1.1 Treatment and Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Ibandronate Sodium Tablets are indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Ibandronate sodium increases bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures.

1.2 Important Limitations of Use

The optimal duration of use has not been determined. The safety and effectiveness of Ibandronate Sodium Tablets for the treatment of osteoporosis are based on clinical data of three years duration. All patients on bisphosphonate therapy should have the need for continued therapy re-evaluated on a periodic basis. Patients at low-risk for fracture should be considered for drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. Patients who discontinue therapy should have their risk for fracture re-evaluated periodically.

2.1 Dosage Information

The dose of Ibandronate Sodium Tablet is one 150 mg tablet as ibandronic acid taken once monthly on the same date each month.

2.2 Important Administration Instructions

Instruct Patients to do the following:

• Take Ibandronate Sodium Tablet at least 60 minutes before the first food or drink (other than water) of the day or before taking any oral medication or supplementation, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins to maximize absorption and clinical benefit, (see DRUG INTERACTIONS [7.1]). Avoid the use of water with supplements including mineral water because they may have a higher concentration of calcium.

• Swallow Ibandronate Sodium Tablets whole with a full glass of plain water (6 to 8 oz) while standing or sitting in an upright position to reduce the potential for esophageal irritation. Avoid lying down for 60 minutes after taking Ibandronate Sodium Tablet (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS [5.1]). Do not chew or suck the tablet because of a potential for oropharyngeal ulceration.

• Do not eat, drink anything except plain water, or take other medications for at least 60 minutes after taking Ibandronate Sodium Tablet.

2.3 Recommendations for Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

Instruct patients to take supplemental calcium and vitamin D if their dietary intake is inadequate. Avoid the use of calcium supplements within 60 minutes of Ibandronate Sodium Tablet administration because co-administration of Ibandronate Sodium Tablet and calcium may interfere with the absorption of ibandronate sodium (see DRUG INTERACTIONS [7.1]).

2.4 Administration Instructions for Missed Once-Monthly Doses

If the once-monthly dose is missed, instruct patients to do the following:

• If the next scheduled Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day is more than 7 days away, take one Ibandronate Sodium Tablet 150 mg (ibandronate) in the morning following the date that it is remembered.

• If the next scheduled Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day is only 1 to 7 days away, wait until the subsequent month’s scheduled Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day to take their tablet.

For subsequent monthly doses for both of the above scenarios, instruct patients to return to their original schedule by taking one Ibandronate Sodium Tablet 150 mg (ibandronate) every month on their previous chosen day.

5.1 Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

Ibandronate sodium, like other bisphosphonates administered orally, may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Because of these possible irritant effects and a potential for worsening of the underlying disease, caution should be used when ibandronate sodium is given to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems (such as known Barrett’s esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis or ulcers).

Esophageal adverse experiences, such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers and esophageal erosions, occasionally with bleeding and rarely followed by esophageal stricture or perforation, have been reported in patients receiving treatment with oral bisphosphonates. In some cases, these have been severe and required hospitalization. Physicians should therefore be alert to any signs or symptoms signaling a possible esophageal reaction and patients should be instructed to discontinue ibandronate sodium and seek medical attention if they develop dysphagia, odynophagia, retrosternal pain or new or worsening heartburn.

The risk of severe esophageal adverse experiences appears to be greater in patients who lie down after taking oral bisphosphonates and/or who fail to swallow it with the recommended full glass (6 to 8 oz) of water, and/or who continue to take oral bisphosphonates after developing symptoms suggestive of esophageal irritation. Therefore, it is very important that the full dosing instructions are provided to, and understood by, the patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION [2.2]). In patients who cannot comply with dosing instructions due to mental disability, therapy with ibandronate sodium should be used under appropriate supervision.

There have been post-marketing reports of gastric and duodenal ulcers with oral bisphosphonate use, some severe and with complications, although no increased risk was observed in controlled clinical trials.

5.2 Hypocalcemia and Mineral Metabolism

Hypocalcemia has been reported in patients taking ibandronate sodium. Treat hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism before starting ibandronate sodium therapy. Instruct patients to take supplemental calcium and vitamin D if their dietary intake is inadequate (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION [2.3]).

