[Ibandronate (Bonviva) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis]

Ibandronate is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate which has been shown to reduce vertebral fracture rates, when given orally either daily or intermittently. Non-vertebral antifracture efficacy of ibandronate has been derived from a post-hoc analysis focusing on patients at high risk of developing non-vertebral fractures (low bone mineral density at the femoral neck). Once-monthly administration of oral ibandronate has been linked to significantly greater increases in bone mineral density, at the spine, hip and femoral neck, compared to daily formulation. This monthly formulation has a safety profile similar to the one observed with the daily administration of the compound. Adherence to monthly bisphosphonates appears to be significantly higher than for daily or weekly administration.