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Boniva User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Boniva has an average rating of 3.2 out of 10 from a total of 99 reviews on Drugs.com. 17% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 72% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Boniva

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Gar...
  • September 8, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Sunday morning, I took one Boniva generic pill with 8 ounces of water and went out to work in my garden. Did not sit down or lay down for 4 hours. So far, so good, in fact, felt smug about no reaction. Monday morning, I woke with an excruciating headache and totally dried out. Violent vomiting. Pain all over continued through Tuesday night (now). Feel very weak, cannot eat anything. Subsisting on protein drinks. Stomach cramps and joint pain. Feel like I’ve been whipsawed! Nothing could be worth these side effects."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Pat...
  • September 12, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I’m a 70-year-old woman in pretty good health. GP put me on Boniva due to osteoporosis. I’ve taken it once a month for the last five months. I have been to both my GP and to urgent care in the last month because I have earaches, swollen glands, a stiff neck, and a terrible sore throat. Both GP and urgent care doctor could find nothing wrong with my throat. I honestly felt like an antibiotic would snap me out of this, but they prescribed nothing. Today I was rummaging around in the bathroom closet and came upon the six-page data sheet that came with my Boniva. I happened to glance at it and I realized that the first dangerous symptom was esophageal pain and throat-neck issues. HELLO! I do have an appointment next week with an ENT just to make sure nothing is cooking in there (because my daughter did have thyroid cancer when she was 30). It made me worried, but I realized today it may be the Boniva giving me the side effects. Don’t plan to take any more until I see ENT."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • TLC...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 20, 2022

For Osteoporosis "My gynecologist prescribed Boniva following a recent dexa scan, which revealed my osteopenia has worsened and I now am osteoporotic. 1st month taking Boniva - diarrhea within an hour but subsided the next day. 2nd month - no problems. 3rd month - loose stools 1st day. 4th month - arm, muscle, bone pain started about 4 days after taking the pill. Both arms. Wakes me up at night and it is worse at night. Left arm is much better now (1 week after taking the 4th pill), but the pain in my right arm is still present. It's a dull ache and appears in different parts of my right arm - lower arm, elbow area, upper arm. Have had some loose stools this week but wouldn't call it diarrhea. I do not believe gynecologists fully understand this medication. I asked her about the diarrhea month 1, and she went to the internet to research it. I'm going to my family doctor next month for my yearly visit and I'm going to quiz him on Boniva vs. other options."

1 / 10
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2 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 17, 2025

For Osteoporosis "I started Boniva 7 months ago with no side effects. But this last dose at 7 months, I have a constant headache and dizziness. I feel pressure and an overall unwell feeling. I’m not going to continue with Boniva. I’m calling my MD and see if we can try something different."

4 / 10
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  • vee...
  • June 19, 2009

For Osteoporosis "Today I received the results of my bone density test after being on Boniva for two years. I am delighted to say that there is a reversal of my osteoporosis. Thank you, Boniva!"

10 / 10
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106 Report

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  • kim...
  • April 3, 2013

For Osteoporosis "Have had severe muscle pain in my upper thighs that lasts for three or four days after taking my monthly dose. Also have heartburn."

2 / 10
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79 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 22, 2012

For Osteoporosis "I like the 1-month convenience, well tolerated...my medicine of choice!"

10 / 10
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82 Report
  • bon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 29, 2014

For Osteoporosis "I took this and the next day, have been sick with flu-like symptoms today. Severe stomach upset and cramps, chills."

3 / 10
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74 Report
  • ARa...
  • March 15, 2010

For Osteoporosis "I used Boniva I.V. once. Had flu-like symptoms, headache, runny nose, watery eyes, chest pain, and achy hips. Won't take it again!"

1 / 10
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85 Report
  • Tnb...
  • October 10, 2015

For Osteoporosis "I am 41 years old. I have been taking Boniva for the last 3 months with no side effects so far. Fingers crossed."

10 / 10
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57 Report
  • Jac...
  • September 27, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Just completed my third monthly dose with no side effects until now, one week after my third week after my third dose... developed quite severe pain in my lower legs. Will no longer take it. BEWARE."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • wan...
  • November 21, 2008

For Osteoporosis "Boniva has worked wonders for me. It is the first time my bone density has improved in 4 years."

8 / 10
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77 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 15, 2011

For Osteoporosis "I had no side effects and I've been taking Boniva for 1 1/2 years. I do wish there was medicine for my severe bone loss that doesn't cost so much."

7 / 10
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69 Report
  • out...
  • May 12, 2009

For Osteoporosis "I have used the drug for 2 years and there has been a significant increase in my BMD. My T score went from 2.7 to 2.0 using the once-a-month pill coupled with daily Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements."

10 / 10
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74 Report
  • sni...
  • December 29, 2009

For Osteoporosis "I have experienced flu symptoms within the first 48 hours, and severe joint and bone pain. I feel much worse than before I started taking Boniva."

2 / 10
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76 Report
  • Cat...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 22, 2018

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Am currently in rehabilitation facility status post bilateral hip fractures. Was being treated with Boniva for almost 5 years for osteopenia."

4 / 10
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36 Report
  • Fel...
  • September 20, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had some of these side effects with Fosamax, so the doctor switched me to Boniva. After reading all these comments, I won't even try it. I am too sensitive to meds."

2 / 10
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30 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 21, 2009

For Osteoporosis "Boniva is the only drug that has improved my T-scores since I've begun my DXA scans over 4 years ago."

10 / 10
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62 Report
  • Liz...
  • August 23, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Second dose of Boniva was a breeze. Not one side effect. Will take third dose on my 4th day of the new school year... hope I continue to suffer no side effects."

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • Gra...
  • August 13, 2009

For Osteoporosis "All of the osteoporosis medicines have caused horrible heartburn and now esophagus complications."

2 / 10
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61 Report
  • Lyn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Took first Boniva for the first time 3 weeks ago. Have had a headache for 4 days, and my stomach is now cramping with diarrhea. Has anyone had this experience?"

5 / 10
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30 Report
  • Con...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 2, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Side effects I had from Boniva are horrible arm, upper thigh, and pelvis pain. I had to take pain meds and stopped taking the Boniva now. I have to see an orthopedic doctor - horrible experience."

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • Ked...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 11, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "After two months on this, I developed horrid jaw pains. Dr. told me to stop for two months and then try it again. Once again, horrid jaw pains. Needless to say, I stopped it."

2 / 10
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23 Report
  • 972...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 22, 2023

For Osteoporosis "One pill caused severe back, neck, hand pain, and stomach pain. Only took one, will not take again."

1 / 10
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7 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.