BONIVA (ibandronate sodium) is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The chemical name for ibandronate sodium is 3-(N-methyl-N-pentyl)amino-1-hydroxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate with the molecular formula C₉H₂₂NO₇P₂Na·H₂O and a molecular weight of 359.24. Ibandronate sodium is a white- to off-white powder. It is freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in organic solvents. Ibandronate sodium has the following structural formula:

BONIVA Injection is intended for intravenous administration only. BONIVA Injection is available as a sterile, clear, colorless, ready-to-use solution in a prefilled syringe that delivers 3.375 mg of ibandronate monosodium salt monohydrate in 3 mL of solution, equivalent to a dose of 3 mg ibandronate free acid. Inactive ingredients include sodium chloride, glacial acetic acid, sodium acetate and water.

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

BONIVA Injection is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, BONIVA increases BMD and reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). Osteoporosis may be confirmed by the presence or history of osteoporotic fracture or by a finding of low bone mass (BMD more than 2.0 standard deviations below the premenopausal mean [ie, T-score]).

The recommended dose of BONIVA Injection for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis is 3 mg every 3 months (see INDICATIONS) administered over a period of 15 to 30 seconds.

No cases of acute renal failure were observed in controlled clinical trials in which intravenous BONIVA was administered as a 15- to 30-second bolus. The risk of serious renal toxicity with other intravenous bisphosphonates appears to be inversely related to the rate of drug administration (see PRECAUTIONS).

BONIVA Injection must be administered by a health care professional.

BONIVA Injection must only be administered intravenously (see WARNINGS). Care must be taken not to administer BONIVA Injection intra-arterially or paravenously as this could lead to tissue damage.

Do not administer BONIVA Injection by any other route of administration. The safety and efficacy of BONIVA Injection following non-intravenous routes of administration have not been established.

Administer BONIVA Injection using the enclosed needle. Prefilled syringes are for single use only. Discard unused portion.

BONIVA Injection must not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions or other intravenously administered drugs.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration, and not used if particulate matter is visible or product is discolored. Prefilled syringes with particulate matter or discoloration should not be used.

If the dose is missed, BONIVA Injection should be administered as soon as it can be rescheduled. Thereafter, injections should be scheduled every 3 months from the date of the last injection. Do not administer BONIVA Injection (3 mg) more frequently than once every 3 months.

Patients must receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D (see PRECAUTIONS: PATIENT INFORMATION).

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations).

Patients with Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment where creatinine clearance is equal to or greater than 30 mL/min.

BONIVA Injection should not be administered to patients with severe renal impairment, ie, patients with serum creatinine > 200 µmol/L (2.3 mg/dL) or creatinine clearance (measured or estimated) < 30 mL/min (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations).

Geriatric Patients

No dosage adjustment is necessary in the elderly (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

One prefilled syringe of BONIVA Injection (ibandronate sodium), 3 mg/3 mL single-use, clear glass prefilled syringe, in a box with 1 needle and 2 alcohol swabs (NDC 0004-0188-09).

Each syringe is a 5 mL (5 cc) volume syringe supplied with a 23-gauge, 3/4 inch needle with wings, needle-stick protection device, and 3-inch plastic tubing for attachment.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Distributed by: Roche Pharmaceuticals Roche Laboratories Inc. 340 Kingsland Street, Nutley, New Jersey 07110-1199. Co-promoted by Roche Laboratories Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. 11/28/2008. FDA Rev date: 11/28/2008

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

Daily Oral Tablet

Treatment with BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet was studied in over 3900 patients in postmenopausal osteoporosis trials of up to 3 years duration. The overall adverse event profile of BONIVA 2.5 mg once daily tablet in these studies was similar to that of placebo.

Most adverse events were mild or moderate and did not lead to discontinuation. The incidence of serious adverse events was 20% in the placebo group and 23% in the BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment due to adverse events was approximately 17% in both the BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet group and the placebo group. Overall, and according to body system, there was no difference between BONIVA daily oral tablet and placebo, with adverse events of the digestive system being the most common reason for withdrawal.

