General Information and Indications:
Risedronate is used to prevent and treat
osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break
easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life). Risedronate
is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women who are
taking glucocorticoids (corticosteroids; a type of medication that may cause
osteoporosis). Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone
(a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones).
Risedronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by
preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness) to make
bones stronger and less likely to break.
Information For Users:
Risedronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week
in the morning. If you are taking risedronate once a week, take it on the
same day every week. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask
your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take risedronate
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your health care provider.
Risedronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between
the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken
according to the following instructions. Inform your doctor if you do not
understand, do not think you will remember, or are unable to follow these
instructions.
You must take risedronate immediately after you get out of bed in the
morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take risedronate at
bedtime or before you get up for the day.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them, and
do not hold them in your mouth for any length of time.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water while you
are sitting or standing up. Do not take risedronate with tea, coffee, juice,
mineral water, milk, other dairy drinks, or any liquid other than plain
water.
After you take risedronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications
for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take
risedronate. Sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and
you have eaten your first food of the day.
Risedronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does
not cure these conditions. Risedronate helps to prevent osteoporosis only as
long as it is taken regularly. Continue taking risedronate even if you feel
well. Do not discontinue taking risedronate without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to risedronate or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve,
Naprosyn). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or
monitor you carefully for side effects.
o if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, calcium or iron
supplements or antacids by mouth, take them at least 30 minutes after
risedronate.
o Inform your doctor if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30
minutes, and if you have or have ever had problems with your esophagus,
difficulty swallowing, heartburn, ulcers, other stomach problems, low levels
of calcium in your blood, frequent muscle cramps or spasms, osteomalacia
(softening of bones due to lack of vitamin D), or kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Also Inform
your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future,
because risedronate may remain in your body for years after you stop taking
it. If you become pregnant while taking risedronate, call your doctor.
o talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis
from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid
smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular
program of weight-bearing exercise.
You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while
you are taking risedronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods are good
sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you
find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, Inform your doctor. In that
case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Risedronate may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o pain in back or joints
o diarrhea
o constipation
o gas
o headache
o dizziness
o anxiety
o weakness
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
o heartburn
o stomach pain
o upset stomach
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis) or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
o black, tarry, or bloody stools
o weight loss
o chest pain
o flu-like symptoms
o painful or difficult urination
o rash
Brand Name(s):
o Actonel®
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