tablets for the treatment of osteoporosis are based on clinical data of three years duration. All patients on bisphosphonate therapy should have the need for continued therapy re-evaluated on a periodic basis. Patients at low-risk for fracture should be considered for drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. Patients who discontinue therapy should have their risk for fracture re-evaluated periodically.

Ibandronate Sodium Tablets 150 mg (ibandronate): yellow colored capsule shaped film-coated tablets debossed with “ID” on one side and “150” on the other side. Tablets: 150 mg ( 3 )

16.1 How Supplied Ibandronate Sodium Tablets: supplied as yellow colored capsule shaped film-coated tablets debossed with “ID” on one side and “150” on the other side. Carton of 1 Blister Pack containing 3 tablets NDC 69452-378-74 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Ibandronate sodium is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: • Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying such as stricture or achalasia (see Warnings and Precautions [ 5.1 ]) • Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 60 minutes (see Dosage and Administration [2.2], and Warnings and Precautions [ 5.1 ]) • Hypocalcemia (see Warnings and Precautions [ 5.2 ]) • Known hypersensitivity to ibandronate sodium tablets or to any of its excipients. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported. (see Adverse Reactions [6.2]) . • Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying such as stricture or achalasia ( 4 , 5.1 ) • Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 60 minutes ( 4 , 5.1 ) • Hypocalcemia ( 4 ) • Hypersensitivity to ibandronate sodium ( 4 )

Upper gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions can occur. Instruct patients to follow dosing instructions and discontinue use if new or worsening symptoms occur. ( 5.1 ) Hypocalcemia may worsen during treatment. Correct hypocalcemia before use. ( 5.2 ) Severe Bone, Joint, and Muscle Pain may occur. Consider discontinuing use if symptoms develop. ( 5.3 ) Osteonecrosis of the Jaw has been reported. ( 5.4 ) Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures have been reported. Patients with new thigh or groin pain should be evaluated to rule out a femoral fracture. Risk/benefit of continuing bisphosphonate therapy should be re-evaluated in these patients and interruption of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered (5.5) 5.1 Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Ibandronate sodium, like other bisphosphonates administered orally, may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Because of these possible irritant effects and a potential for worsening of the underlying disease, caution should be used when ibandronate sodium is given to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems (such as known Barrett’s esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis or ulcers). Esophageal adverse experiences, such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers and esophageal erosions, occasionally with bleeding and rarely followed by esophageal stricture or perforation, have been reported in patients receiving treatment with oral bisphosphonates. In some cases, these have been severe and required hospitalization. Physicians should therefore be alert to any signs or symptoms signaling a possible esophageal reaction and patients should be instructed to discontinue ibandronate sodium and seek medical attention if they develop dysphagia, odynophagia, retrosternal pain or new or worsening heartburn. The risk of severe esophageal adverse experiences appears to be greater in patients who lie down after taking oral bisphosphonates and/or who fail to swallow it with the recommended full glass (6 to 8 oz) of water, and/or who continue to take oral bisphosphonates after developing symptoms suggestive of esophageal irritation. Therefore, it is very important that the full dosing instructions are provided to, and understood by, the patient (see Dosage and Administration [2.2]) . In patients who cannot comply with dosing instructions due to mental disability, therapy with ibandronate sodium should be used under appropriate supervision. There have been post-marketing reports of gastric and duodenal ulcers with oral bisphosphonate use, some severe and with complications, although no increased risk was observed in controlled clinical trials. 5.2 Hypocalcemia and Mineral Metabolism Hypocalcemia has been reported in patients taking ibandronate sodium. Treat hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism before starting ibandronate sodium therapy. Instruct patients to take supplemental calcium and vitamin D if their dietary intake is inadequate (see Dosage and Administration [2.3]) . 5.3 Musculoskeletal Pain Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported in patients taking ibandronate sodium and other bisphosphonates (see Adverse Reactions [6]) . The time to onset of symptoms varied from one day to several months after starting the drug. Most patients had relief of symptoms after stopping. A subset had recurrence of symptoms when rechallenged with the same drug or another bisphosphonate. Consider discontinuing use if severe symptoms develop. 5.4 Jaw Osteonecrosis Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which can occur spontaneously, is generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection with delayed healing, and has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates, including ibandronate sodium. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw include invasive dental procedures (e.g., tooth extraction, dental implants, boney surgery), diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids, angiogenesis inhibitors), poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g., periodontal and/or other pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection, ill-fitting dentures). The risk of ONJ may increase with duration of exposure to bisphosphonates. For patients requiring invasive dental procedures, discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment may reduce the risk for ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician and/or oral surgeon should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment. Patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw while on bisphosphonate therapy should receive care by an oral surgeon. In these patients, extensive dental surgery to treat ONJ may exacerbate the condition. Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered based on individual benefit/risk assessment. 5.5 Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures Atypical, low-energy, or low trauma fractures of the femoral shaft have been reported during treatment with bisphosphonates, including ibandronate sodium in patients with osteoporosis. Atypical femur and other fractures most commonly occur with minimal or no trauma to the affected area. These fractures occurred anywhere in the femoral shaft from just below the lesser trochanter to above the supracondylar flare and are traverse or short oblique in orientation without evidence of comminution. Atypical fractures of other bones have also been reported. They may be bilateral. These fractures can also occur in osteoporotic patients who have not been treated with bisphosphonates. Concomitant treatment with glucocorticoids may also induce these fractures. Prodromal pain in the affected area, usually presenting as dull, aching thigh pain, weeks to months before a complete fracture occurs was reported by patients. …

The following clinically significant adverse drug reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • Hypocalcemia and Mineral Metabolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Musculoskeletal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Jaw Osteonecrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] • Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Severe Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] The most common adverse reactions (greater than 5%) are back pain, dyspepsia, pain in extremity, diarrhea, headache, and myalgia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bionpharma Inc. at 1-888-235-BION or 1-888-235-2466 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. …

• Calcium supplements, antacids and some oral medications may interfere with absorption of ibandronate. Do not take within 60 minutes of dosing ( 7.1 ) • Use caution when co-prescribing aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may worsen gastrointestinal irritation. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Calcium Supplements/Antacids Products containing calcium and other multivalent cations (such as aluminum, magnesium, iron) are likely to interfere with absorption of ibandronate sodium. Therefore, instruct patients to take ibandronate sodium at least 60 minutes before any oral medications, including medications containing multivalent cations (such as antacids, supplements or vitamins). Also, patients should wait at least 60 minutes after dosing before taking any other oral medications (see Dosage and Administration [2.3]) . …