Risedronate

Risedronate is used to treat osteoporosis that occurs due to menopause or steroid use. risedronate is for individuals who have a high risk of bone fracture because of osteoporosis.

Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

Risedronate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Risedronate tablets come in different strengths (milligrams per pill) and are taken on different schedules. You may need to take a tablet once a day, once a week, once a month, or for 2 days in a row once a month.

Your dosing schedule will depend on why you are taking risedronate and which tablet strength you are using. If you change strengths, you may also need to change your schedule.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Risedronate is often prescribed for only 3 to 5 years.

Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.

Take the Atelvia tablet just after breakfast, with at least 4 ounces of water.

Use only plain water when taking a risedronate tablet. Do not use coffee, tea, soda, juice, or mineral water.

Do not crush, chew, or suck on a risedronate tablet. Swallow it whole.

For at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate:

• Do not lie down or recline.
• Do not take any other medicine including vitamins, calcium, iron, antacids, or laxatives.

Take this medicine at the same time each day or on the same day each week or each month (depending on your dosing schedule).

Pay special attention to your dental hygiene while taking risedronate. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist in advance that you are using risedronate.

Risedronate is just one part of a complete treatment plan that may also include changes to your diet, exercise, bone mineral density testing, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep unused effervescent tablets in the foil blister pack.

You should not take risedronate if you have issues with your esophagus or low calcium levels in your blood.

Do not take risedronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

Risedronate can cause serious issues in the stomach or esophagus. Stop using risedronate and call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or pain when swallowing.

Also call your doctor if you have muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (in your hands and feet or around your mouth), new or unusual hip pain, or severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles.

You should not take risedronate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
• problems with the muscles in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).

Do not take risedronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• trouble swallowing;
• problems with your stomach or digestion;
• hypocalcemia;
• a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking risedronate);
• kidney disease; or
• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

This medicine may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Ask your doctor about your own risk.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Stop taking risedronate and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using risedronate.

Risedronate should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Risedronate may cause serious side effects. Stop using risedronate and call your doctor right away if you have:

• chest pain, new or worsening heartburn;
• difficulty or pain when swallowing;
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
• severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood;
• new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip;
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling;
• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or
• low calcium levels—muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes).

Common side effects of risedronate may include:

• heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion;
• stomach pain;
• back pain, joint pain, muscle pain; or
• flu-like symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Once-daily dosing: If you forget to take risedronate first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the next morning and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) doses in one day.

Once-per-week or once-per-month dosing: If you forget to take risedronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then go back to your regular weekly or monthly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take 2 doses in one day.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss more than 2 doses in a month.

Drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.

Do not take two different brands or strengths of risedronate at the same time.

Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. This includes vitamins, calcium, iron, antacids, or laxatives. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb risedronate.

Avoid smoking, or try to quit. Smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can also cause bone loss.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• aspirin;
• calcium or iron supplements;
• antacids, laxatives; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect risedronate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.