Actonel (Risedronate Sodium) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 22, 2012

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Paget's Disease »

What is Paget's disease?

Paget's disease is a chronic condition of bone characterized by disorder of the normal bone remodeling process. Normal bone has a balance of forces that act to lay down new bone and take up old bone. This relationship (referred to as "bone remodeling") is essential for maintaining the normal calcium levels in our blood. In bone affected by Paget's disease, the bone remodeling is disturbed and not synchronized. As a result, the bone that is formed is abnormal, enlarged, not as dense, brittle, and prone to breakage (fracture).

Paget's disease affects older skeletal bone of adults. It's estimated that 1% of adults in the U.S. have Paget's disease. There is also an extremely rare form of Paget's disease in children, referred to as juvenile Paget's disease. Paget's disease is also known as osteitis deformans.

What causes Paget's disease?

It is not known what causes Paget's disease. Recently, certain...

Read the Paget's Disease article »

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Actonel Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking risedronate (Actonel)?

Do not take a risedronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.

Before using risedronate, tell your doctor if you have:

low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
a vitamin D deficiency;
kidney disease; or
an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

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.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to 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.

How should I take risedronate (Actonel)?

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. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Risedronate tablets come in different strengths (number of milligrams per pill). Some tablets are taken once each day or once each week. The stronger tablets may be taken only 1 or 2 times each month. Your dosing schedule will depend on the tablet strength your doctor has prescribed. If you change tablet strengths, you may also need to change your schedule. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your dosing schedule will depend on the tablet strength your doctor has prescribed. If you change tablet strengths, you may also need to change your schedule. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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.

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

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