Table 3 lists adverse events from the Treatment and Prevention Studies reported in ≥ 2% of patients and in more patients treated with BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet than patients treated with placebo. Adverse events are shown without attribution of causality.

Table 3: Adverse Events Occurring at a Frequency ≥ 2% and in More Patients Treated with BONIVA 2.5 mg Daily Oral Tablet than in Patients Treated with Placebo in the Osteoporosis Treatment and Prevention Studies

Quarterly IV Injection – DIVA Study

In a 1-year, double-blind, multicenter study comparing BONIVA Injection administered intravenously as 3 mg every 3 months to BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, the overall safety and tolerability profiles of the two dosing regimens were similar. The incidence of serious adverse events was 8.0% in the BONIVA 2.5 mg daily group and 7.5% in the BONIVA Injection 3 mg once every 3 months group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment due to adverse events was approximately 6.7% in the BONIVA 2.5 mg daily group and 8.5% in the BONIVA Injection 3 mg every 3 months group.

Table 4 lists the adverse events reported in > 2% of patients without attribution of causality.

Table 4: Adverse Events With an Incidence of at Least 2% in Patients Treated with BONIVA Injection (3 mg once every 3 months) or BONIVA Daily Oral Tablet (2.5 mg)

Acute Phase Reaction-like Events

Symptoms consistent with acute phase reaction (APR) have been reported with intravenous bisphosphonate use. The overall incidence of patients with APR-like events was higher in the intravenous treatment group (4% in the BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet group vs. 10% in the BONIVA Injection 3 mg once every 3 months group). These incidence rates are based on reporting of any of 33 potential APR-like symptoms within 3 days of an IV dose and for a duration of 7 days or less. In most cases, no specific treatment was required and the symptoms subsided within 24 to 48 hours.

Injection Site Reactions

Local reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling, were observed infrequently, but at a higher incidence in patients treated with BONIVA Injection 3 mg every 3 months ( < 2%; 8/469) than in patients treated with placebo injections ( < 1%; 1/465). In most cases, the reaction was of mild to moderate severity.

Ocular Adverse Events

Bisphosphonates may be associated with ocular inflammation such as uveitis and scleritis. In some cases, these events did not resolve until the bisphosphonate was discontinued.

Laboratory Test Findings

There were no clinically significant changes from baseline values or shifts in any laboratory variable with oral ibandronate. As expected with bisphosphonate treatment, a decrease in total alkaline phosphatase levels was seen with 2.5 mg daily oral ibandronate compared to placebo. There was no difference compared with placebo for laboratory abnormalities indicative of hepatic or renal dysfunction, hypocalcemia, or hypophosphatemia. There also was no evidence that BONIVA Injection 3 mg every 3 months induced clinically significant laboratory abnormalities indicative of hepatic or renal dysfunction compared to BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet.

See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interactions

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Bisphosphonates are known to interfere with the use of bone-imaging agents. Specific studies with ibandronate have not been performed.

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

BONIVA Injection, like other bisphosphonates administered intravenously, may cause a transient decrease in serum calcium values (see PRECAUTIONS).

BONIVA Injection must only be administered intravenously. Care must be taken not to administer BONIVA Injection intra-arterially or paravenously as this could lead to tissue damage.

Do not administer BONIVA Injection by any other route of administration. The safety and efficacy of BONIVA Injection following non-intravenous routes of administration have not been established.

General

Mineral Metabolism

Hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis D, and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism must be effectively treated before starting BONIVA Injection therapy. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important in all patients. Patients must receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D.

Renal Impairment

Treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates has been associated with renal toxicity manifested as deterioration in renal function (ie, increased serum creatinine) and in rare cases, acute renal failure. No cases of acute renal failure were observed in controlled clinical trials in which intravenous BONIVA was administered as a 15- to 30-second bolus. The risk of serious renal toxicity with other intravenous bisphosphonates appears to be inversely related to the rate of drug administration.

Patients who receive BONIVA Injection should have serum creatinine measured prior to each dosage administration. Patients with concomitant diseases that have the potential for adverse effects on the kidney or patients who are taking concomitant medications that have the potential for adverse effects on the kidney should be assessed, as clinically appropriate. Treatment should be withheld for renal deterioration.

