Actonel Oral - RISEDRONATE WEEKLY - ORAL

Risedronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break (fracture) more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods.
This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Risedronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.

How to use Actonel Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting this medication and each time you get a refill because new information may be available. Follow the instructions very closely to maximize the amount of drug absorbed and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once per week or as directed by your doctor. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. Take this medication after getting up for the day, before taking your first food, beverage or other medication. Do not take it at bedtime or while you are still in bed.
Take this medication with a full glass (6-8 ounces or 180-240 milliliters) of plain water. Do not take it with any other beverages. 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 this medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Medications such as quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), sucralfate, and bismuth subsalicylate may interfere with the absorption of risedronate. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, and antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum, as well as foods such as dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt) and calcium-enriched juice, may also interfere with absorption. Do not take these products for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
Continue to take other medications for your condition as directed by your doctor.

Before taking 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. This medication 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 blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), inability to sit upright or stand for 30 minutes, severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: disorders of the esophagus (e.g., esophageal stricture or achalasia), difficult or painful swallowing, kidney problems, stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers). Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medications. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions that have actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth or other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start 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 risedronate. Consult your dentist for more details. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Because this medication could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes that may help promote healthy bones include engaging in weight-bearing exercise, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, and eating well-balanced meals containing adequate calcium and vitamin D. Consult your doctor to see if you need to take calcium/vitamin D supplements, and discuss lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (x-rays, height, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Take it the next morning after you remember. Continue taking your weekly dose on your originally scheduled day of the week. Do not take two doses on the same day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

STORAGE: Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store the Canadian product at controlled room temperature 59-86 degrees F (15-30 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.  

Stomach upset, nausea, fatigue, back/muscle pain, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increase in bone/joint pain, jaw pain, eye/vision problems. This medication 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 this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.

See also the How to Use section. Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, 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 aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that could cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication may affect the results of certain lab tests (bone-imaging agents). Be sure to tell your doctor or laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication. 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.