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Abnormal Lab Reports for Boniva Infusion Patients

Written by

Alma

Alma

Mon, December 31, 2007

Has anyone experienced abnormal routine lab reports after being on Boniva Infusions for nine (9) months?

 

My cholestrol levels have always been low to very normal levels which my doctor described as "Cholestrol levels people dream of having!". I just had my annual blood work which revealed  a very high cholestrol level (in excess of 450 compared to last years level of under 168.

 

Blood work is taken before and after my infusions and I know the blood test results following the infusion is much higher, but they do not test cholestrol at that time.

 

My Boniva infusions have been great.  I am 66 years old and was diagnosed with Osteoporis in my mid 30's, but very little was know about the condition back then nor were there any medications for us to help improve our conditions.

 

My osteoporosis was so severe I accepted being placed on a drug not approved by the FDA in the 80's (but had been studied in other countries) that helped my doctor stablize my bone loss.  However, the medication could only be administered for six months. 

 

 

I have been on almost every osteoporosis medication but there has been severe side effects with most.  I am unable to take the Boniva tablet due to stomach problems. Also, I was so ill with flu type symptoms, I could hardly get out of my chair. 

 

 Prior to Boniva, Fortea was administered for only 11 days before my reaction so my doctor discontinued it. I cannot remember all the names of the medications taken because it has been over a period of at least 25 years.

 

There was only very mild bone pain for a couple of days following my Boniva infusions, but nothing more than a "change in the weather can cause."  I have had no weight gain or increased appetite either.  I hope the lab doing my blood work made a mistake and my new blood work ( to be taken this Wednesday) gives my true results.  When the doctor's office called to notify me of the results, they too were concerned because all aspects of the lab work was abnormal, not just my cholestrol levels.

 

My last infusion was administered 28 days prior to my routine blood work.

 

If anyone has experienced similiar problems, please contact me.

 

Thanks,

Alma

1/ 1/08 12:26pm
Thanks so much for sharing your concerns and questions with us. While not common, increases in blood levels of cholesterol have indeed been documented with Boniva, but the degree to which you mention seems especially unusual. Best wishes and keep us posted on the results of the repeat tests.
Anonymous
Donna
11/27/09 10:34pm

After having Boniva infusions for 2 years my cholesterol shot up off the charts for me too. I have always had good levels, even after 1 year with the infusions. My doc wasn't aware of this side effect ( good doc for the most part and said he would do some research for his patients. Plan on another check in 3 months. Eat a very heathy diet but his advise was a low fat diet. Being a dietitian and already a heathy eater so not sure if that will have any effect. Just cutting out the Ben and Jerry's,not an easy thing for me to do.

 

I do know that jaw problems are also a side effect. I have looked into it and only see info on bad jaw infections. Any one develop bad TMJ? Enough to avoid even going to dentist for simple cleaning as very painful to keep mouth open for brushing/flossing.Any one else find this? Bone scan coming up. Hope the infusions have paid off since last years test showed no improvement. Thanks in advance for in input.

Anonymous
Christine Barnard
1/14/08 12:43pm

I just started my first Boniva infusion a week ago.  I am very uncertain of possible side effects as I also cannot take oral medication for my arthritis due to stomach problem reaction.  Has any one had reactions from the Boniva infusion?

 

Chris

Anonymous
A. Louise
1/14/08 3:27pm

Christine,

I seem to be having some sign on problems, but as soon as I get it adjusted, I will reply.

 

Thanks,

Alma

1/15/08 10:22pm

My side effects from the Boniva infusion have been almost unnoticable.  I also have osteo-arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I always have some time of bone and muscle pain, but I noticed no increase like I did when I took the Boniva tablet for one month.  That was the most awful pain I have ever had!  I ached all over and it hurt to walk or get out of a chair.  I was neauseated the same way I was when I was pregnant the first time.  I told my doctor that I would not repeat that medication ever.  He agreed, but insisted I start the infusions due to the level of osteoporosis which I have, severe.

