I am 43 and have been taking Boniva for almost a year for my osteoporosis in which time I have gained over a stone weight. I feel I want to nibble all the time and I am always in and out of the fridge. I used to be so good at keeping my weight down and even though I exercising I am finding it extremely difficult to loose any weight. Maybe its just a coincidence.
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Q: Can taking Boniva lead to weight gain?
Answers (4)
11/10/09 6:35pm
Hi Shirley, welcome and thanks for your question. I can't find any information from the manufacturer of Boniva about weight gain.
You can read about the side effects here from our site on Boniva. If you feel like nibbling, could you choose something like fruit or veggies, so it doesn't cause weight gain, and you'll be getting some additional calcium too?
Good luck with this, I hope the medication helps your bone loss.
2/19/10 7:11am
I do not believe it is a coincidence. Since taking Boniva, I too have gained a lot of weight, all around the middle. I eat only fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts, and chicken, and I exercise (aerobic) a minimum of four times per week. I feel like I'm blowing up by the day - clothes that were loose on me yesterday do not fit me today. I took my last dose of Boniva two weeks ago and will try my luck with calcium supplements and vitamin D....hopefully, I'll return to my normal size.
4/13/10 12:36pm
I have noticed weight gain around the middle only after the first dose of Boniva.I eat healthy fresh fruits and veggies and very active life style.
4/22/10 11:52am
Hi Tracy,
I've been on the Boniva 3 month injections for about a year now and I haven't noticed any weight gain at all. In fact, I have lost weight, but then I don't have much of an appetite. Sorry to hear that your having that problem.
What I noticed yesterday after my injection was, my spine started hurting all of a sudden. I have a bad back so am use to that kind of pain, this was just in the spinal area. I then noticed later (have called the doctor) that right next to the injection site, that it was swollen and the muscle was really hard. It's still that way and then last night my vision wasn't good at all. It was really blurry, but it has cleared up. Not sure if these things happened after the last injection, as I didn't seem to notice it. I'll see what the doctor has to say about it. Good luck with the weight!
Granny7
8/ 3/10 4:13am
Hi, I have in the past gained weight, but after a short time of watching what I eat I have been able to shed those unwanted pounds. Since taking Bonviva I have increased by a stone at least, I feel like I've ballooned, (blown up). After reading all these comments, it can't be coinsidence can it. Have you stopped taking it and if so have you noticed a difference in your weight. Please email me as I'm really fed up about it. Thank you.
Sarah
12/ 3/10 3:52pm
I, too, have been gaining weight since starting Boniva. I'm only on my 3rd dose. My weight gain is, also, all around my middle. I'm eating and working out the same as I always have, but every time I step on the scale my weight is up. At first I thought, it was due to improving my bone density, but that doesn't explain the excess layer of fat that I can feel around my middle when I sit down. I am convinced it is the Boniva. Now my problem is, do I go off it and continue to deplete my bone density or stay on it while I gain weight hand over fist. I is SO frustrating. I, also, previously, tried Fosamax and I thought the pain my joints and chest was going to kill me.
2/21/11 10:39am
Started Boniva again and in 2 weeks I noticed weight gain around my middle, felt like it happened overnight. Also started to have heartburn and restless leg syndrome every night, all within the past 3 weeks since taking the first dose of Boniva. I was on Boniva 2 years ago and stopped, I took it for about 1 year and honestly I didn't notice or wasn't paying attention to side effects at that time. I stopped because I heard and read it was bad to take. My doctor did another bone scan and said Im still losing bone in my right hip so I started taking Boniva again.
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Finally someone talks about boniva and weight gain. I thought I was going crazy. I have been taking boniva for almost 5 years now and I have put on 35 lbs. I talked to my doc about this and he said it was my age (55 now) and my lack of control when it comes to food. Yeah right..... This is it for me I'm off of it as of now! I'll take my chances with natural products from now on.