Ibandronic acid is a bisphosphonate medication used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis-associated skeletal fractures in people with cancer.[4] It may also be used to treat hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels). It is typically formulated as its sodium salt ibandronate sodium.[5]
Ibandronate, or ibandronic acid, is primarily used to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis in women.[6] Its U.S. brand name is Boniva,[6] and in contrast to most other bisphosphonate drugs, Ibandronate can be administered both orally and intravenously.
It was patented in 1986 by Boehringer Mannheim and approved for medical use in 1996.[7]