BONIVA Injection should not be administered to patients with severe renal impairment (ie, patients with serum creatinine > 200 µmol/L [2.3 mg/dL] or creatinine clearance [measured or estimated] < 30 mL/min).

Jaw Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis, primarily in the jaw, has been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates. Most cases have been in cancer patients undergoing dental procedures, but some have occurred in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or other diagnoses. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis include a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (eg, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids), and co-morbid disorders (eg, anemia, coagulopathy, infection, pre-existing dental disease). Most reported cases have been in patients treated with bisphosphonates intravenously but some have been in patients treated orally.

For patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk of ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment.

Musculoskeletal Pain

In postmarketing experience, severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates that are approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). However, such reports have been infrequent. This category of drugs includes BONIVA (ibandronate sodium) Injection. Most of the patients were postmenopausal women. 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.

Information for Patients

BONIVA Injection must be administered intravenously only by a health care professional. Patients should be instructed to read the PATIENT INFORMATION Leaflet carefully before BONIVA Injection is administered and to re-read it each time the prescription is renewed.

BONIVA Injection should be administered once every 3 months. If the dose is missed, the injection should be administered as soon as it can be rescheduled. Thereafter, injections should be scheduled every 3 months from the date of the last injection. Do not administer BONIVA Injection more frequently than once every 3 months.

Patients must receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

In a 104-week carcinogenicity study, doses of 3, 7, or 15 mg/kg/day were administered by oral gavage to Wistar rats (systemic exposures in males and females up to 3 and 1 times, respectively, human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). There were no significant drug-related tumor findings in male or female rats. In a 78-week carcinogenicity study, doses of 5, 20, or 40 mg/kg/day were administered by oral gavage to NMRI mice (exposures in males and females up to 96 and 14 times, respectively, human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). There were no significant drug-related tumor findings in male or female mice. In a 90-week carcinogenicity study, doses of 5, 20, or 80 mg/kg/day were administered in the drinking water to NMRI mice. A dose-related increased incidence of adrenal subcapsular adenoma/carcinoma was observed in female mice, which was statistically significant at 80 mg/kg/day (32 to 51 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.

Mutagenesis

There was no evidence for a mutagenic or clastogenic potential of ibandronate in the following assays: in vitro bacterial mutagenesis assay in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli (Ames test), mammalian cell mutagenesis assay in Chinese hamster V79 cells, and chromosomal aberration test in human peripheral lymphocytes, each with and without metabolic activation. Ibandronate was not genotoxic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus tests for chromosomal damage.

Impairment of Fertility

In female rats treated from 14 days prior to mating through gestation, decreases in fertility, corpora lutea and implantation sites, and increased preimplantation loss were observed at an intravenous dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day (117 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). In male rats treated for 28 days prior to mating, a decrease in sperm production and altered sperm morphology were observed at intravenous doses ≥ 0.3 mg/kg/day ( ≥ 40 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison).

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

In pregnant rats given intravenous doses of 0.05, 0.15, or 0.5 mg/kg/day from Day 17 post-coitum until Day 20 post-partum, ibandronate treatment resulted in dystocia, maternal mortality, and early postnatal pup loss in all dose groups ( ≥ 2 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). Reduced body weight at birth was observed at 0.15 and 0.5 mg/kg/day ( ≥ 4 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). Pups exhibited abnormal odontogeny that decreased food consumption and body weight gain at 0.15 and 0.5 mg/kg/day ( ≥ 18 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). Periparturient mortality has also been observed with other bisphosphonates and appears to be a class effect related to inhibition of skeletal calcium mobilization resulting in hypocalcemia and dystocia.

Exposure of pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased fetal incidence of RPU (renal pelvis ureter) syndrome at an intravenous dose of 1 mg/kg/day ( ≥ 47 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison). In this spontaneous delivery study, dystocia was counteracted by perinatal calcium supplementation. In rat studies with intravenous dosing during gestation, fetal weight and pup growth were reduced at doses ≥ 0.1 mg/kg/day ( ≥ 5 times human exposure at the recommended intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative AUC comparison).