5.3 Musculoskeletal Pain

Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported in patients taking ibandronate sodium and other bisphosphonates (see ADVERSE REACTIONS [6]). The time to onset of symptoms varied from one day to several months after starting the drug. Most patients had relief of symptoms after stopping. A subset had recurrence of symptoms when rechallenged with the same drug or another bisphosphonate. Consider discontinuing use if severe symptoms develop.

5.4 Jaw Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which can occur spontaneously, is generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection with delayed healing, and has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates, including ibandronate sodium. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw include invasive dental procedures (e.g., tooth extraction, dental implants, boney surgery), diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids, angiogenesis inhibitors), poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g., periodontal and/or other pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection, ill-fitting dentures). The risk of ONJ may increase with duration of exposure to bisphosphonates. 

For patients requiring invasive dental procedures, discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment may reduce the risk for ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician and/or oral surgeon should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment. 

Patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw while on bisphosphonate therapy should receive care by an oral surgeon. In these patients, extensive dental surgery to treat ONJ may exacerbate the condition. Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered based on individual benefit/risk assessment.

5.5 Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures

Atypical, low-energy, or low-trauma fractures of the femoral shaft have been reported in bisphosphonate-treated patients. These fractures can occur anywhere in the femoral shaft from just below the lesser trochanter to above the supracondylar flare and are transverse or short oblique in orientation without evidence of comminution. Causality has not been established as these fractures also occur in osteoporotic patients who have not been treated with bisphosphonates.

Atypical femur fractures most commonly occur with minimal or no trauma to the affected area. They may be bilateral and many patients report prodromal pain in the affected area, usually presenting as dull, aching thigh pain, weeks to months before a complete fracture occurs. A number of reports note that patients were also receiving treatment with glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone) at the time of fracture.

Any patient with a history of bisphosphonate exposure who presents with thigh or groin pain should be suspected of having an atypical fracture and should be evaluated to rule out an incomplete femur fracture. Patients presenting with an atypical fracture should also be assessed for symptoms and signs of fracture in the contralateral limb. Interruption of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered, pending a risk/benefit assessment, on an individual basis.

5.6 Severe Renal Impairment

Ibandronate sodium is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min).

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Treatment and Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Monthly Dosing
The safety of ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once monthly in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in a two year trial which enrolled 1583 patients aged 54 to 81 years, with 395 patients exposed to ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily and 396 exposed to ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly. Patients with active or significant pre-existing gastrointestinal disease were excluded from this trial. Patients with dyspepsia or concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors and H2 antagonists were included in this study. All patients received 500 mg calcium plus 400 international units vitamin D supplementation daily.

After one year, the incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.3% in both the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily group and the ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 5% in the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily group and 7% in the ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment due to adverse events was 9% in the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily group and 8% in the ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly group. Table 2 lists the adverse events reported in greater than or equal to 2% of patients.

Table 2 Adverse Events with an Incidence of at Least 2% in Patients Treated with Ibandronate Sodium 2.5 mg as Ibandronic Acid Daily or 150 mg as Ibandronic Acid Once - Monthly for Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

a Combination of abdominal pain and abdominal pain upper
b Combination of influenza-like illness and acute phase reaction
c Combination of rash pruritic, rash macular, rash papular, rash generalized, rash erythematous, dermatitis, dermatitis allergic, dermatitis medicamentosa, erythema and exanthema

Gastrointestinal Adverse Events
The incidence of adverse events in the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily and ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly groups were: dyspepsia (7% vs. 6%), diarrhea (4% vs. 5%), and abdominal pain (5% vs. 8%).

Musculoskeletal Adverse Events
The incidence of adverse events in the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily and ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly groups were: back pain (4% vs. 5%), arthralgia (4% vs. 6%) and myalgia (1% vs. 2%).

Acute Phase Reactions
Symptoms consistent with acute phase reactions have been reported with bisphosphonate use. Over the two years of the study, the overall incidence of acute phase reaction symptoms was 3% in the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily group and 9% in the ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly group. These incidence rates are based on the reporting of any of 33 acute-phase reaction like symptoms within 3 days of the monthly dosing and lasting 7 days or less. Influenza like illness was reported in no patients in the ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily group and 2% in the ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid monthly group.

