subject: ACTONEL (RISEDRONATE) - DESCRIPTION, SAFETY INFORMATION, HOW TO USE, SIDE EFFECTS OF ACTONEL (RISEDRONATE) [print this page] Actonel (Risedronate) Actonel (Risedronate)
Generic Name: Risedronate (rih SED ro nayt). Brand Names: Actonel
Actonel (Risedronate) is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in men and women. Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone. Actonel is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Actonel may also be used for other purposes not listed.
How to use Actonel (Risedronate)
Take Actonel 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.
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.
Actonel 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 each Actonel tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an Actonel tablet. Do not crush, chew, or suck the Actonel tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you take an Actonel tablet only once a week, take it on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning.
After taking an Actonel tablet, carefully follow these instructions:
Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel.
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 Actonel. 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.
Actonel 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.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store Actonel tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Actonel side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Actonel: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Actonel and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
difficulty or pain when swallowing;
chest pain;
pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
jaw pain, numbness, or swelling;
new or worsening heartburn.
Less serious Actonel side effects may include:
headache;
mild joint or back pain;
mild stomach pain or upset stomach;
diarrhea, constipation;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
Important information about Actonel
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Do not take an Actonel tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Actonel 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.
Take each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an Actonel tablet.
For at least the first 30 minutes after taking an Actonel tablet, do not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