In pregnant rabbits given intravenous doses of 0.03, 0.07 or 0.2 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis, maternal mortality, reduced maternal body weight gain, decreased litter size due to increased resorption rate, and decreased fetal weight were observed at 0.2 mg/kg/day (19 times the recommended human intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative body surface area comparison, mg/m²).

Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of weeks to years. The extent of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount available for release back into the systemic circulation, is directly related to the total dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. Although there are no data on fetal risk in humans, bisphosphonates do cause fetal harm in animals, and animal data suggest that uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone is greater than into maternal bone. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of fetal harm (eg, skeletal and other abnormalities) if a woman becomes pregnant after completing a course of bisphosphonate therapy. The impact of variables such as time between cessation of bisphosphonate therapy to conception, the particular bisphosphonate used, and the route of administration (intravenous versus oral) on this risk has not been established.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. BONIVA Injection should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the mother and fetus.

Nursing Mothers

In lactating rats treated with intravenous doses of 0.08 mg/kg, ibandronate was present in breast milk at concentrations of 8.1 to 0.4 ng/mL from 2 to 24 hours after dose administration. Concentrations in milk averaged 1.5 times plasma concentrations. It is not known whether BONIVA is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when BONIVA Injection is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Of the patients receiving BONIVA Injection 3 mg every 3 months for 1 year (DIVA study), 51% were over 65 years of age. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

No cases of overdose were reported in premarketing studies with BONIVA Injection. Intravenous overdosage may result in hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia. Clinically relevant reductions in serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium should be corrected by intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, potassium or sodium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate, respectively.

Dialysis would not be beneficial unless it is administered within 2 hours following the overdose.

• Known hypersensitivity to BONIVA Injection or to any of its excipients
• Uncorrected hypocalcemia (see PRECAUTIONS: General)

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

Mechanism of Action

The action of ibandronate on bone tissue is based on its affinity for hydroxyapatite, which is part of the mineral matrix of bone. Ibandronate inhibits osteoclast activity and reduces bone resorption and turnover. In postmenopausal women, it reduces the elevated rate of bone turnover, leading to, on average, a net gain in bone mass.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution

Area under the serum ibandronate concentrations versus time curve increases in a dose-proportional manner after administration of 2 mg to 6 mg by intravenous injection.

After administration, ibandronate either rapidly binds to bone or is excreted into urine. In humans, the apparent terminal volume of distribution is at least 90 L, and the amount of dose removed from the circulation into the bone is estimated to be 40% to 50% of the circulating dose. In vitro protein binding in human serum was approximately 86% over an ibandronate concentration range of 20 to 2000 ng/mL (approximate range of maximum serum ibandronate concentrations upon intravenous bolus administration) in one study.

Metabolism

There is no evidence that ibandronate is metabolized in humans. Ibandronate does not inhibit human P450 1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 isozymes in vitro.

Elimination

The portion of ibandronate that is not removed from the circulation via bone absorption is eliminated unchanged by the kidney (approximately 50% to 60% of the administered intravenous dose).

The plasma elimination of ibandronate is multiphasic. Its renal clearance and distribution into bone accounts for a rapid and early decline in plasma concentrations, reaching 10% of Cmax within 3 or 8 hours after intravenous or oral administration, respectively. This is followed by a slower clearance phase as ibandronate redistributes back into the blood from bone. The observed apparent terminal half-life for ibandronate is generally dependent on the dose studied and on assay sensitivity. The observed apparent terminal half-life for intravenous 2 and 4 mg ibandronate after 2 hours of infusion ranges from 4.6 to 15.3 hours and 5 to 25.5 hours, respectively.

Following intravenous administration, total clearance of ibandronate is low, with average values in the range 84 to 160 mL/min. Renal clearance (about 60 mL/min in healthy postmenopausal women) accounts for 50% to 60% of total clearance and is related to creatinine clearance. The difference between the apparent total and renal clearances likely reflects bone uptake of the drug.

