Author: Unknown

Bonefos^®
sodium clodronate

What you should
know about
BONEFOS^®
Tablets

Please read this leaflet carefully.  It contains a summary of the information available on your medicine.  The information in this leaflet applies to BONEFOS^® TABLETS only.  If after reading this you have any
questions ask your doctor.

The name of your medicine is BONEFOS TABLETS.  Each 800mg Bonefos tablet contains 1000mg of sodium clodronate tetrahydrate equivalent to 800mg of sodium clodronate as the active ingredient.  The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, cellulose microcrystalline, stearic acid and Opadry Y-1-7000 (coating substance contains: methocel, titanium dioxide and polyethylene gycol).  BONEFOS TABLETS are available in
packs of 10 and 60.
BONEFOS TABLETS belong to the, group of medicines called bisphosphonates which help prevent the loss of calcium from bones.

The Product Licence for BONEFOS TABLETS is held by:
Boehringer Ingelheim Limited,
Ellesfield Avenue, Brackneil, Berkshire, RG12 8YS
and BONEFOS TABLETS are manufactured by:
Leiras Oy,
Tampere,
Finland.

How Bonefos Tablets help you

BONEFOS TABLETS help manage bone diseases, particularly those associated with cancer.  Bonefos also helps to maintain normal levels of calcium in your blood.

Before Taking Your Medicine
Tell your doctor if:

•	You are pregnant, likely to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding
•	You have had an allergic reaction (causing rash, itching or more rarely shortness of breath) to BONEFOS TABLETS or to similar medicines
•	You are already taking a similar kind of medicine
•	You have any chronic kidney problems
•	You are using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics

If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not give BONEFOS TABLETS to children.
Your doctor will perform regular tests to monitor your medical condition.

How to Take Your Medicine

The usual recommended dose is as
follows:

•	2 x 800mg tablets a day taken as a single dose or
	
•	in two divided doses of 1 x 800mg tablet per dose.

However your doctor may prescribe up to 4 x 800mg tablets a day.

Do not take more than the doctor has prescribed.

In the event of an overdosage consult a doctor immediately.

Swallow the tablets whole with a little liquid, but NOT with milk.  Take the tablets at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after food.  The best time to take a single daily dose of Bonefos is last thing at night before you go to bed.

If BONEFOS TABLETS are taken with milk or with food, it is more difficult for them to enter your blood stream and so you will not get the full benefit of your medicine.

For the same reasons, DO NOT take BONEFOS TABLETS with mineral supplements as these may also reduce the effectiveness of your medicine.  Make sure that you drink a lot of fluid e.g water or diluted squash throughout your treatment with BONEFOS TABLETS.

DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE EXCEPT ON YOUR DOCTOR’S ADVICE.

If you forget to take your medicine, do not worry – just take the next dose at the usual time.

After Taking Your Medicine

All medicines sometimes cause side effects.

A few people experience upset stomachs, for example sickness and diarrhoea after taking BONEFOS TABLETS.  If you do experience any such symptoms they may improve if you follow the divided dose recommendations (i e. take half the number of tablets in the morning and the remaining half in the evening).  Skin reactions, such as rash, redness or itching have also been reported.  These effects are usually mild, however, if they persist or become troublesome consult your doctor.

Unwanted effects on the kidneys have been reported.  This appears to be more common in patients receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, although no definite association has been established.  Your doctor will periodically carry out tests during treatment to ensure that your kidneys are working properly.

If you experience any other effects not mentioned above, consult your doctor.

How to Store Your Medicine

Store BONEFOS TABLETS at room temperature, below 25ºC

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date which you will find printed on the packaging

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

REMEMBER THIS MEDICINE IS FOR YOU (only a doctor can prescribe it for you). NEVER give it to others as it may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours

This leaflet was written in March 1995.