Ocular Adverse Events
Two patients who received ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly experienced ocular inflammation, one was a case of uveitis and the other scleritis.

One hundred sixty (160) postmenopausal women without osteoporosis participated in a 1 year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly for prevention of bone loss. Seventy-seven subjects received ibandronate sodium and 83 subjects received placebo. The overall pattern of adverse events was similar to that previously observed.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of ibandronate sodium. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Hypersensitivity
Allergic reactions including anaphylactic reaction/shock with fatalities, angioedema, bronchospasm, asthma exacerbations, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and dermatitis bullous have been reported (see CONTRAINDICATIONS [4]).

Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia has been reported in patients treated with ibandronate sodium (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS [5.2]).

Musculoskeletal Pain
Bone, joint, or muscle pain (musculoskeletal pain), described as severe or incapacitating, has been reported (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS [5.3]).

Jaw Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis of the jaw and other oro-facial sites, including the external auditory canal, have been reported in patients treated with ibandronate sodium (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS [5.4]).

Atypical Femoral Shaft Fracture
Atypical, low-energy, or low-trauma fractures of the femoral shaft (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS [5.5]).

7.1 Calcium Supplements/Antacids

Products containing calcium and other multivalent cations (such as aluminum, magnesium, iron) are likely to interfere with absorption of ibandronate sodium. Therefore, instruct patients to take ibandronate sodium at least 60 minutes before any oral medications, including medications containing multivalent cations (such as antacids, supplements or vitamins). Also, patients should wait at least 60 minutes after dosing before taking any other oral medications (see DOSAGE AND ADMINSTRATION [2.3]). 

7.2 Aspirin/Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Because aspirin, NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates are all associated with gastrointestinal irritation, caution should be exercised in the concomitant use of aspirin or NSAIDs with ibandronate sodium.

7.3 H2 Blockers

In healthy volunteers, co-administration with ranitidine resulted in a 20% increased bioavailability of ibandronate, which was not considered to be clinically relevant (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY [12.3]).

7.4 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Bisphosphonates are known to interfere with the use of bone-imaging agents. Specific studies with ibandronate have not been performed.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary
Ibandronate sodium is not indicated for use in women of reproductive potential. There are no data with ibandronate sodium use in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks.  

In reproductive toxicity studies in the rat, ibandronate sodium caused post-implantation loss and obstruction of labor with maternal and fetal periparturient mortality at greater than or equal to 3 times human exposure at the recommended 2.5 mg daily oral dose, or at greater than or equal to 1 times human exposure at the recommended 150 mg once-monthly oral dose. In pregnant rats, kidney developmental toxicity occurred in offspring at greater than or equal to 30 times the daily 2.5 mg human dose or at greater than or equal to 9 times the once-monthly 150 mg human dose. In rat reproductive studies, impaired pup neuromuscular development was observed at 45 times the daily 2.5 mg dose and 13 times the once-monthly 150 mg dose. In reproductive studies in the rabbit, ibandronate sodium caused maternal mortality at greater than or equal to 8 times the daily 2.5 mg dose and greater than or equal to 4 times the once-monthly 150 mg dose (see Data).

Data
Animal Data
In female rats given ibandronate at oral doses greater than or equal to 3 times human exposure at the recommended daily oral dose of 2.5 mg or greater than or equal to 1 times human exposure at the recommended once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg beginning 14 days before mating and continuing through lactation, maternal deaths were observed at the time of delivery in all dose groups. Perinatal pup loss in dams given doses producing 45 times human exposure at the recommended daily dose and 13 times human exposure at the recommended once-monthly dose was likely related to maternal dystocia. Calcium supplementation did not completely prevent dystocia and periparturient mortality in any of the treated groups at greater than or equal to 16 times the recommended daily dose and greater than or equal to 4.6 times the recommended once-monthly dose. A low incidence of postimplantation loss was observed in rats treated from 14 days before mating throughout lactation or during gestation, only at doses causing maternal dystocia and periparturient mortality. In pregnant rats dosed orally from gestation day 17 through lactation day 21 (following closure of the hard palate through weaning), maternal toxicity, including dystocia and mortality, fetal perinatal and postnatal mortality, were observed at doses equivalent to human exposure at the recommended daily dose and greater than or equal to 4 times the recommended once-monthly dose. Periparturient mortality has also been observed with other bisphosphonates and appears to be a class effect related to inhibition of skeletal calcium mobilization resulting in hypocalcemia and dystocia.  

