Flurish (Ibandronate Sodium 150mg)

Flurish general information

What is Flurish used for?

Flurish tablets 150mg are used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at risk of fracture, to reduce the risk of particularly vertebral fractures, which can be painful and cause loss of height.  Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass resulting in brittle bones, which can fracture more easily and is often associated with lack of oestrogen in postmenopausal women; or following treatment with a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory steroid that can cause bone loss.  Flurish tablets 150mg are a once-monthly treatment for osteoporosis to increase bone mass and help strengthen bone structure making them less likely to fracture.

How does Flurish work?

Flurish tablets 150mg contain ibandronate, which is a bisphosphonate that is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.  Ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg is a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process that allows bones to grow and repair.  Ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg acts directly on bone and binds to hydroxyapatite (the scaffolding of bone architecture), specifically at the site of bone resorption (the process for removal of old bone tissue), and inhibits the action of bone cells called osteoclasts that are responsible for bone resorption.  Ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg has no effect on osteoblast cells that are responsible for bone formation (laying down of new bone tissue).  Flurish-150 changes the balance of bone turnover so that bone breakdown is reduced relative to bone building; also the loss of minerals like calcium and phosphate from bone structure is reduced.  These actions of Ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg increase bone mass, making bones stronger and more resistant to fracture, which can be painful and cause loss of height if the fracture occurs in the spine.  Although Ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg begins working on bone turnover immediately, it may take several months before measurable effects on bone mass may be seen.  

What does Flurish contain?

Idrofos-150 tablets 150mg contain the active ingredient ibandronic acid (as sodium monohydrate), a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures. 

Treating osteoporosis with Flurish

Flurish tablets 150mg contain ibandronate, which is a bisphosphonate that is used as a once-monthly treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.  Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass resulting in brittle bones which can fracture more easily and is often associated with lack of oestrogen in postmenopausal women.  Bone turnover is a living tissue and bone undergoes constant remodelling, which is a dynamic process that allows bones to grow and repair.  Ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg is a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover and specifically inhibits the action of osteoclasts that are responsible for bone resorption (the process for removal of old bone tissue), but has no effect on osteoblast cells that are responsible for bone formation (laying down of new bone tissue).  This action of ibandronate in Flurish tablets 150mg changes the balance of bone turnover so that bone breakdown is reduced relative to bone building, which increases bone mass, making bones stronger and more resistant to fracture, which can be painful and cause loss of height if the fracture occurs in the spine. 

What are the side effects of Flurish?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Flurish tablets 150mg include, oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), heartburn (dyspepsia), reflux, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, rash, bone, muscle and/or joint pain, influenza like-illness.

When should Flurish not be used?

You should not use Flurish tablets 150mg if you:

• are allergic to ibandronate or any ingredients in  Flurish
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding as Flurish is only intended for postmenopausal women
• have kidney disease
• have certain disorders of oesophagus including, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), oesophageal disease, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers
• are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• have low blood calcium
• are taking calcium supplements, antacids, and other oral medications will interfere with absorption of Flurish, you should wait at least one half hour after taking Flurish before taking any other oral medication
• are taking aspirin as this may increase risk of stomach upsets

How should Flurish be taken?

You should take your Flurish tablets 150mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, once monthly, on the same date each month, in the morning on an empty stomach after an overnight fast of at least 6 hours, at least one hour before you eat or drink anything or take any other medication. You should then remain upright for at least 60 minutes, sitting, standing or walking around, to reduce risk of a reaction in your oesophagus.  You should continue to take your Flurish tablets 150mg every month for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be several months or more, as it can take this long before you see a measurable increase in bone density. 

How long should you take Flurish?

You should continue to take your Flurish tablets 150mg every month for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be several months or more, as it can take this long before you see a measurable increase in bone density. 

Missed dose of Flurish

If you miss a dose of Flurish tablets 150mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is within 7 days of the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose and do not take two tablets in the same .week

How should Flurish be stored?

You should store your Flurish tablets 150mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.