First IV Osteoporosis Medication Approved by the FDA
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved intravenous ibandronate sodium (brand name Boniva®) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Ibandronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, and it is the first intravenous (IV) medication approved to treat osteoporosis. Ibandronate was approved in a once-monthly oral does in 2005.
IV ibandronate is administered in a dose of 3 mg once every three months by a healthcare professional in either a doctor’s office or other outpatient setting; the infusion takes less than one minute. Healthcare professionals can order ibandronate from their medical suppliers, but not all have the capability to administer an IV medication in their offices.
The IV dose bypasses the stomach and intestine, making it less likely to cause heartburn or stomach upset than are oral bisphosphonates. Patients need to have a serum creatinine lab test prior to each dose. This drug should not be given to patients with severe renal impairment.
Insurance benefits for the new drug vary from plan to plan. Patients need to check with their health insurance carrier to determine whether this drug is a covered benefit and whether there are any special requirements, such as obtaining preauthorization. Unlike other osteoporosis medications, IV ibandronate is covered as a medical benefit rather than a drug benefit by most insurance companies because it must be given in a doctor’s office. For people with Medicare, this means it is reimbursed under Medicare Part B while the oral dose is reimbursed under Medicare Part D.
IV ibandronate is a product of Roche.
The toll free customer service number is (800)526-6367.
National Osteoporosis Foundation | Standing Tall for You™ page 7
