This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Actonel Consumer Information
ACTONEL
Generic Name: risedronate (rih SEH droe nate)
Brand Names: Actonel
What is the most important information I should know about risedronate?
- Although it has been reported less frequently with risedronate, other similar drugs can be very damaging to the mouth and stomach. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of risedronate.
- Take risedronate in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of tap water or bottled water at least 30 minutes before eating any food, drinking any liquid (other than water), or taking any other medicines including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements. Do not take risedronate with mineral water, juice, or any other beverage since these beverages may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. This timing is very important in getting the maximum amount of medication from each dose. Foods, beverages, and other medications greatly decrease the effect of risedronate.
- The 35 mg Actonel tablets should only be taken once a week, preferably on the same day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.
What is risedronate?
- Risedronate alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.
- Risedronate is used to prevent and treat postmenopausal and steroid-caused bone-thinning (osteoporosis). Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans).
- Risedronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking risedronate?
- Do not take risedronate without first talking to your doctor if you
- have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus;
- have esophageal ulcers or esophageal disease;
- have stomach ulcers or other stomach problems;
- have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body;
- have a kidney disease; or
- are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
- You may not be able to take risedronate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Risedronate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take risedronate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether risedronate passes into breast milk. Do not take risedronate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take risedronate?
- Take risedronate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take risedronate in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of tap water or bottled water at least 30 minutes before eating any food, drinking any liquid (other than water), or taking any other medicines including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements. Do not take risedronate with mineral water, juice, or any other beverage since these beverages may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. This timing is very important in getting the maximum amount of medication from each dose. Foods, beverages, and other medications greatly decrease the effect of risedronate.
- Although it has been reported less frequently with risedronate, other similar drugs can be very damaging to the mouth and stomach. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of risedronate.
- Do not crush, chew, or suck the pills. Swallow them whole.
- The 35 mg Actonel tablets should only be taken once a week, preferably on the same day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- It is important to maintain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in the diet while taking risedronate. Discuss with your doctor appropriate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
- Store risedronate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- If you take risedronate every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not make a difference in the treatment.
- If you take risedronate once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose the next morning. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Then, return to your regular schedule, taking one tablet on the chosen morning of the week.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- The symptoms of a risedronate overdose are unknown, but the following symptoms might be expected: nausea, heartburn, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, other stomach-related symptoms, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, uncontrollable facial grimacing, seizures, irritability, and abnormal behavior.
What should I avoid while taking risedronate?
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking risedronate, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.