 

My only complaint was my inaccurate blood report I received following my annual check-up.  I have great cholesterol levels, HDL, LDL, etc.  Never have I had a bad one.  Well, you have probably read my previous post indicating levels off the chart.  I went back the following week and all my reports were very normal.  My doctor didn't think the Boniva would have caused the inaccuracy, but something was very wrong.  It lacked only 2 days from being a month since I took my last infusion when the blood was taken.

 

Dr. Fung, my rheumatologist informed me that Boniva would have not caused any difference in levels, side effects or anything after 10 days of being in the system.  Maybe the lab test were just a "fluke".  I certainly hope they were not accidently mixed up with some other person.

 

Try the Boniva and if it you don't have any side effects, it will really be worth it.  My body feels much, much stronger and I am able to sit, stand, walk, and do routine househole chores without any problems.

 

Beginning in March, I will be put on Reclast, the newest medication approved by the FDA for osteoporosis.  I will be taking the infusion only once a year.  Hopefully, it too will be  good for me.  I am still reading any information I can find.  When they began the Boniva infusions, I had asked to wait for it to be approved, but Dr. Fung didn't think I should.  He has improved my condition a lot over the past 10 years and I trust his decisions.

 

Hopefully, my ranting will help, but I enjoy having someone to share my comments .

 

Thanks and Good Luck,

Alma

Anonymous
Anonymous
7/ 8/09 1:24pm

HI,  I have fibromyalgia and have tried fosamx which upset my stomach and did nothing to increase my bone density levels. My doctor suggested reclast. I am afraid

I will have the muscle aches side effects and I already have lots of those. I have very

high cholesterol already and have gum disease so will ask my doctor about this when

I go in to see her. I have had alot more back pain the past year and the bone scan

showed that my back bone density has decreased. I also have osteo-arthritis. Please

let me know how you tolerated the reclast and if you have started taking it. Has it

helped with the pain you are having?  I am not a member of this site I just pulled it up on the web.  I would appreciate your response. Take care.

Anonymous
karen langdon
2/ 8/08 3:27pm

Alma,

 

I also had a huge jump in my lab Cholestrol level from 220 to 275 having been on Boniva for two years.  I'm not sure what to do about it, but you are not the only one.   Karen 

2/ 8/08 6:34pm

Karen,

Thanks for posting.  I went back to the doctor's office and they re-took blood for a new evaluation. All my levels were great. Something happened or the lab got it mixed up with someone else. The lab tech said either the test was just a "fluke" or it was mixed up and they had no idea how that could have happened. 

I am coming off Boniva infusions and will be going on Reclast in mid March.  My last Boniva infusion was in November.

 

Anonymous
karen langdon
2/11/08 2:19pm

Alma,

 

You mentioned a new medicine for osteopenia. Are you changing from Boniva. My scores for bone density are not getting any better on Boniva and I would welcome suggestions. I see a nutritionist and a naturopath and both are concerned and trying to help me. Thanks, Karen

2/18/08 10:01pm

I have severe Osteoporosis.  I will be taking the latest new drug on the market recently approved by the FDA.  It is Reclast.  I was unable to take Boniva tablets, but was taking Boniva infusions.  I have noticed how much stronger I am feeling and will have a new bone density in March.....afterwards, I will learn if it was working or if my strength is psychological....lol