Special Populations

Pediatrics

The pharmacokinetics of ibandronate has not been studied in patients < 18 years of age.

Gender

The pharmacokinetics of ibandronate is similar in both men and women.

Geriatric

Since ibandronate is not known to be metabolized, the only difference in ibandronate elimination for geriatric patients versus younger patients is expected to relate to progressive age-related changes in renal function (see Special Populations: Renal Impairment).

Race

Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have not been studied.

Renal Impairment

Renal clearance of ibandronate in patients with various degrees of renal impairment is linearly related to creatinine clearance (CLcr).

Following a single dose of 0.5 mg ibandronate by intravenous administration, patients with CLcr 40 to 70 mL/min had 55% higher exposure (AUC_∞) than the exposure observed in subjects with CLcr > 90 mL/min. Patients with CLcr < 30 mL/min had more than a two-fold increase in exposure compared to the exposure for healthy subjects (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Patients with Renal Impairment).

Hepatic Impairment

No studies have been performed to assess the pharmacokinetics of ibandronate in patients with hepatic impairment since ibandronate is not metabolized in the human liver.

Drug Interactions

Ibandronate does not undergo hepatic metabolism and does not inhibit the hepatic cytochrome P450 system. Ibandronate is eliminated by renal excretion. Based on a rat study, the ibandronate secretory pathway does not appear to include known acidic or basic transport systems involved in the excretion of other drugs.

Melphalan/Prednisolone

A pharmacokinetic interaction study in multiple myeloma patients demonstrated that intravenous melphalan (10 mg/m²) and oral prednisolone (60 mg/m²) did not interact with 6 mg ibandronate upon intravenous coadministration. Ibandronate did not interact with melphalan or prednisolone.

Tamoxifen

A pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy postmenopausal women demonstrated that there was no interaction between oral 30 mg tamoxifen and intravenous 2 mg ibandronate.

Pharmacodynamics

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, most commonly at the spine, hip, and wrist. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a finding of low bone mass, evidence of fracture on x-ray, a history of osteoporotic fracture, or height loss or kyphosis indicative of vertebral fracture. While osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, it is most common among women following menopause. In healthy humans, bone formation and resorption are closely linked; old bone is resorbed and replaced by newly formed bone. In postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone resorption exceeds bone formation, leading to bone loss and increased risk of fracture. After menopause, the risk of fractures of the spine and hip increases; approximately 40% of 50-year-old women will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their remaining lifetimes.

In studies of postmenopausal women, BONIVA Injection at doses of 0.5 mg to 3 mg produced biochemical changes indicative of inhibition of bone resorption, including decreases of biochemical markers of bone collagen degradation (cross-linked C-telopeptide of Type I collagen [CTX]). Changes in markers of bone formation (osteocalcin) were observed later than changes in resorption markers, as expected, due to the coupled nature of bone resorption and formation.

Year 1 results from an efficacy and safety study comparing BONIVA Injection 3 mg every 3 months and BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet demonstrated that both dosing regimens significantly suppressed serum CTX levels at Months 3, 6, and 12. The median pre-dose or trough serum CTX levels in the ITT population reached a nadir of 57% (BONIVA Injection) and 62% (BONIVA 2.5 mg tablets) below baseline values by Month 6, and remained stable at Month 12 of treatment.

Clinical Studies

Daily Oral Tablets

The effectiveness and safety of BONIVA daily oral tablets were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study (Treatment Study) of 2946 women aged 55 to 80 years, who were on average 21 years postmenopause, who had lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) 2 to 5 SD below the premenopausal mean (T-score) in at least one vertebra [L1-L4], and who had one to four prevalent vertebral fractures. BONIVA was evaluated at oral doses of 2.5 mg daily and 20 mg intermittently. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of new radiographically diagnosed, vertebral fractures after 3 years of treatment. The diagnosis of an incident vertebral fracture was based on both qualitative diagnosis by the radiologist and quantitative morphometric criterion. The morphometric criterion required the dual occurrence of two events: a relative height ratio or relative height reduction in a vertebral body of at least 20%, together with at least a 4 mm absolute decrease in height. All women received 400 IU vitamin D and 500 mg calcium supplementation per day.

Quarterly IV Injection

The effectiveness and safety of BONIVA Injection 3 mg once every 3 months were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, multinational, noninferiority study (DIVA Study) in 1358 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (L2-L4 lumbar spine BMD, T-score below -2.5 SD at baseline). The control group received BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablets. The primary efficacy parameter was the relative change from baseline to 1 year of treatment in lumbar spine BMD, which was compared between the intravenous injection and the daily oral treatment groups. All patients received 400 IU vitamin D and 500 mg calcium supplementation per day.

Effect on Vertebral Fracture

BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet significantly reduced the incidence of new vertebral and of new and worsening vertebral fractures (Daily Oral Tablet – Treatment Study). Over the course of the 3-year study, the risk for vertebral fracture was 9.6% in the placebo-treated women and 4.7% in the women treated with BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet (p < 0.001) (see Table 1). In an unapproved regimen, intermittent oral administration of 20 mg BONIVA, involving a 9- to 10-week drug-free interval, produced a statistically significant reduction (50%) in the incidence of new vertebral fractures, similar to that seen with the daily oral 2.5 mg regimen.

Table 1: Effect of BONIVA Daily Oral Tablet on the Incidence of Vertebral Fracture in the 3-Year Osteoporosis Treatment Study*

Effect on Nonvertebral Fractures

There was a similar number of nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures at 3 years reported in women treated with BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet [9.1%, (95% CI: 7.1%, 11.1%)] and placebo [8.2%, (95% CI: 6.3%, 10.2%)]. The two treatment groups were also similar with regard to the number of fractures reported at the individual non-vertebral sites: pelvis, femur, wrist, forearm, rib, and hip (Daily Oral Tablet - Treatment Study).

Effect on Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

Daily Oral Tablet - Treatment Study: BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet significantly increased BMD at the lumbar spine and hip relative to treatment with placebo. In the 3-year osteoporosis treatment study, BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet produced increases in lumbar spine BMD that were progressive over 3 years of treatment and were statistically significant relative to placebo at 6 months and at all later time points. Lumbar spine BMD increased by 6.4% after 3 years of treatment with BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet compared with 1.4% in the placebo group. Table 2 displays the significant increases in BMD seen at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter compared to placebo. Thus, overall BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet reverses the loss of BMD, a central factor in the progression of osteoporosis.

Table 2: Mean Percent Change in BMD from Baseline to Endpoint in Patients Treated with BONIVA 2.5 mg Daily Oral Tablet or Placebo in the 3-Year Osteoporosis Treatment Study*

Quarterly IV Injection – DIVA Study: In the ITT efficacy analysis, the least-squares mean increase at 1 year in lumbar spine BMD in patients (n=429) treated with BONIVA Injection 3 mg once every 3 months (4.5%) was statistically superior to that in patients (n=434) treated with daily oral tablets (3.5%). The mean difference between groups was 1.05% (95% CI: 0.53%, 1.57%; p < 0.001; see Figure 1). The mean increases from baseline in total hip BMD at 1 year were 2.1% in the BONIVA Injection 3 mg once every 3 months group and 1.5% in the BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet group. Consistently higher BMD increases at the femoral neck and trochanter were also observed following BONIVA Injection 3 mg once every 3 months compared to BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet.

Figure 1: Mean Percent Change (95% CI) from Baseline in Lumbar Spine BMD at One Year in Patients Treated with BONIVA 2.5 mg Daily Oral Tablet or BONIVA Injection 3 mg Once Every 3 Months

Bone Histology

The effects of BONIVA 2.5 mg daily oral tablet on bone histology were evaluated in iliac crest biopsies from 16 women after 22 months of treatment and 20 women after 34 months of treatment. The histological analysis of bone biopsies showed bone of normal quality and no indication of osteomalacia or a mineralization defect.

The histological analysis of bone biopsies after 22 months of treatment with 3 mg intravenous ibandronate every 3 months (n=30) or 23 months of treatment with 2 mg intravenous ibandronate every 2 months (n=27) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis showed bone of normal quality and no indication of a mineralization defect.

