After menopause, the loss of estrogen causes bones to break down faster than they are rebuilt, leading to overall bone loss. Treatment with BONIVA helps reverse bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. To learn more, visit our How BONIVA Works page.
I just started taking BONIVA. What can I expect?
BONIVA has been proven to be an effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 9 out of 10 women reversed their bone loss after one year on BONIVA.*
*Bone density measured at lumbar spine, total hip, or trochanter; 3 out of 4 at the femoral neck.
What are the most common side effects of BONIVA?
Side effects are generally mild to moderate. Common side effects with BONIVA are diarrhea, pain in the extremities (arms or legs), and dyspepsia (upset stomach). For more information, visit our Side Effects of BONIVA page.
How should I take BONIVA?
Take BONIVA as instructed by your healthcare provider. Take BONIVA first thing in the morning. Be sure to wait at least 1 hour (60 minutes) before eating or drinking anything except plain water. Swallow BONIVA whole (do not chew or suck) with at least 6 to 8 ounces (1 cup) of plain water. Do not take BONIVA with mineral water, sparkling water, coffee, tea, milk, or juice. Avoid taking any other oral medicines, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins, for at least 60 minutes after taking BONIVA. Avoid lying down for at least 60 minutes after taking BONIVA to help decrease the risk of stomach problems. To learn more, visit our How to Take BONIVA page.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is defined as thinning of the bones that are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a "silent" disease—often, you can't feel the symptoms. Left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to stooped posture, fractures, and decreased mobility. Learn more in our About Osteoporosis section.
What causes osteoporosis?
Before menopause, bones are constantly being broken down and built back up at a similar rate. After menopause, the loss of estrogen throws this cycle out of balance, and bone breaks down faster than regrowth can occur. As a result, women are more likely to experience a fracture.
I've heard about osteopenia. How is that different from osteoporosis?
Osteopenia is increased thinning of the bones, but not as severe as in osteoporosis. If left untreated, however, osteopenia may lead to osteoporosis.
Who is most at risk for osteoporosis?
Women over the age of 50 face a serious threat. As a matter of fact, nearly half of women over age 50 will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime. Other risk factors include: being a Caucasian or Asian woman; a family history of osteoporosis; being small-boned and thin; smoking; heavy drinking; and an inactive lifestyle.
I was surprised by my diagnosis of osteoporosis. Shouldn't I have felt something?
In most cases, you won't notice any changes or feel different sensations in your body. Unless you have a fracture, the only way to know if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia is to take a bone mineral density (BMD) test. To learn more, visit our Understanding Osteoporosis Diagnosis page.
