Boniva

I just took my first monthly Boniva pill.  Since I have always had a sensitive stomach, I am concerned about the long term effects of taking this medication.  I was thinking of taking the drug by an IV instead and was wondering if uo could tell me if this is riskier.  I have osteoarthritis and was wondering how the IV injection may affect that.  

Can you also tell me if the Reclast once a year injection is safe?

Thank you for your help.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Both Boniva and Reclast are similar medications, the first being a monthly pill and the latter being a yearly IV infusion over 15 minutes or more. I don't have any experience with Reclast. It is still a new drug. It is hard to know if it is riskier from the information provided by the company or the reports as there hasn't been enough time to be sure. Both appear safe from the data but the Reclast does often cause some aches and headaches and occasionally other problems.The most risky is kidney problems. Both medications can cause aseptic necrosis of the jaw, a condition that is rare but more likely if teeth condition or gums are poor. The oral medications like Boniva usually do not cause a stomach problem if the person follows the directions of standing upright for 30 minutes, takes the medication on an empty stomach and drinks at least a glass of water. Both need the person to take vitamin D and calcium. One can always try Boniva for a month or two and see how they feel. If it doesn't cause a problem in the short run, it is likely not to cause a problem later on if it is taken according to directions.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD