Risedronate

Risedronate

(ris ED roe nate)

U.S. Brand Names

Actonel®

Canadian Brand Names

Actonel®

Mexican Brand Names

Actonel

Pharmacologic Category

Bisphosphonate Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to risedronate or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Abnormal esophagus (swallowing tube), low calcium levels, severe kidney disease, or trouble swallowing.

• If you are unable to stand or sit up for half an hour.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

• This medicine is used to treat Paget's disease.

How does it work?

• Risedronate reduces bone destruction.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach before breakfast.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medicine of the day.

• Take this medicine with plain water only. Avoid taking with mineral water or other drinks.

• Do not drink or eat for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.

• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. This prevents irritation to the esophagus (swallowing tube).

• Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Take 35 mg tablet once a week.

• Take 75 mg tablet on the same 2 days each month.

• Take 150 mg tablet on the same day each month.

• This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have gastrointestinal disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• High blood pressure.

• Belly pain.

• Bone, joint, or muscle pain can rarely occur.

• Jaw bone damage can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Bone density test.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe belly pain.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Jaw pain.

• Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:33:08.0

Modified: 2009-02-19 14:07:28.0

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