Alma

Anonymous
Anonymous
12/18/09 5:33pm

I am scheduled to start taking the infusions in 3 months as have been on the Boniva pill once a month for 3 or more years and I currently have 3 fractures in my right foot for no reason. I did not fall or kick anything, they just happened and got cellulitis in the foot with the 2nd fracture. I was in bed the days I took Fosamax and had chills and nauseated, took that for several years and could not stand it any longer so was then put on the Boniva once month. But how Dr. is wondering if it is doing me any good so urged the infusions. I am a bit hesitant but am also tired of fractures and unable to drive myself. I have been having hair loss and don't know is that is caused by the Boniva pill or the high dose of Coumadin that I am on due 3 strokes. I had a cholesterol of 184 at time of last stroke and for some reason they put me on a  cholesterol medication and it went up instead of down so wondering if the Boniva played a role in that from reading that many of you have had high cholesterol readings after being on the infusions. I am currently on Pravastatin so hope that controls it if it is going to increase again with the infusions. I have been taking 1650 mg. of calcium and 1200 IU's of Vitamin D per day and been on osteoporosis Rx for 11 years so am very frustrated about 3 fractures in right foot since June. I had thyroid function studies done and they are normal as was the Vitamin D test. I am 74 years old and always walked 3-4 miles a day and told the first fracture, a stress fracture, was due to too much walking by the orthopedist. Now I am not able to walk for exercise, the 2nd fracture is not healing right and she is talking about surgery next. I am staying off of my feet as much as I can to avoid having surgery, am currently in my 2nd boot, been in this one since October 29. I hope the infusions are worth it, sure are expensive and my insurance doesn't totally cover it.

 

Helen

12/18/09 10:33pm

Good Luck.  I took my 2nd infusion on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.  Thus far, my only side effects have been headaches and some muscle pain which is controlled by Tramadol and Advil. Hopefully, the pain will be gone in a few days.  It lasted about one week with the first infusion.  I may be having the headaches due to the dental appointment earlier in the day.  What began as a one hour appt. went to 2 1/2 hours because I had some problems with an adjacent tooth.  The appt. was the beginning process of crowning my only top tooth that had NOt been crowned.  At least, I still have my own teeth!

This year, I had my routine lab work done almost a month before taking the Reclast infusion.  The lab work results were normal.

   I had to skip one year of taking my second infusion due to another medical problem which caused a bone infection.  The infection was cleared by early summer, so I was excited they were able to continue my treatments.  Six months after my first infusion, I began to feel much stronger. Hopefully, the same thing will happen this time and nothing will prevent me from continuing takes the infusions.  I can deal with a few days of muscle pain for improved bones; however, I could not deal with a full month of severe muscle pain from taking the Boniva.  I wish you all the luck and God be with you.

 

Anonymous
Helen
12/24/09 1:58pm

Alma, thank you for your comments. Did the Boniva by mouth taken monthly give you the full month of extreme muscle and joint pain or was it the Boniva infusion?  I know that my arthritis seems to be worse so don't know if it the Boniva by pill doing it or not  and I can only take Tylenol for pain as am on a high dose of Coumadin and cannot take aspirin, Ibuprofen or Aleve. My  Dr. told me there was a long list of side effects of the Reclast when I asked if I could have that. I don't know if he felt the Coumadin had something to do with it or not. I was just in for another follow up and x-rays of my right foot, there is some new bone starting to lay in there but I have to wear the boot another 3 weeks, been in it now 8 weeks.

 

Helen

12/24/09 2:28pm

Yes, I had the full 30 days of severe bone pain with my Boniva tablet.  The only thing good  was I began to grow long, hard fingernails!  I have never had good fingernails and was proud to see what my body was able to do, but it was NOT worth all the pain I experienced.  I had no such effects with the Boniva infusions, but my fingernails did not grow either.  Therefore, I felt as if the Boniva tablet was probably good for my body. 

 

I just received a second Reclast infusion.  The technician reported that I should have about 48 hours of side effects.  I had 4 full days of severe bone pain, but I was able to control it with Tramadol and Alleve.  I had a severe headache for 5 days, but I had been to the dentist earlier in the day for approximately 2 1/2 hours in preparation for a crown on my last uncrowned tooth.  The headache may have been a combination of the Reclast and the medication used to deaden my teeth. I had planned the infusion be taken earlier, but was informed that it had been rescheduled.

 

You must remember no two people will have exactly the same side effects.  My doctor and technician have not reported any side effects other than what I experienced for such short time.  Maybe your doctor feels as if Reclast would not be good for you.  You may want to get a second opinion. 

 

My doctor said they are seeing the best results from Forteo; however, I was allergic to it.  Good Luck!