Exposure of pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased fetal incidence of RPU (renal pelvis ureter) syndrome at oral doses producing 30 times human exposure at the recommended daily oral dose of 2.5 mg and greater than or equal to 9 times human exposure at the recommended once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg. Impaired pup neuromuscular development (cliff avoidance test) was observed at 45 times human exposure at the daily dose and 13 times the once-monthly dose.

In pregnant rabbits treated orally with ibandronate during gestation at doses greater than or equal to 8 times the recommended human daily oral dose of 2.5 mg and greater than or equal to 4 times the recommended human once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg, dose-related maternal mortality was observed in all treatment groups. The deaths occurred prior to parturition and were associated with lung edema and hemorrhage. No significant fetal anomalies were observed. 

Exposure multiples for the rat studies were calculated for the recommended daily oral dose of 2.5 mg or once-monthly dose of 150 mg based on area under the curve (AUC) comparison. Exposure multiples for the rabbit study were calculated for the recommended human daily oral dose of 2.5 mg or once-monthly dose of 150 mg based on dose/body surface area comparison. Doses used in pregnant animals were 1, 4, 5, 6, 16, 10, 20, 30, 60 or 100 mg/kg/day in rats, and 1, 4 or 20 mg/kg/day in rabbits.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary
Ibandronate sodium is not indicated for use in women of reproductive potential. There is no information on the presence of ibandronate in human milk, the effects of ibandronate on the breastfed infant, or the effects of ibandronate on milk production. Ibandronate is present in rat milk (see Data).The clinical relevance of these data is unclear.

Data
Animal Data
In lactating rats treated with intravenous doses of 0.08 mg/kg, ibandronate was present in breast milk from 2 to 24 hours after dose administration. Concentrations in milk averaged 1.5 times plasma concentrations.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the patients receiving ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly in the postmenopausal osteoporosis 1 year study, 52% were over 65 years of age, and 9% were over 75 years of age. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between these patients and younger patients but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

8.6 Renal Impairment

Ibandronate sodium is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min).

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The action of ibandronate on bone tissue is based on its affinity for hydroxyapatite, which is part of the mineral matrix of bone. Ibandronate inhibits osteoclast activity and reduces bone resorption and turnover. In postmenopausal women, it reduces the elevated rate of bone turnover, leading to, on average, a net gain in bone mass.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, most commonly at the spine, hip, and wrist. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a finding of low bone mass, evidence of fracture on x-ray, a history of osteoporotic fracture, or height loss or kyphosis indicative of vertebral fracture. While osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, it is most common among women following menopause. In healthy humans, bone formation and resorption are closely linked; old bone is resorbed and replaced by newly formed bone. In postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone resorption exceeds bone formation, leading to bone loss and increased risk of fracture. After menopause, the risk of fractures of the spine and hip increases; approximately 40% of 50 year-old women will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their remaining lifetimes. 

Ibandronate sodium produced biochemical changes indicative of dose-dependent inhibition of bone resorption, including decreases of biochemical markers of bone collagen degradation (such as deoxypyridinoline, and cross-linked C-telopeptide of Type I collagen) in the once-monthly doses from 100 mg to 150 mg in postmenopausal women. 

In a 1 year, study comparing once-monthly vs. once-daily oral dosing regimens, the median decrease from baseline in serum CTX values was -76% for patients treated with the 150 mg once-monthly regimen. In a 1 year, prevention study comparing ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly to placebo, the median placebo-subtracted decrease in sCTX was -49.8%.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
The absorption of oral ibandronate occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Plasma concentrations increase in a dose-linear manner up to 50 mg oral intake and increases nonlinearly above this dose. 

