Boniva is a member of the category of drugs called bisphosphonates. That sounds like hi fi chemistry!

So, let us not get into that and concentrate on why it is sought after by so many persons.

Boniva decreases the rate at which the body loses its bone mass and helps in regaining it. So, it is a pet drug for post-menopausal women who run the risk of osteoporosis. But its use is not restricted to women only. All those who need to increase their bone mass favor Boniva.

Before your doctor prescribes Boniva for you, inform him if you have allergies of any sort. And, if you have any of the following, it would be a blunder on your part if he is not aware of them:

• you suffer from low levels of blood calcium (doctors call it hypocalcemia)
• your body is deficient in vitamin D
• your kidney does not function normally
• you have an ulcer either in your food pipe or in your stomach
• you are unable to stand or sit upright for one hour at a stretch
• you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during the course of the therapy

Boniva is available both as tablets or injections. The tablets can be taken once a month or one tablet can be taken daily.

If your doctor suggests injections, one intravenous injection every three months should ideally be enough. Meticulously follow the instruction given by your doctor and never ever take an overdose of Boniva. It can be really dangerous.

If, by mistake, you do take an overdose, either contact the local poison control cell or ask for emergency medical attention. If possible, drink a full glass of milk. Even if you feel like vomiting, do not do so, and never lie down.

If you have forgotten to take your scheduled dose of Boniva, just skip it and continue with the next dose. Don’t try to compensate the missed dose by taking a double dose the next time. You will be skirting serious trouble if you do that.

There are certain procedures which must be followed when you take Boniva. You should not chew, suck or crush the tablet. Just pop it in with a full glass of water (plain water and not mineral water). Do not lie down for the next sixty minutes. If you sit, then sit in an upright manner. Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water for the next one hour. Do not take any medicine, not even antacids, vitamins or calcium tablets during this period.

These are very important instructions. Don’t flout them ever.

If you feel discomfort of any sort after taking Boniva, don’t ignore it and consult the doctor immediately.