ACTONEL- RISEDRONATE
Actonel
Oral Uses
Risedronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break (fracture) more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods of time.
This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Risedronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.
How
should you take this medication?
Three types of Actonel are available: a 5-milligram and 30-milligram
tablet that can be taken daily, and a 35-milligram tablet that's taken
once a week. The tablets should be taken at least 30 minutes before
the first food or drink of the day other than water. Take the pill
while standing or sitting in an upright position and wash it down
with a full 6 to 8 ounce glass of plain water (do not use coffee,
tea, juice, milk, or other dairy products). Swallow the tablet whole,
do not chew or suck on it. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking
the medication.
Other treatment measures typically include weight-bearing exercise, reduction of excessive smoking and drinking, and supplemental calcium and vitamin D if you don't get enough in your diet. If you require calcium supplements, or use any medications containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium, avoid taking them at the same time of day as Actonel.
--If you miss a dose...
If you realize that you missed a daily dose and have not yet had anything to eat or drink, it's okay to take your medication. If you have already eaten, skip the dose for that day and take your regular dose the following morning.
If you forget to take a weekly dose, take 1 tablet on the morning after you remember, then return to taking 1 tablet a week as originally scheduled on the chosen day. Never take 2 tablets on the same day.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
•black or tarry stools
•constant jaw pain, especially burning or cramping
•eye inflammation, pain, or vision change
•low levels of calcium in the blood (may cause symptoms like
confusion, severe fatigue or weakness)
•pain or difficulty when swallowing
•skin rash, itching
•stomach pain
•swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
Side
effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
•bone pain
•diarrhea
•headache
•indigestion or stomach gas
•joint pain
•mild heartburn
•muscle pain
•nausea
What other drugs will affect risedronate?
• Antacids, supplements, or medicines that contain aluminum,
calcium, magnesium, or other minerals can interfere with how your
body absorbs risedronate. If you use these other medicines, do not
that take them for at least 30 minutes after taking a risedronate
tablet.
• Before using risedronate, tell your doctor if you also use
aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such
as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid),
ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac
(Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
• There may be other drugs that can affect risedronate. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications
you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has more information about risedronate written
for health professionals that you may read.