Following oral dosing, the time to maximum observed plasma ibandronate concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 2 hours (median 1 hour) in fasted healthy postmenopausal women. The extent of absorption is impaired by food or beverages (other than plain water). The oral bioavailability of ibandronate is reduced by about 90% when ibandronate sodium is administered concomitantly with a standard breakfast in comparison with bioavailability observed in fasted subjects. There is no meaningful reduction in bioavailability when ibandronate is taken at least 60 minutes before a meal. However, both bioavailability and the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) are reduced when food or beverages are taken less than 60 minutes following an ibandronate dose.

Distribution
After absorption, ibandronate either rapidly binds to bone or is excreted into urine. In humans, the apparent terminal volume of distribution is at least 90 L, and the amount of dose removed from the circulation via the bone is estimated to be 40% to 50% of the circulating dose. In vitro protein binding in human serum was 99.5% to 90.9% over an ibandronate concentration range of 2 to 10 ng/mL in one study and approximately 85.7% over a concentration range of 0.5 to 10 ng/mL in another study.

Metabolism
Ibandronate does not undergo hepatic metabolism and does not inhibit the hepatic cytochrome P450 system. Ibandronate is eliminated by renal excretion. Based on a rat study, the ibandronate secretory pathway does not appear to include known acidic or basic transport systems involved in the excretion of other drugs. There is no evidence that ibandronate is metabolized in humans.

Elimination
The portion of ibandronate that is not removed from the circulation via bone absorption is eliminated unchanged by the kidney (approximately 50% to 60% of the absorbed dose). Unabsorbed ibandronate is eliminated unchanged in the feces.  

The plasma elimination of ibandronate is multiphasic. Its renal clearance and distribution into bone accounts for a rapid and early decline in plasma concentrations, reaching 10% of the Cmax within 3 or 8 hours after intravenous or oral administration, respectively. This is followed by a slower clearance phase as ibandronate redistributes back into the blood from bone. The observed apparent terminal half-life for ibandronate is generally dependent on the dose studied and on assay sensitivity. The observed apparent terminal half-life for the 150 mg ibandronate tablet as ibandronic acid upon oral administration to healthy postmenopausal women ranges from 37 to 157 hours.  

Total clearance of ibandronate is low, with average values in the range 84 to 160 mL/min. Renal clearance (about 60 mL/min in healthy postmenopausal females) accounts for 50% to 60% of total clearance and is related to creatinine clearance. The difference between the apparent total and renal clearances likely reflects bone uptake of the drug.

Specific Populations

Pediatrics
The pharmacokinetics of ibandronate has not been studied in patients less than 18 years of age.

Geriatric
Because ibandronate is not known to be metabolized, the only difference in ibandronate elimination for geriatric patients versus younger patients is expected to relate to progressive age-related changes in renal function.

Gender
The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of ibandronate are similar in both men and women.

Race
Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have not been studied.

Renal Impairment
Renal clearance of ibandronate in patients with various degrees of renal impairment is linearly related to creatinine clearance (CLcr).

Following a single dose of 0.5 mg ibandronate by intravenous administration, patients with CLcr 40 to 70 mL/min had 55% higher exposure (AUC∞) than the exposure observed in subjects with CLcr greater than 90 mL/min. Patients with CLcr less than 30 mL/min had more than a two-fold increase in exposure compared to the exposure for healthy subjects (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION [2.4]).

Hepatic Impairment
No studies have been performed to assess the pharmacokinetics of ibandronate in patients with hepatic impairment because ibandronate is not metabolized in the human liver.

Drug Interaction Studies
Products containing calcium and other multivalent cations (such as aluminum, magnesium, iron), including milk, food, and antacids are likely to interfere with absorption of ibandronate, which is consistent with findings in animal studies.

