Risedronate tablets
What do risedronate tablets do?
RISEDRONATE (Actonel(R)) reduces calcium loss from bones. It helps prevent bone breakdown and increases production of normal healthy bone in patients with Paget's disease, osteoporosis, and other disease which affect bones. Generic risedronate tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take risedronate?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• kidney disease
• problems with your digestive system
• an unusual or allergic reaction to risedronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Risedronate tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Swallow the tablet with 6—8 fluid ounces of plain water. Take the medicine first thing in the morning. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your medicine and do not eat for at least 30 minutes afterwards. To avoid irritation of your throat, do not lay down for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. Do not take risedronate at the same time as iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you have not already eaten, take your dose as soon as you can. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. If you have already eaten, wait at least 4 hours after eating to take your dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with risedronate?
• anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin
• antacids
• aspirin
• calcium products
• iron products
• vitamin and mineral supplements
Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.
What side effects might I notice from taking risedronate?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• eye irritations
• low levels of calcium
• skin rash
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
• bone pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain