The following information is a summary about Actonel. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Actonel medication prescribed?
Actonel/Risedronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (bone weakening) in postmenopausal women.
Actonel/Risedronate is also taken by men and women who are starting or continuing to take medications such as prednisone that may cause osteoporosis. Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease.
This Actonel medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Actonel pharmacist for more Actonel information.
How should this Actonel medicine be used?
Actonel/Risedronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth once a day. It is important to take Actonel/risedronate 30 minutes or more before the first food or drink of the day other than water. Take Actonel/risedronate in an upright position (sitting or standing) with a full glass of plain water (6 to 8 ounces). Do not take Actonel/risedronate with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel/risedronate before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not suck or chew the Actonel tablet; swallow the Actonel tablet whole. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Actonel/risedronate. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn and the risk of injury to your esophagus. Follow the directions on your Actonel prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Actonel pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Actonel/risedronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Actonel or take Actonel more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Actonel/Risedronate helps treat and prevent osteoporosis and Paget's disease but does not cure them. Continue to take Actonel/risedronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Actonel/risedronate without talking to your doctor.
What special Actonel precautions should I follow?
Before taking Actonel/risedronate,
-tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Actonel/risedronate, alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), tiludronate (Skelid), or any other drugs.
-tell your doctor and Actonel pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids; calcium supplements; products containing magnesium, aluminum, or minerals; and herbal products or vitamins.
-tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease; problems or abnormalities with your esophagus; upper gastrointestinal disease such as ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, chronic stomach problems, or duodenitis; below-normal calcium levels in your blood; or if your are unable to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes.
-tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Actonel/risedronate, call your doctor.
-if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Actonel/risedronate.
What special Actonel dietary instructions should I follow?
It is important you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking Actonel/risedronate. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not enough.
Remember that Actonel/risedronate should be taken only with 6 to 8 ounces of plain water. Food, drinks, and other drugs (including vitamins; products containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum; and vitamin D) should not be taken for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel/risedronate.
What side effects can this Actonel medication cause?
Although side effects from Actonel/risedronate are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Actonel symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
gas (flatulence)
bloating
constipation
diarrhea
heartburn
bone or joint pain
leg cramps
acid regurgitation (reflux)
stomach pain or irritation
dizziness
nervousness
sinus infection
dry eyes
changes in vision
ringing in the ears
headache
back pain
If you experience any of the following Actonel symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
rash
hives
itching
flu-like symptoms
difficulty breathing
difficulty or pain swallowing
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
swelling of the face or neck
severe, worsening, or continued heartburn or chest pain
broken bones
What should I do if I forget a Actonel dose?
Take the missed Actonel dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Actonel dose, skip the missed Actonel dose and continue your regular Actonel dosing schedule. Do not take a double Actonel dose to make up for a missed one.
What other Actonel information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Actonel.
Do not let anyone else take your Actonel medication. Ask your Actonel pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Actonel prescription.
In case of Actonel emergency/overdose
In case of Actonel overdose, 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.
Other uses for this Actonel medicine
This Actonel medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Actonel information.
What storage conditions are needed for Actonel?
Keep Actonel in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Actonel at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Actonel medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Actonel medication.
