Actonel

Brand Name:Actonel

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Risedronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in women who have undergone menopause and in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (corticosteroids; a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis), and to treat Paget's disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones).

It works by preventing the breakdown of bone and by increasing the strength and structure of the bone.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to it or similar drugs (alendronate, clodranate, etidronate, pamidronate). Also, you should not take this drug if you have low levels of calcium in the blood and if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • difficulty swallowing
  • frequent muscle cramps or spasms
  • heartburn or stomach problems
  • low levels of calcium in your blood
  • osteomalacia (softening of bones due to lack of vitamin D)
  • problems with your esophagus (e.g. esophagitis) or ulcers
  • problems with your kidneys

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • heartburn, gas, stomach pain
  • pain in muscles or joints
  • headache

Other rare side effects include:

vision problems

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely

If you are taking any other medications, vitamins, calcium or iron supplements or antacids by mouth, take them at least 30 minutes after you take risedronate.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

How to take:

Risedronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to specific instructions. These include:

Take risedronate as soon as you get up in the morning, before you eat or drink anything.

Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of ordinary water (nothing else) while you are sitting or standing up.

Wait at least 30 minutes after you take risedronate before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.

Sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes before having breakfast.

Children: Reduced dose necessary.

Seniors: may take this drug as prescribed.

Pregnancy: Not recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Not recommended. Talk to your doctor

People who drive or operate machinery: should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally..

Alcohol: may cause further stomach irritation.

Overdose: In case of overdose, give the victim a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Risedronate helps to prevent and treat osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly.

If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of once-daily risedronate, do not take it later in the day. Skip the missed dose and take one dose the next morning as usual. If you miss a dose of once-weekly risedronate, do not take it later in the day. Take one dose the morning after you remember. Then return to taking one dose once each week on your regularly scheduled day. Never take a double dose and never take more than one dose in one day.

Storage conditions: closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Take on an empty stomach. If not taken first thing in the morning, you should not eat or drink (except plain water) for at least two hours before or after taking risedronate.

You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking alendronate. Your doctor may recommend a supplement.