Actonel online

Item name:

Actonel (risedronate tablets) (Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals)

Generic name:

risedronate

Brand names:

Actonel

Item info:

It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Risedronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures. Risedronate is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and steroid-induced osteoporosis. Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

Drug class:

Risedronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates.

Interactions:

Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking an risedronate tablet. 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 then 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.

Side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using risedronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain;
• difficulty or pain when swallowing;
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
• new or worsening heartburn;
• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.

Continue using risedronate and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mild heartburn or stomach upset;
• diarrhea, gas, or constipation;
• mild joint or back pain; or
• headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Prescription needed / OTC:

Prescription only

Dosage:

Take risedronate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Risedronate tablets are taken either once each day or once each week. Take the risedronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.

If you take a risedronate tablet only once a week, take it on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning.

Take each risedronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a risedronate tablet.

Do not crush, chew, or suck the risedronate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

After taking a risedronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions:

• Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate.
• Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.
• Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis.

It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Risedronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Contraindications:

• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
• a vitamin D deficiency;
• kidney disease;
• an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.
• known hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use risedronate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Some people using medicines similar to risedronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.

This medication is FDA pregnancy category C which means it may be harmful to an unborn baby and should not be used by a woman who is pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether risedronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Storage:

Store risedronate tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Osteoporosis Medications

• Actonel
• Evista
• Fosamax