Brand Name(s): Actonel
Generic Name Risedronate
What are risedronate tablets?
RISEDRONATE (Actonel®) reduces calcium loss from bones. It helps prevent bone loss and increases production of normal healthy bone in patients with Paget's disease, osteoporosis, and other conditions which place someone at risk for bone loss, including after menopause in females or from the long-term use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) in men or women. Generic risedronate tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•dental disease
•kidney disease
•low level of blood calcium
•stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems, like acid-reflux or GERD
•problems swallowing
•vitamin D deficiency
•an unusual or allergic reaction to risedronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Some patients take risedronate every day. Other patients may only take a dose of risedronate once a week. If you take risedronate only once a week, take the medicine on the same day every week.
Take risedronate tablets by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6—8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablets with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not chew or suck the tablets. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down or bend over) for at least 30 minutes. This will help to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you take a daily dose of risedronate: If you have not already eaten, take your dose as soon as you can. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. If you have already eaten, wait at least 4 hours after eating to take your dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you take a once-weekly dose of risedronate: If you miss a dose of risedronate 35-mg once a week, take your dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a week, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the week. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. If you have already eaten, wait at least 4 hours after eating to take your dose. Never take 2 tablets on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with risedronate?
•aluminum hydroxide
•antacids
•anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others
•aspirin
•calcium supplements
•iron supplements
•magnesium supplements
•parathyroid hormone
•teriparatide
•vitamins with minerals
Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.
What side effects might I notice from taking risedronate?
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 should I watch for while taking risedronate?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have Paget's disease it may be some time before you see the benefit from risedronate. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests or other tests to check on your progress.
It is very important to take risedronate with a full glass of plain water (6—8 ounces). Do not take with orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of risedronate. Do not take risedronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking risedronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines.
Because risedronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Do not lie down. Do not bend over while you are sitting, standing, or walking.
If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking risedronate, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.
If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor. However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after treatment with risedronate.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, wait to take them at least 2 hours after you take risedronate. Do not take them at same time.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 68—77 degrees F (20—25 degrees C). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:10/12/2005 |
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