What Is Ibandronate Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Ibandronate Work?

Ibandronate belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. The drug binds to certain cells in the bones and slows down the rate at which they break down. Bisphosphonates are effective for treating and preventing osteoporosis, although they can be inconvenient to take (as you cannot eat, drink, or lie down for an hour after each dose). However, the drug can also be taken just once a month, helping to make the medication more convenient.
 

Is Ibandronate Used for Children?

Ibandronate is not approved for use in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
 

Is Ibandronate Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend ibandronate for something other than osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Off-label ibandronate uses include treating the following conditions:
 
  • High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
  • Paget's disease
  • Cancer that has spread to the bones
  • Osteoporosis in men or premenopausal women.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;