Ibandronic acid

Hi. I have been on Ibandronic acid for over two years but I was diagnosed it for osteoporosis. I take a monthly tablet but oncologist agreed I could stay on this dose once I started on Anastrozole. I think you might be prescribed a daily tablet.  You have to take it on an empty stomach and make sure you sit up for at least an hour after taking it.  It’s adviseable to get any major dental work done before starting on them but Im sure you will be advised on this. I found it scary reading side effects but I have been ok so far.

Hi

i hope you are managing so far after all your treatment. 
I have been on ibandronic acid for 4 months now after having large tumour taken out of left breast and lymph nodes taken out under arm ( one had cancer in ) in July 2022 . Radiotherapy sessions in September . I am also on Letrozole , hormone suppressor , for 10 years. My diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2 ,  ER8/8 , PR 5/8 and HER negative. Onconyte test score 16 so no chemo offered as low benefits from having it. I am 70 years old. 
I Too  had lots of issues regarding the BIsphosphonates ( ibandronic acid ) but after lots of questions and research I knew it was the right thing to do to give me the best chance if the cancer never returning. 
I had uncomfortable indigestion initially but this has settled down and I get it occasionally in the late afternoon. I take 2 gaviscon which helps .

Take care and good luck with your decision 
NannaJ 

Thanks for your reply x

Thanks - I think chemotherapy has put me off any more treatment- I did have mastectomy and full axilla node removal, also 15 radiotherapy sessions. But the so have lots of others !! 

I have been in Ibandronic acid tablets since July. I take one a day in the morning with a big glass of water. I have to wait at least 30 minutes before eating and drinking and mustn't lay down for an hour. I am taking Letrozole too so I think side effects come more from them. They are aching joints but goes off after a while.I have had bloods down once to check all ok taking these meds and it was . Like you have had chemo , mastectomy and radiotherapy. These meds strengthen bones and would stop any cancer forming in them I believe.

All done for the right reasons to fight any chance of reaccurance. You should also get dental work done before beginning them. I sadly had some loose teeth which had to come out first. You can have Ibandronic acid as an infusion every 6 months but not sure if all hospitals offer it in that form. Good luck as you continue your journey , not one we asked for hey. 

️ 

Hello Janemb,

 thanks for taking the time to reply. I’m having a filling done next week - having lost a couple of teeth during chemo- must have swallowed them in sleep !

I think my biggest concern is having to be back on the treadmill of constant bloods, appointments etc. don’t think me foolish or ungrateful- just such a joy to be ‘free’.

wishing you well ️

Hii fully understand but sadly all ongoing I think it's only bloods 6 monthly I did mine in Nov and none till April so not too bad. Had first annual mamagram in  Oct (all ok) still waiting my annual check at breast clinic should have been NovRang and said be Jan as behind x Good luck x

So glad to hear mammogram was ok. Bloods 6monthly bearable !

Best of luck with annual check.

Thanks for your help x

@Trentender 
Hi as someone has already said you may be able to get six monthly infusion rather than weekly /daily tablet . My story is on profile if you want to read but short story is 

July 2019 had MX , CHEMO INFUSIONS , HERCEPTIN JABS THEN ZOLEDRONIC ACID INFUSIONS 6MONTHLY finished treatment Dec 2022

The infusions took bout 15 mins so in unit for about 30 mins …SE were manageable was a bit achy and felt like I was getting flu they were a bit random but all cleared up post 2/3 weeks . I preferred this option as it was every 6 months so felt like a holiday after 18months of three weekly bloods and infusion / jab 

It is all personal preference and what your unit can offer you ..have a chat with your oncologist most are open to patients comfort 

good luck

Thanks so much

My chemo was November 2021 - June 22 - like you 3 weekly, then weekly with bloods added in. Then MX in July and RT finished Dec 22. So any break in treatment is a holiday!

xx