Anonymous
Helen
12/24/09 4:43pm

I have had brittle fingernails for a long time which break easily especially in the winter. I have can get them grow to be very long. I also take Biotin to help the nails and hair. I had checked on Forteo but it is so expensive and is a daily thing. I found a price at a Canadian pharmacy of $874.00 for a single filled pen and then have to buy special needles for it.  I have to pay 20% of whatever I choose.  I am thinking my ulcer is coming back but this may be due to the combination of Boniva tablet and the Coumadin, am on alternate 5 adn 4.5 Coumadin daily. I was going to call my gastroenterologist about having a repeat endoscopy but think I will until after the infusion and see if I am still experiencing the digestive discomfort. I take Aciphex daily due to having had an ulcer some time ago and I still am having digestive problems so am wondering if it is the Boniva tablet. I am one of those who is allergic to anesthesia and narcotics so am wondering what my response will be to the Boniva infusion.  I guess I will find out, won't it?  I will try at least once and see how it goes.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Helen

12/24/09 5:58pm

I understand what you mean about ulcer or digestive problems.  I too have digestive problems due to a unoperable hiatal hernia.  I don't know how expensive the medications really are.  We have an excellent insurance policy in addition to Medicare, but I still have still have a 20% of what my insurance company paid after Medicare.  Prior to Medicare, I had a co-pay.  Fortunately, my husband worked for a company who provided excellent insurance coverage.  We have a lot to be thankful for.

 

My doctor was head of a trial test and my first Reclast was of no cost to me.  I was told I was the first to receive the infusion among his patients.

Anonymous
Helen
12/24/09 6:22pm

I also have a hiatal hernia and GERD. I have been on osteoposis Rx's for 11 years so maybe if I start infusions, maybe my digestive problems will lessen.  I would not know how to act to not have reflux and heartburn, have had it so long.

 

My Dr. is an internist and I trust his judgement. He is blaming himself for the digestive problems with my being on Coumadin, Boniva and Mobic (for osteo-arthritis) but I quit taking the Mobic due to the suspicion of returning ulcer.

 

We currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan so I will have to pay 20%.  Some of these medication costs  can lead to going broke.  ]

 

Helen

1/25/10 10:22pm

I had  my first Boniva infusion last Wednesday, January 20, and have had no side effects, am doing well.  I find my legs are hurting a bit but I am blaming that on getting up and down the kitchen step stool last week removing wallpaper from one of our bathrooms. I am supposed to start weaing myself out of the boot Wednesday that I have been wearing since Oct. 29, 2009 due to two totally all the way through fractures in the right foot, also had a stress fracture in same foot in June.

 

Helen

1/27/10 10:12pm

That sounds great.  The Boniva infusions didn't bother me much, but I was unable to take the Boniva tablet.  I had flu like symptons for almost one month!  Not everyone's body reacts the same way.  I wish you a lot of luck.  I am still on Reclast and doing great.

Alma

Anonymous
Christine Barnard
2/18/08 7:00pm

   Has any one received the Boniva infusion and had any side effects?

 

   Chris in Florida

Anonymous
Anonymous
8/19/08 2:08pm

I don't know if what I am feeling is side effects  But. ------  I WAS tired all my  life , until , they finally  tested me for low thyroid , and put me on ultram for pain  and fibromyalgia , also ADD.meds.    I have felt normal energy ----UNTIL,--I went on boneva  I feel like  I haven't taken any of these med sense.    any one else out there feeling weak after  injection?  

Anonymous
Rina
9/ 6/08 11:48pm

I was put on Boniva Infusion after trying all the other bisphosphonates with awful side effects.  I was hopeful that the infusion would be different as it wouldn't go through my digestive system.

  I apparently missed all the signs of side effects until I finally broke out in a rash with hives and intense itching all over my torso.  I  then went online to look up side effects that had been reported and then realized that I had indeed been experiencing side effects for several months. I had wheezing, chest pain, body aches, swollen and puffy eyes for 4 months, and then the itchy rash and hives followed.  It wasn't until I had seen the reported sign effect of the swollen and puffy eyes that I put all these symptoms together.

 I have severe osteoporosis but I will never again be a guinea pig for these drugs.  I have suffered over the years while trying each of the osteoporisis drugs.

