Risedronate (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Risedronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life; end of menstrual periods) and in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (corticosteroids; a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis). Risedronate is also used to treat osteoporosis in men. Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Risedronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

How should this medicine be used

Risedronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week in the morning. If you are taking risedronate once a week, take it on the same day every week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take risedronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Risedronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, you do not think you will remember, or you are unable to follow these instructions:

You must take risedronate immediately after you get out of bed in the morning and before you eat or drink anything. Never take risedronate at bedtime or before you wake up and get out of bed for the day.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6–8 ounces) of plain water while you are sitting or standing. Never take risedronate with tea, coffee, juice, mineral water, milk, other dairy drinks, or any liquid other than plain water.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not suck on the tablets or hold them in your mouth for any length of time.
After you take risedronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take risedronate. Sit upright or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed.

Risedronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone but does not cure these conditions. Risedronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take risedronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking risedronate without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking risedronate:

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to risedronate or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn);cancer chemotherapy;and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking any other oral medications including vitamins, supplements, or antacids, take them at least 30 minutes after you take risedronate.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of calcium in your blood and if you are unable to sit upright or stand upright for at least 30 minutes. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take risedronate.
tell your doctor if you are undergoing radiation therapy; if you have or have ever had difficulty swallowing; heartburn, ulcers, or other problems with your stomach or esophagus; anemia (condition in which the red blood cells do not bring enough oxygen to all the parts of the body); cancer; any type of infection, especially in your mouth; problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums; any condition that stops your blood from clotting normally; dental or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future, because risedronate may remain in your body for years after you stop taking it. Call your doctor if you become pregnant during or after your treatment with risedronate.
you should know that risedronate may cause serious problems with your jaw, especially if you have dental surgery or treatment while you are taking the medication. A dentist should examine your teeth and perform any needed treatments before you start to take risedronate. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are taking risedronate. Talk to your doctor before having any dental treatments while you are taking this medication.
talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular program of weight-bearing exercise.

What special dietary instructions should I follow

You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking risedronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.

What should I do if I forget a dose

If you miss a dose of once-daily risedronate, do not take it later in the day. Skip the missed dose and take one dose the next morning as usual. If you miss a dose of once-weekly risedronate, do not take it later in the day. Take one dose the morning after you remember. Then return to taking one dose once each week on your regularly scheduled day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, and never take more than one dose in one day.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Risedronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nausea
burping
dry mouth
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
gas
headache
dizziness
depression
anxiety
weakness
leg cramps
bone, joint, and/or muscle pain
back pain
flu-like symptoms
fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and other signs of infection
frequent or urgent need to urinate
painful urination
runny nose
dry eyes
ringing in the ears

Severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately before you take any more risedronate:

difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
new or worsening heartburn
chest pain
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
black, tarry, or bloody stools
itching
rash
hives
blisters on skin
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
difficulty breathing
hoarseness
swollen, red, or painful eyes
sensitivity to light

Risedronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, give the victim a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

numbness or tingling around mouth or in hands or feet
muscle spasms, cramps, or twitches
seizures

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Before having any laboratory test or bone imaging study, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking risedronate.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

Actonel®
Actonel®with Calcium