H2 Blockers
A pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy volunteers demonstrated that 75 mg ranitidine (25 mg injected intravenously 90 and 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after ibandronate administration) increased the oral bioavailability of 10 mg ibandronate by about 20%. This degree of increase is not considered to be clinically relevant.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis
In a 104 week carcinogenicity study, doses of 3, 7, or 15 mg/kg/day were administered by oral gavage to male and female Wistar rats (systemic cumulative exposures up to 3.5 and 2 times, respectively, human exposure at the recommended once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg, based on AUC comparison). There were no significant drug-related tumor findings in male or female rats. In a 78 week carcinogenicity study, doses of 5, 20, or 40 mg/kg/day were administered by oral gavage to male and female NMRI mice (cumulative exposures up to 135 and 20 times, respectively, human exposure at the recommended once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg, based on AUC comparison). There were no significant drug-related tumor findings in male or female mice. In a 90 week carcinogenicity study, doses of 5, 20, or 80 mg/kg/day were administered in the drinking water to NMRI mice (cumulative monthly exposures in males and females up to 70 and 115 times, respectively, human exposure at the recommended dose of 150 mg, based on AUC comparison). A dose-related increased incidence of adrenal subcapsular adenoma/carcinoma was observed in female mice, which was statistically significant at 80 mg/kg/day (115 times human exposure at the recommended once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg, based on AUC comparison). The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.

Mutagenesis
There was no evidence for a mutagenic or clastogenic potential of ibandronate in the following assays: in vitro bacterial mutagenesis assay in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli (Ames test), mammalian cell mutagenesis assay in Chinese hamster V79 cells, and chromosomal aberration test in human peripheral lymphocytes, each with and without metabolic activation. Ibandronate was not genotoxic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus tests for chromosomal damage.

Impairment of Fertility
In female rats treated from 14 days prior to mating through gestation, decreases in fertility, corpora lutea, and implantation sites were observed at an oral dose of 16 mg/kg/day (13 times human exposure at the recommended once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg, based on AUC comparison).

13.2 Animal Pharmacology

Animal studies have shown that ibandronate is an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. In the Schenk assay in growing rats, ibandronate inhibited bone resorption and increased bone volume, based on histologic examination of the tibial metaphyses. There was no evidence of impaired mineralization at the highest dose of 5 mg/kg/day (subcutaneously), which is 1000 times the lowest antiresorptive dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day in this model, and 5000 times the optimal antiresorptive dose of 0.001 mg/kg/day in the aged ovariectomized rat. This indicates that ibandronate sodium administered at therapeutic doses is unlikely to induce osteomalacia. 

Long-term once-monthly intermittent administration of ibandronate to ovariectomized rats or monkeys was associated with suppression of bone turnover and increases in bone mass. In both rats and monkeys, vertebral BMD, trabecular density, and biomechanical strength were increased dose-dependently at cumulative monthly doses up to 8 times (rat) or 6 times (monkey) the recommended human once-monthly oral dose of 150 mg, based on body surface area (mg/m2) or area under the curve (AUC) comparison. In monkeys, ibandronate maintained the positive correlation between bone mass and strength at the ulna and femoral neck. New bone formed in the presence of ibandronate had normal histologic structure and did not show mineralization defects.

14.1 Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Daily Dosing
The effectiveness and safety of ibandronate sodium were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study (Treatment Study) of 2946 women aged 55 to 80 years, who were on average 21 years postmenopause, who had lumbar spine BMD 2 to 5 SD below the premenopausal mean (T-score) in at least one vertebra [L1-L4], and who had 1 to 4 prevalent vertebral fractures. Ibandronate sodium was evaluated at oral doses of 2.5 mg daily and 20 mg intermittently. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of new radiographically diagnosed vertebral fractures after 3 years of treatment. The diagnosis of an incident vertebral fracture was based on both qualitative diagnosis by the radiologist and quantitative morphometric criterion. The morphometric criterion required the dual occurrence of 2 events: a relative height ratio or relative height reduction in a vertebral body of at least 20%, together with at least a 4 mm absolute decrease in height. All women received 400 international units vitamin D and 500 mg calcium supplementation per day.

Effect on Fracture Incidence
Ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily significantly reduced the incidence of new vertebral (primary efficacy measure) and of new and worsening vertebral fractures. Over the course of the 3 year study, the risk for vertebral fracture was 9.6% in the placebo-treated women and 4.7% in the women treated with ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid (p<0.001) (see Table 3).