9/ 9/08 5:53pm

I only took 3 (or 4) of the Boniva Infusions.  No problems, but I most definitely could not take the oral dosage.

 

Ask your doctor about the Reclast Infusion which you take only once per year.  For about two weeks, I felt a little depressed with "flu" type symptoms, but they soon vanished.  Since then, I have had no other problems.

 

I too, have severe osteoporosis.  My last bone density revealed my spinal bone has improved some, but my doctor was disappointed in the bone loss in the hips.  He even mentioned that we may be looking at hip replacements in the future.  I hope not!

9/ 9/08 5:53pm

I only took 3 (or 4) of the Boniva Infusions.  No problems, but I most definitely could not take the oral dosage.

 

Ask your doctor about the Reclast Infusion which you take only once per year.  For about two weeks, I felt a little depressed with "flu" type symptoms, but they soon vanished.  Since then, I have had no other problems.

 

I too, have severe osteoporosis.  My last bone density revealed my spinal bone has improved some, but my doctor was disappointed in the bone loss in the hips.  He even mentioned that we may be looking at hip replacements in the future.  I hope not!

9/ 9/08 5:53pm

I only took 3 (or 4) of the Boniva Infusions.  No problems, but I most definitely could not take the oral dosage.

 

Ask your doctor about the Reclast Infusion which you take only once per year.  For about two weeks, I felt a little depressed with "flu" type symptoms, but they soon vanished.  Since then, I have had no other problems.

 

I too, have severe osteoporosis.  My last bone density revealed my spinal bone has improved some, but my doctor was disappointed in the bone loss in the hips.  He even mentioned that we may be looking at hip replacements in the future.  I hope not!

Anonymous
MaryAnn
6/ 2/09 4:48pm

I don't know for sure if this is a side effect or not, this is only my second infusion.

The first one I had upset stomach and diarreha., two hours after infusion, now this is my second infusion and am very tired, and have upset stomach.????

 

Don't know if it's a coincadence or not but I just thought I would throw it out there.

6/ 3/09 9:47pm

I didn't have any such side effects.  I wonder if your upset stomach may have been caused by something else or a case of nerves. I do know even though I didn't have such side effects, everyone's body may act differently.  I would suggest sitting and talking with your doctor.  Good Luck.

 

Alma

 

 

6/13/09 9:44am

Hi Maryann, so sorry you are having tese side effects, but wondered if they've gone away at some point after the infusion?  What you describe is a listed side effect of Boniva, but the manufacturer claims these symptoms go away in several days, is this what happened or do they last longer?

 

Good luck...

Anonymous
Lynn Ruth MIller
1/10/09 1:03am

I too have had severe osteoporosis since my mid thirties but I am 75 years old so it all began in the late sixties when osteoporosis was a bit of a mystery.   I have tried all the medications with no postive reult so this person's reaciton interests me.  My NEW doctor has recommended Boniva infusions  It seems that the only problem is  blood cholesterol?  Is that right?

If anyone can e mail me about this I am lynnruth@lynnruthmiller.com

1/10/09 3:55pm

I only had the bad blood levels once and the dotor's office thought the test was just a "fluke."  My doctor rechecked my blood and found all levels to be normal.

 

I am now taking the "once per year" insufsion, Reclast.  I will not know for a while if it is working properly.

 

Alma

Anonymous
Christine
1/27/09 3:01pm

Why are you switching to Reclast from Boniva? I have had two Boniva infusions and am supposed to have a Reclast infusion next week. However, after reading all the information I have found, I am reluctant to switch over - especially as I am feeling quite well with the Boniva. Even Boniva has some bad press, but I was talked into it by three doctors. I guess my theory is....a once-every-three-month injection may be more easily handled if there are any side effects than a once-a-year injection. What have you been told? I'm just afraid of the lack of control.

Anonymous
Alma
1/27/09 10:24pm

I only had the bad blood work test once!   I drove back and retook the blood test again the following week and everything was perfectly normal.  Don't let my test results stop your taking the Boniva Infusions. 

