Risedronate (By Mouth)

Risedronate (res-ED-roe-nate)

Treats and prevents osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones). Also treats a bone disorder called Paget's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Actonel
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to risedronate, if you have trouble swallowing, or if you have very low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia). You should not take this medicine if you are unable to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If any of this medicine stays in your esophagus, it may cause serious damage. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach when you swallow. To lower the risk of this problem, take the tablets exactly as directed below.
• Take this medicine as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or have anything to drink. Swallow the tablet whole with a large glass (8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). Do not chew or suck on the tablet. Do not take the medicine while you are still in bed, and do not take it at bedtime.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after you swallow the tablet before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. This will help your body absorb the medicine.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, and do not lie down until after you have eaten some food.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. It is especially important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning. Follow all of the usual instructions about taking it on an empty stomach and not lying down for at least 30 minutes. If you are taking the medicine once a week, return to your regular schedule the following week.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Wait at least 30 minutes after you take risedronate before taking calcium or mineral supplements, or antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, or Tums®).
• This medicine may interact with the dye used for bone scans.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, ulcers, heartburn, trouble swallowing, or any other kind of digestive problems.
• If you think this medicine has started to damage your esophagus, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor. Some symptoms of damage to the esophagus are heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to the stomach.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Unusual or severe stomach pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Mild nausea, gas, diarrhea, or constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.