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Risedronate alters the
cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.
Risedronate is used to
prevent and treat postmenopausal and steroid-caused bone-thinning (osteoporosis).
Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (osteitis
deformans).
Risedronate may also be
used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Take risedronate
exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them
to you. • Take risedronate in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8
ounces) of tap water or bottled water at least 30 minutes before
eating any food, drinking any liquid (other than water), or taking
any other medicines including vitamins, minerals, or other
supplements. Do not take risedronate with mineral water, juice, or
any other beverage since these beverages may decrease the
effectiveness of the medication. This timing is very important in
getting the maximum amount of medication from each dose. Foods,
beverages, and other medications greatly decrease the effect of
risedronate.
Although it has been
reported less frequently with risedronate, other similar drugs can
be very damaging to the mouth and stomach. Do not lie down for at
least 30 minutes after taking a dose of risedronate.
Do not crush, chew, or
suck the pills. Swallow them whole.
The 35 mg Actonel
tablets should only be taken once a week, preferably on the same
day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.
It is important to
maintain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in the diet
while taking risedronate. Discuss with your doctor appropriate
amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
Stop taking risedronate
and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately if you experience any of the following serious side
effects:
· an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives);
· difficulty or pain
when swallowing;
· pain or burning under
the ribs or in the back; or
· new or worsening
heartburn.
• Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
risedronate and talk to your doctor if you experience
· abdominal discomfort;
· stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
· headache; or
· muscle or joint soreness or aches.
• Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
There are no
restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking
risedronate, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not take any other
medicine, including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements, at
the same time as risedronate unless otherwise directed by your
doctor. Any drug that is taken at the same time as risedronate
can decrease the effects of this medicine.
• Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines:
· an antacid;
· aspirin; or
· a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil,
Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail),
indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR), naproxen (Anaprox, Aleve,
Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene),
and others.
• You may not be able
to take risedronate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than
those listed here may also interact with risedronate. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
If you take
risedronate every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and
take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing
one dose will not make a difference in the treatment. • If you
take risedronate once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed
dose the next morning. Do not take two tablets on the same
day. Then return to your regular schedule, taking one tablet on
the chosen morning of the week.
Store risedronate at
room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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