Ibandronate in the Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Oral daily and weekly bisphosphonates were considered, for several years, as the mainstay for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, the inconvenience of frequent dosing is known to negatively affect adherence to therapy in the long-term, hence outcomes. This has prompted the development of convenient oral bisphosphonate regimens that feature simple, less frequent dosing schedules. Ibandronate is a potent, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate which, uniquely, can be administered either orally, monthly, or as an intravenous injection, every 3 months. A positive impact for adherence has been observed with a reduction in the bisphosphonate dosing frequency. Anti-fracture efficacy of the various currently available regimens of ibandronate is documented in randomized controlled clinical trials, non-inferiority studies, meta-analyses and real-life settings studies. The present paper summarizes the pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability of oral and intravenous ibandronate, when administered with extended dosing intervals, in postmenopausal osteoporosis.