Animal Pharmacology

Animal studies have shown that ibandronate is an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. In the Schenk assay in growing rats, ibandronate inhibited bone resorption and increased bone volume, based on histologic examination of the tibial metaphyses. There was no evidence of impaired mineralization at the highest dose of 5 mg/kg/day (subcutaneously), which is 1000 times the lowest antiresorptive dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day in this model, and 5000 times the optimal antiresorptive dose of 0.001 mg/kg/day in the aged ovariectomized rat. This indicates that BONIVA Injection administered at a therapeutic dose is unlikely to induce osteomalacia.

Long-term daily or intermittent administration of ibandronate to ovariectomized rats or monkeys was associated with suppression of bone turnover and increases in bone mass. Vertebral BMD, trabecular density, and biomechanical strength were increased dose-dependently in rats and monkeys, at doses up to 8 to 4 times the human intravenous dose of 3 mg every 3 months, based on cumulative dose normalized for body surface area (mg/m²) and AUC comparison, respectively. Ibandronate maintained the positive correlation between bone mass and strength at the ulna and femoral neck. New bone formed in the presence of ibandronate had normal histologic structure and did not show mineralization defects.

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

BONIVA®
[bon-EE-va]
(ibandronate sodium) Injection

Read this patient information carefully before you receive BONIVA Injection. Read this patient information each time you get a refill for BONIVA Injection. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your health care provider about your condition or your treatment. Talk about BONIVA Injection with your health care provider before the first injection and at your regular check-ups.

What is the most important information I should know about BONIVA Injection?

BONIVA Injection must be administered intravenously only by a health care professional. Do NOT administer BONIVA Injection to yourself.

Patients with severe kidney problems should not receive BONIVA Injection.

Low blood calcium levels must be corrected before starting BONIVA Injection therapy. You also must take calcium and vitamin D supplements while receiving BONIVA Injection therapy.

What is BONIVA Injection?

BONIVA Injection is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause (see the end of this leaflet for “What is osteoporosis?”).

BONIVA Injection may reverse bone loss by stopping more loss of bone and increasing bone mass in most women who receive the injection, even though they won't be able to see or feel a difference. BONIVA Injection may help lower the chances of breaking bones (fractures). These effects continue as long as you receive BONIVA Injection.

It is important that you receive your BONIVA Injection every 3 months for as long as your health care provider prescribes it. BONIVA Injection can treat your osteoporosis only if you continue to receive treatment.

Who should not receive BONIVA Injection?

Do not begin treatment with BONIVA Injection if you:

• have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) or low blood vitamin D (hypovitaminosis D)
• have kidneys that work very poorly
• are allergic to ibandronate sodium or any of the other ingredients of BONIVA Injection (see the end of this leaflet for a list of all the ingredients in BONIVA Injection)

Tell your health care provider before using BONIVA Injection:

• if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if BONIVA Injection can harm your unborn baby.
• if you are breast-feeding. It is not known if BONIVA Injection passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
• if you have kidney problems or other diseases that may affect your kidneys, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
• if you are planning a dental procedure such as tooth extraction.

Tell your health care provider (including your dentist) about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and supplements.

What is my BONIVA Injection schedule?

BONIVA Injection must be administered intravenously only by a health care professional. BONIVA Injection should be administered once every 3 months. If the dose is missed, you should contact your health care provider to schedule the next injection and to continue your treatment with BONIVA Injection. After receiving your missed dose, your next injection should be scheduled 3 months from the date of the last injection. If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, contact your health care provider who will be able to advise you.

What are the possible side effects of BONIVA Injection?

BONIVA Injection is generally well tolerated. Side effects with BONIVA Injection are usually mild and of brief duration.

Common side effects with BONIVA Injection are:

• bone, muscle, or joint pains
• influenza-like illness
• headache

You may experience flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, chills, joint, bone and/or muscle pain, and fatigue. These symptoms usually occur only after the first injection and generally will not happen again as you continue treatment. Your health care provider or pharmacist can recommend a mild pain reliever such as aspirin to make you more comfortable. Without treatment, the symptoms generally disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

You may experience irritation at the site of injection, such as redness or swelling, but this does not happen often.

