Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
RISEDRONATE - ORAL
(riss-ED-row-nate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actonel
Uses
This medication is used to treat bone disease (Paget's disease). It reduces bone pain and may prevent long-term complications. It also is used to treat and prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).
How To Use
Follow the directions for using this medication provided by your doctor. You may be instructed to take this daily or to take this weekly, depending on the strength of the tablet. Take this medication at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day. To minimize the stomach side effects, take this medication while in an upright position with a full glass (6-8 oz or 180-240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. Calcium or iron supplements, sucralfate, vitamins with minerals, milk, as well as antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this medication. Take these products at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. It is important to take the other medications prescribed for your condition (e.g., calcium supplements and Vitamin D) as directed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache and dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: flu-like symptoms (e.g., fatigue, fever, aches), weakness, chest or stomach pain, pain when swallowing, leg or ankle swelling, joint pain, bone pain. Unlikely but report promptly: unusual fatigue, vision changes, ringing in the ears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney conditions, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), trouble swallowing, stomach or esophagus disorders (e.g., ulcers, esophagitis), any allergies. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this drug (e.g., dizziness). Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially of: aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, sucralfate, antacids (especially those containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum), calcium supplements. Check the label on all nonprescription pain relievers, as they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Consult your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This medication may interfere with certain medical tests. Make sure that laboratory and medical personnel know that you are using this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle weakness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
If you take this daily: if you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you take this weekly: if you miss a dose, take the medicine in the morning, then resume your usual weekly schedule on your chosen day. Do not double the dose on the same day.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
