Before taking Actonel (risedronate), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, etidronate, pamidronate); or if you have any other allergies.
Actonel (risedronate) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following conditions: low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia), inability to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes, severe kidney disease.
Before using Actonel (risedronate), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: difficult or painful swallowing, esophagus problems (e.g., heartburn, esophageal stricture), stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers), kidney problems.
Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medications. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions that actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth, other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start Actonel (risedronate). Make sure your dentist knows your entire medical history, including any cancer radiation treatments. Also tell your dentist of all the medications you are using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and Actonel (risedronate). Consult your dentist for more details.
During pregnancy, Actonel (risedronate) should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Actonel (risedronate) passes into breast milk. Because Actonel (risedronate) could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using Actonel (risedronate) is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Actonel (risedronate) and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions very closely to make sure you absorb as much of the drug as possible and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take Actonel (risedronate) by mouth, usually once daily for 2 days in a row each month or as directed by your doctor. Take it after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Do not take it at bedtime or while you are still in bed.
Take Actonel (risedronate) with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces or 180 to 240 milliliters) of plain water. Do not take it with any other beverage. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it. Then stay fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes, and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel (risedronate) before you eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, antacids containing calcium/magnesium/aluminum, dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice may interfere with absorption of Actonel (risedronate). Medications such as quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), sucralfate, and bismuth subsalicylate may also interfere with absorption. Do not take these products for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel (risedronate).
Take Actonel (risedronate) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder every month.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Upset stomach or headache may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Actonel (risedronate) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Actonel (risedronate) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increase in bone/joint/muscle pain, jaw pain, eye/vision problems.
Actonel (risedronate) may infrequently cause irritation and ulcers in your stomach or esophagus. Seek immediate attention if any of these serious side effects occur: new/severe/worsening heartburn, chest pain, difficult or painful swallowing, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
A very serious allergic reaction to Actonel (risedronate) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Actonel side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Actonel (risedronate) when you first get up for the day, including any missed doses (see also How to Use section). If you miss one dose and next month's scheduled doses are more than 7 days away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you miss both doses and next month's scheduled doses are more than 7 days away, take the first dose as soon as you remember and the second dose the next day. Afterward, resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take more than 2 doses within 7 days.
If you miss one or both doses and next month's scheduled doses are less than 7 days away, skip the missed dose(s) and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also the How to Use section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using Actonel (risedronate), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone).
Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) that could cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about using these products safely. If your doctor has prescribed low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Actonel (risedronate) may interfere with bone-imaging agents. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Actonel (risedronate).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.