Rarely, patients have reported severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain starting within one day to several months after beginning to take bisphosphonate drugs to treat osteoporosis (thin bones). This group of drugs includes BONIVA. Most patients experienced relief after stopping the drug. Contact your health care provider if you develop these symptoms after starting BONIVA.

Rarely, patients taking bisphosphonates have reported serious jaw problems associated with delayed healing and infection, often following dental procedures such as tooth extraction. If you experience jaw problems, please contact your health care provider and dentist.

These are not all the possible side effects of BONIVA Injection. For more information, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thinner. Thin bones can break easily. Most people think of their bones as being solid like a rock. Actually, bone is living tissue, just like other parts of the body, such as your heart, brain, or skin. Bone just happens to be a harder type of tissue. Bone is always changing. Your body keeps your bones strong and healthy by replacing old bone with new bone.

Osteoporosis causes the body to remove more bone than it replaces. This means that bones get weaker. Weak bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is quite common in women after menopause. At first, osteoporosis has no symptoms, but people with osteoporosis may develop loss of height and are more likely to break (fracture) their bones, especially the back (spine), wrist, and hip bones. Eventually, the spine becomes curved and the body becomes bent over.

Osteoporosis can be prevented, and with proper therapy it can be treated.

Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

Talk to your health care provider about your chances for getting osteoporosis.

Many things put people at risk for osteoporosis. The following people have a higher chance of getting osteoporosis:

Women who:

• are going through or who are past menopause (“the change”)
• are white (Caucasian) or Asian

People who:

• are thin
• have a family member with osteoporosis
• do not get enough calcium or vitamin D
• do not exercise
• smoke
• drink alcohol often
• take bone thinning medicines (like prednisone) for a long time

General information about BONIVA Injection

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information. Do not use BONIVA Injection for a condition for which it was not prescribed.

Store BONIVA Injection at 77°F (25°C) or at room temperature between 59° and 86°F (15° and 30°C).

Keep BONIVA Injection and all medicines out of the reach of children.

This summarizes the most important information about BONIVA Injection. If you would like more information, talk with your health care provider. You can ask your health care provider or pharmacist for information about BONIVA Injection that is written for health professionals.

For more information about BONIVA Injection, call 1-888-MY-BONIVA or visit www.myboniva.com.

What are the ingredients of BONIVA Injection?

BONIVA Injection (active ingredient): ibandronate sodium

BONIVA Injection (inactive ingredients): sodium chloride, glacial acetic acid, sodium acetate and water

Last updated on RxList: 2/11/2009

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

IBANDRONATE - INJECTION

(eye-BAN-droe-nate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Boniva

USES: Ibandronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases after menopause, as you age, or if you take corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods.

This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Ibandronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ibandronate and each time you get another dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein over a period of 15-30 seconds by a health care professional. It is usually given once every 3 months.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix ibandronate with any other drugs.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to keep receiving this medication even if you feel well. Most people with osteoporosis do not have symptoms. Remember to receive it every 3 months. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Continue to take other medications for your condition as directed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, stomach upset, flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, tiredness, joint/muscle ache), or injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, jaw pain, vision changes, change in the amount of urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using ibandronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, etidronate, pamidronate, risedronate); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following conditions: low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.

Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medications. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions that actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth, other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start ibandronate. Make sure your dentist knows your entire medical history, including any cancer radiation treatments. Also tell your dentist of all the medications you are using, especially cancer chemotherapy and corticosteroids such as prednisone, and tell your dentist you will be using ibandronate. Consult your dentist for more details.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. This medication may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are not known. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with ibandronate.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor of pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

This medication may affect the results of certain lab tests (bone-imaging agents). Be sure to tell lab personnel and all your doctors that you are taking this medication.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., bone density tests, X-rays, height, blood mineral levels, kidney function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, reschedule with your health care professional as soon as possible. Continue every 3 months from the date you actually receive the missed dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.