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

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May 22, 2012

Actonel with Calcium

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Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

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Actonel with Calcium

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Actonel with Calcium Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcium carbonate and risedronate (Actonel with Calcium)?

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.

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

low or high levels of calcium in your blood;
kidney disease;
trouble swallowing; or
an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.

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. It is not known whether calcium carbonate and risedronate is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether this medication 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 calcium carbonate and risedronate (Actonel with Calcium)?

Take calcium carbonate and risedronate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Actonel with Calcium is packaged as two separate medicines: 4 risedronate tablets and 24 calcium tablets. Take a risedronate tablet one day per week, first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Take a calcium tablet with food every day for the 6 days in between your risedronate doses.

Only the calcium tablet should be taken with food. Risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach.

Take the risedronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Take the risedronate tablet on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning.

Take the 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.
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. 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. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Calcium carbonate and risedronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Take only the amount of calcium that your doctor recommends. Do not use other calcium supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

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

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