Table 3 Effect of Ibandronate Sodium on the Incidence of Vertebral Fracture in the 3 Year Osteoporosis Treatment Study*

*The endpoint value is the value at the study’s last time point, 3 years, for all patients who had a fracture identified at that time; otherwise, the last postbaseline value prior to the study’s last time point is used.
**p=0.0003 vs. placebo

Ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily did not reduce the incidence of nonvertebral fractures (secondary efficacy measure). There was a similar number of nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures at 3 years reported in women treated with ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily [9.1%, (95% CI: 7.1%, 11.1%)] and placebo [8.2%, (95% CI: 6.3%, 10.2%)]. The two treatment groups were also similar with regard to the number of fractures reported at the individual nonvertebral sites: pelvis, femur, wrist, forearm, rib, and hip.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Ibandronate sodium significantly increased BMD at the lumbar spine and hip relative to treatment with placebo. In the 3 year osteoporosis treatment study, ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily produced increases in lumbar spine BMD that were progressive over 3 years of treatment and were statistically significant relative to placebo at 6 months and at all later time points. Lumbar spine BMD increased by 6.4% after 3 years of treatment with 2.5 mg daily ibandronate sodium as ibandronic acid compared with 1.4% in the placebo group. Table 4 displays the significant increases in BMD seen at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter compared to placebo.

Table 4 Mean Percent Change in BMD from Baseline to Endpoint in Patients Treated Daily with Ibandronate Sodium 2.5 mg as Ibandronic Acid or Placebo in the 3 Year Osteoporosis Treatment Study*

*The endpoint value is the value at the study’s last time point, 3 years, for all patients who had BMD measured at that time; otherwise, the last postbaseline value prior to the study’s last time point is used.

Bone Histology
The effects of ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily on bone histology were evaluated in iliac crest biopsies from 16 women after 22 months of treatment and 20 women after 34 months of treatment. 

The histological analysis of bone biopsies showed bone of normal quality and no indication of osteomalacia or a mineralization defect.

Once-Monthly Dosing
The effectiveness and safety of ibandronate sodium once-monthly were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, multinational, noninferiority trial in 1602 women aged 54 to 81 years, who were on average 18 years postmenopause, and had L2-L4 lumbar spine BMD T-score below -2.5 SD at baseline. The main outcome measure was the comparison of the percentage change from baseline in lumbar spine BMD after 1 year of treatment with once-monthly ibandronate (100 mg, 150 mg) to daily ibandronate (2.5 mg). All patients received 400 international units vitamin D and 500 mg calcium supplementation per day. 

Ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly (n=327) was shown to be noninferior to ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily (n=318) in lumbar spine BMD in a 1 year, double-blind, multicenter study of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. In the primary efficacy analysis (per-protocol population), the mean increases from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 1 year were 3.86% (95% CI: 3.40%, 4.32%) in the 2.5 mg daily group and 4.85% (95% CI: 4.41%, 5.29%) in the 150 mg once-monthly group; the mean difference between 2.5 mg daily and 150 mg once-monthly was 0.99% (95% CI: 0.38%, 1.60%), which was statistically significant (p=0.002). The results of the intent-to-treat analysis were consistent with the primary efficacy analysis. The 150 mg once-monthly group also had consistently higher BMD increases at the other skeletal sites compared to the 2.5 mg daily group.

14.2 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Daily Dosing
The safety and effectiveness of ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2 year study (Prevention Study) of 653 postmenopausal women without osteoporosis at baseline. Women were aged 41 to 82 years, were on average 8.5 years postmenopause, and had lumbar spine BMD T-scores greater than -2.5. Women were stratified according to time since menopause (1 to 3 years, greater than 3 years) and baseline lumbar spine BMD (T-score: greater than -1, -1 to -2.5). The study compared daily ibandronate sodium at three dose levels (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg) with placebo. All women received 500 mg of supplemental calcium per day. 

The primary efficacy measure was the change in BMD of lumbar spine after 2 years of treatment. Ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily resulted in a mean increase in lumbar spine BMD of 3.1% compared with placebo following 2 years of treatment. Increases in BMD were seen at 6 months and at all later time points. Irrespective of the time since menopause or the degree of pre-existing bone loss, treatment with ibandronate sodium resulted in a higher BMD response at the lumbar spine compared with placebo across all four baseline strata [time since menopause (1 to 3 years, greater than 3 years) and baseline lumbar spine BMD (T-score: greater than -1, -1 to -2.5)]. 

Compared with placebo, treatment with ibandronate sodium 2.5 mg as ibandronic acid daily increased BMD of the total hip by 1.8%, the femoral neck by 2%, and the trochanter by 2.1%.

Once-Monthly Dosing
The safety and effectiveness of ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 1 year study (Monthly Prevention Study) of 160 postmenopausal women with low bone mass at baseline (T-score of -1 to -2.5). Women, aged 46 to 60 years, were on average 5.4 years postmenopause. All women received 400 international units of vitamin D and 500 mg calcium supplementation daily. 

The primary efficacy measure was the relative change in BMD at the lumbar spine after 1 year of treatment. Ibandronate sodium 150 mg as ibandronic acid once-monthly resulted in a mean increase in lumbar spine BMD of 4.12% (95% confidence interval 2.96 to 5.28) compared with placebo following 1 year of treatment (p<0.0001), based on a 3.73% and -0.39% mean change in BMD from baseline in the 150 mg once-monthly ibandronate sodium as ibandronic acid and placebo treatment groups, respectively. BMD at other skeletal sites was also increased relative to baseline values.

16.1 How Supplied

Ibandronate Sodium Tablets: supplied as yellow colored capsule shaped film-coated tablets debossed with “ID” on one side and “150” on the other side. Carton of 1 Blister Pack containing 3 tablets NDC 47781-103-21

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

17.1 Information for Patients

Instruct patients to read the Medication Guide carefully before taking Ibandronate Sodium Tablets and to re-read it each time the prescription is renewed because it contains important information the patient should know about Ibandronate Sodium Tablets. The Medication Guide also includes the dosing instructions in order to maximize absorption and clinical benefit.

• Ibandronate Sodium Tablet should be taken at least 60 minutes before the first food or drink (other than water) of the day and before taking any oral medication or supplementation including calcium, antacids or vitamins (see DRUG INTERACTIONS [7.1]).

• To facilitate delivery to the stomach, and thus reduce the potential for esophageal irritation, Ibandronate Sodium Tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of plain water (6 to 8 oz) while the patient is standing or sitting in an upright position. Patients should not lie down for 60 minutes after taking Ibandronate Sodium Tablet.

• Patients should not eat, drink anything except for water, or take other medications for 60 minutes after taking Ibandronate Sodium Tablet.

• Plain water is the only drink that should be taken with Ibandronate Sodium Tablet. Note that some mineral waters may have a higher concentration of calcium and therefore should not be used.

• Patients should not chew or suck the tablet because of a potential for oropharyngeal ulceration.

• The Ibandronate Sodium Tablet 150 mg (ibandronate) should be taken on the same date each month (i.e., the patient’s Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day).

• The patient must not take two 150 mg tablets within the same week.

• If the once-monthly dose is missed, and the patient’s next scheduled Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day is more than 7 days away, the patient should be instructed to take one Ibandronate Sodium Tablet 150 mg (ibandronate) in the morning following the date that it is remembered (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION [2.3]). The patient should then return to taking one Ibandronate Sodium Tablet 150 mg (ibandronate) every month in the morning of their chosen day, according to their original schedule.

• If the once-monthly dose is missed, and the patient’s next scheduled Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day is only 1 to 7 days away, the patient must wait until the subsequent month’s scheduled Ibandronate Sodium Tablet day to take their tablet. The patient should then return to taking one Ibandronate Sodium Tablet 150 mg (ibandronate) every month in the morning of their chosen day, according to their original schedule.

Patients should receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate. Intake of supplemental calcium and vitamin D should be delayed for at least 60 minutes following oral administration of Ibandronate Sodium Tablet in order to maximize absorption of Ibandronate Sodium Tablets.  

Physicians should be alert to signs or symptoms signaling a possible esophageal reaction during therapy, and patients should be instructed to discontinue Ibandronate Sodium Tablets and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of esophageal irritation such as new or worsening dysphagia, pain on swallowing, retrosternal pain, or heartburn.