Ibandronic acid

Background

1.1 Oral bisphosphonates (alendronic acid, ibandronic acid and risedronate sodium)
and intravenous bisphosphonates (ibandronic acid and zoledronic acid) are
recommended, within their marketing authorisations, as options for treating
osteoporosis in adults:

• who are eligible for risk assessment as defined in NICE's guideline on osteoporosis
  (recommendations 1.1 and 1.2) and NICE's quality standard on osteoporosis and
• who have been assessed as being at higher risk of osteoporotic fragility fracture using
  the methods recommended in NICE's guideline on osteoporosis (recommendations 1.3
  to 1.12) and NICE's quality standard on osteoporosis and
• when bisphosphonate treatment is appropriate, taking into account their risk of
  fracture, their risk of adverse effects from bisphosphonates, and their clinical
  circumstances and preferences.

1.2 The choice of treatment should be made on an individual basis after discussion
between the responsible clinician and the patient, or their carers, about the
advantages and disadvantages of the treatments available. If generic products
are available, start treatment with the least expensive formulation, taking into
account administration costs, the dose needed and the cost per dose.