My doctor took me off Boniva infusions and put me on the once per year Reclast.  The first few days I ached like flu symptoms but it went away in about a week.  No problems since.  I should receive my second infusion in April, 09.  The once per year is much easier for me to take.

Alma

Anonymous
Ellie
6/ 9/09 3:30pm

I have had severe osteoporisis for many years, and several relate bone fractures.  I cannot take any oral bone building meds, and my orthopaedic surgeon told me if my bones get any more porous, that he won't be able to see them on an x-ray.

After consulting with a rhumetologist, he said it was imperative that I start a treatment immediately, if not sooner.  He offers Reclast (once a year), or Boniva (every 3 months), and felt I was more suited to the Boniva, since side effects are not as severe or long lasting.

I had my first injection in mid-April of this year, and never had any of the achiness or bone pain or flu-like symptoms, however, I seem to have a never-ending headache.  At first I didn't associate this with the Boniva, since I am prone to headaches anyway, but these seem to never go away, no matter what I take for them.  But now I'm beginning to wonder.  I don't want to push the panic button and not continue with the treatment program, yet I don't want constant headaches either.

Has anyone else experienced this?  I will discuss this with my doctor before I have my next injection, but for now, I would be interested in anyone's input.

 

 

6/11/09 5:47pm

elli:  i also cannot take oral meds because of stomach problems.  I started taking boniva infusions a little over 2 years ago.  My osteoporisis is very severe in my lower back and hips.  I am 58 years old and have had it for some time.  I will be having my first bone densitity test since taking the infusions soon.  My side effects are extreme fatigue, back pain, joint pain, headacks and sometimes feeling a bit depressed.  These symptoms last about two weeks.  I really hate it but I have no choice.  It will be interesting to see what the test shows.  My doctor said it doesn't matter what the results are I need the meds.

6/13/09 12:58am

I couldn't stand the neausea and flu-like side effects from the Boniva tablet; however, my fingernails grew excessively strong and long.  I have had osteoporosis for about 30 years or more and could never grow fingernails.  Since I couldn't take the tablet due to the side effects and a hiatial hernia, I was put on Reclast as soon as it was approved by the FDA.  I saw a news article on the world news about how great it was.  There was a film of a lady approximately 83 years old who could no longer hug anyone due to breaking ribs, etc.  After being on Reclast for one year, she could lean over and hug the grandchildren.  I had turned over in bed and broke ribs more than once and also had several herniated vertebrae.  Since being on Reclast, I have NOT broken any more bones.  However, it is too soon to tell if it is working on me.  I had NO side effects from Reclast.  My injection is due and I will probably take the new one now that last for two years.  I was only on the Boniva infusion for 9 to 12 months, but my bone density test had not improved.  What works for some may not work for others.

 

I am 67 years old so I don't need to stop searching for a program that works for me.  However, at this time, I feel Reclast will fill the bill.

 

When I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, the doctors didn't know how to treat it.  Therefore, I was very happy when medications became available.  There were two I missed because my doctor knew my stomach couldn't handle them.

 

I wish you luck in whatever program you chose. Like I said above, "What works for one may not work for another person."

 

Alma

6/13/09 9:48am

Hi Ellie, so sorry you are having these headaches!!  I've never taken Reclast so I couldn't tell you about this, but I'm wondering if something else *might* be causing this.  You mentioned that you were planning on talking to your Dr about this which is a very good idea.  See if your Dr can explain this as either a side effect or do some test to see if something else is causing it.

 

Good luck, I hope your t-scores improve greatly.

6/13/09 9:51am

Hi Alma, glad to hear you are doing well on Reclast!!  Have your t-scores improved since you started taking it?  I'm also glad you are aware of the new 2 year infusion available from Novartis, that should make this even more convenient as long as you aren't having any trouble with it.

 

Good luck...

6/13/09 9:54am

Hi bmills, sorry you are having these side effects from Boniva!!  However it's good they don't last too long even though 2 weeks can seem like an eternity.  Let us know how your next dxa is, if you want, and I hope your scores are greatly improved.

