Actonel

The active ingredient in Actonel is risedronate sodium, which is a bisphosphonate. It works to delay bone disintegration, allowing the body to produce new, healthy, and strong bone. Actonel increases bone mineral density (BMD), which measures how dense your bones are. A greater BMD indicates that your bones are stronger, reducing your risk of bone fractures.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Actonel. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Actonel:

• Actonel tablets are available in a variety of strengths (milligrams per pill) and dosing regimes. You may be required to take a tablet once per day, once per week, once per month, or twice in a row once per month.
• Take one Actonel pill first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, for at least 30 minutes on an empty stomach.
• When taking an Actonel tablet, use just plain water. Avoid using coffee, tea, soda, juice, or mineral water.
• Do not break, chew, or suck on a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
• After consuming the Actonel tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before lying down or reclining. You may sit, stand, or walk, and engage in regular activities such as reading, before consuming your first food or drink, except plain water, and before taking any other medications, including vitamins, calcium supplements, iron, antacids, or laxatives.
• Maintain good dental hygiene when using risedronate. Brush and floss your teeth daily. If you require any dental work (particularly surgery), notify the dentist ahead of time that you are taking risedronate.

The most common side effects of Actonel include:

• Joint pain.
• Constipation.
• Back pain.
• Chest pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Depression.
• Worsening heartburn.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Headaches.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Actonel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Increased risk of fractures in your thigh bone.
• Jaw bone problems, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw.
• Allergic reactions to the medication including hives and skin rashes or swelling of the hands and feet.
• Low calcium levels, which may require you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Actonel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Actonel, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia).
• Problems with the muscles in your esophagus or trouble swallowing.
• Issues with your stomach or digestion.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Hypocalcemia.
• A dental problem (you may need a dental procedure or tooth extraction before using risedronate).
• Kidney problems.
• Any ailment that impairs your body's ability to absorb nutrients from the diet. You must eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products).

• Issues with your esophagus.
• Cannot stand or sit for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug.
• Low calcium levels in the blood.

Actonel begins to help with bone resorption within 14 days of treatment and has a maximum effect on all markers indicating bone turnover within six months. After three years of treatment, the effects remain steady.

When Actonel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Aspirin.
• Calcium or iron supplements.
• Antacids, laxatives.
• Prednisone.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Actonel is available in several dosage forms and strengths. The typical dose is as follows:

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: Actonel can be taken as a 5 mg tablet orally once daily, 35 mg once weekly, 75 mg on two consecutive days each month, or 150 mg once a month.

Men with osteoporosis: Take 35 mg by mouth once a week.

Long-term corticosteroid use can induce osteoporosis. The dosage is 5 milligrams taken orally once daily.

Paget's disease: The average dose is 30 mg taken orally once daily for two months.

Risedronate is also available in a delayed-release variant known as Atelvia, which is used only to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. Atelvia is typically administered orally once per week at a dose of 35 mg.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose in the morning after you remember, if you are taking a daily dose of Actonel. Do not take two doses on the same day.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

AbbVie is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Actonel.

There are several lower-cost generics available for Actonel.

Fracture risk reduction may continue for years after treatment has ended. The appropriate Actonel treatment period has yet to be determined. Periodically reassess the need for therapy. Doctors should consider discontinuing medication after 3 to 5 years for patients at low risk of fracture.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.