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Dosing
Once-monthly BONIVA—convenience of less frequent dosing

Once-monthly dosing is preferred by 2 out of 3 patients

Chart: Head-to-head Dosing Preference Trial (BALTO 1): Once-monthly BONIVA vs Once-weekly Fosamax(1)
The Boniva ALendronate Trial in Osteoporosis (BALTO 1) was a 6-month, prospective, randomized, open-label multicenter trial with a two-period and two-sequence crossover treatment design. The primary endpoint was to evaluate patient-reported preference for either once-monthly ibandronate or once-weekly alendronate dosing regimens. In the US BALTO I trial (N=342), postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis were randomized to once-monthly ibandronate 150 mg followed by once-weekly alendronate 70 mg for a total of 6 months (Sequence A), or weekly alendronate followed by once-monthly ibandronate for a total of 6 months (Sequence B). Each drug was administered per US label instructions (alendronate 30-minute postdose fast, ibandronate 60 minutes). Results were confirmed in a second identically designed trial (BALTO II).2
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  • Efficacy of the regimens was not assessed in these trials
  • The most common reasons chosen for patients’ preference were:
    • Ease of following treatment regimen for a long time
    • Dosing schedule fits lifestyle better

Once-monthly BONIVA ... once-monthly dosing restrictions

To maximize absorption/clinical benefits and minimize risk of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, patients should be instructed to:

  • Take BONIVA upon rising, at least 60 minutes before first food or drink (other than plain water) of the day, or any other oral medicines, including antacids, supplements, or vitamins
  • Swallow tablet whole (without chewing or sucking the tablet), with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water
  • Remain upright for at least 60 minutes after taking BONIVA
  • Take their BONIVA on the same day each month
    • If a dose is missed and the patient's next scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, the patient should be instructed to take her BONIVA 150 mg in the morning following the date that it was remembered and then return to original schedule
    • Patients have a 3-week dosing window to take their missed dose

One dose per month
  • The convenience of a single 150-mg tablet per month
  • Small, film-coated tablet
  • Once-monthly dosing means addressing administration concerns and adjustments to concomitant medication schedules only once a month
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Medication for Osteoporosis
MyBONIVA® Patient Support Program