 

Good luck...

6/13/09 9:13pm

I am overdue for my Reclast infusion due to a medical problem totally unrelated to the Reclast.  My T scores were down, but I had taken the Reclast only 2 months earlier.  At that testing, I had been on the Boniva Infusion.  My next appoint is not until July.

Thanks,

Alma

6/13/09 9:18pm

I had taken the Reclast infusion only two months prior to my last bone density evaluation; therefore, they wouldn't have known.  I had been on the Boniva infusions, but my bone loss decreased.  I am not due another bone density test for one and one half years.  Hopefully, the t scores will be improved by that time.

Anonymous
Anonymous
6/15/09 10:16pm

I am 56 and 1 1/2 ago I feel  skiing and broke my lower back because of thinning of the bones.  My T score was -2.1. I have had 4 boniva infusions.  I also get about 2 weeks of joint and back pain.  I take Ibuprofen 600 for those 2 weeks and it takes care of it.  Last week I had my bone scan and increase my spine bone mass by 10%.  My Hip bone is stable. Fantastic!!!  I'm a 1.6 now I think. Back to the slopes I go and maybe in a year it'll be below 1.  I asked about reclast and was told to stay on Boniva. 

Anonymous
Sue
8/15/09 9:30am

I cannot take the tablets because of esophageal and stomach problems. My first Boniva was the IV drip for 3 hours. I got phlebitis in my arm, and they found blood clots, so now I take the Boniva infusion every three months and I can't feel any difference, in other words no side effects and this has been for about 2 years.

1/ 4/12 1:41pm

Hi everyone just found out i have beginning op my ob-gyn is treating me but i don't feel she's the right dr for this should i be seeing some other specialist?  She put me on boniva but sounds like a lot of side effects, i have reflux and i am afraid it will make it worse. any imput will be greatly appreciated.

 

1/ 4/12 1:42pm

Hi everyone just found out i have beginning op my ob-gyn is treating me but i don't feel she's the right dr for this should i be seeing some other specialist?  She put me on boniva but sounds like a lot of side effects, i have reflux and i am afraid it will make it worse. any imput will be greatly appreciated.

 

Anonymous
Anonymous
6/15/09 4:16pm

I also take Boniva Infusions every 3 months. I have also got Lupus whereas I go for blood work up every 3 months. My blood platlets have dropped considerably since I have been on the Boniva. I have developed lock jaw, and a bad tightening in my chest and throat. I have unexplained black and blues that don't hurt all over my body. My legs have developed tiny tiny little blood marks all over. It seems I guess to help with Osteroporosis but side effects are horrible.

Anonymous
Missy
9/21/09 3:13pm

I took my first 3 month Boniva  infusion last week after being diagnoised with significant bone loss in August (at 60 yrs).  After 24 hours, the flu like symptoms set it so severe I couldn't walk.  I was in pain everywhere: back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, hands, etc.  I suffer from Osteoarthritis as well.  I could not lift my leg to take a step because the pain in my hips and shins was so severe. I spent three days on pain medication so I could get back and forth to the restroom with a walker.  I work and cannot afford to have this happen again. I am looking for an alternative as I cannot bear the thought of taking this again. 

9/23/09 12:02pm

Missy, the same happened tome.  My doctor then put me on Boniva infusions and I didn't experience any side effects....however, I do not know if they helped.  I went on Reclast and will be getting my second infusion soon.  My rheumatologist informed me that Forteo is the best osteoporosis drug that has proven bone restoration.  I tried Forteo the first year it was available, but I was allergic to it.  There is a new drug coming in November that is similiar to Forteo and he wanted me to think about trying it.  If I chose not to try the infusion, I will continue on Reclast.  I too have osteo-arthritis as well as osteoporosis.  My osteoporosis was diagnosed in my late 30's or early 40's.  I am now 68 year of age.

 

There will be something out there you can take besides the Boniva tablet.  I do not know anyone that hasn't complained....thus making me wonder if Sally Field is being paid highly to advertise Boniva or if she even takes it!

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