Actonel

Generic name: Risedronate sodium

What is Actonel?

Actonel is used to prevent and treat bone loss (osteoporosis) in postmenopausal women and to increase bone mass in men with the condition. Actonel is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in adults that is caused by treatment with steroid drugs such as prednisone. Osteoporosis can result in bone fractures. Actonel may reverse bone loss by stopping further loss of bone and increasing bone strength, although a difference may not be able to be seen or felt. Actonel helps lower the risk of fractures.

Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women.

What is the most important information I should know about Actonel?

Actonel, like all bisphosphonates, may cause problems in your stomach and esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach), such as trouble swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn (esophagitis), and ulcers. You might feel pain in your bones, joints, or muscles. (See "What are the possible side effects of this medication?").

You must follow the instructions exactly for Actonel to work and to lower the chance of serious side effects. (See "How should I take this medication?")

Who should not take Actonel?

Do not take Actonel if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, or have kidneys that work poorly.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Actonel?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking to avoid a possible interaction with Actonel. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, nursing or planning to nurse, or if you have kidney problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Prevention/Treatment of Osteoporosis

The recommended dose is one 35 milligram (mg) tablet taken once a week, one 5 mg-tablet taken daily, one 75 mg-tablet taken on 2 consecutive days for a total of 2 tablets each month, or one 150 mg-tablet taken once a month.

Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis

The recommended dose is one 35 mg-tablet taken once per week.

Prevention/Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

The recommended dose is one 5 mg-tablet taken daily.

Treatment of Paget's Disease

The recommended dose is one 30 mg-tablet taken once daily for 2 months. Retreatment may be necessary.

How should I take Actonel?

Take Actonel first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Take Actonel while you are sitting up or standing with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take it with coffee, tea, juice, milk, or other dairy drinks. Swallow Actonel whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep it in your mouth to melt or dissolve.

Take Actonel at least 30 minutes before lying down, eating, or drinking anything except plain water, and taking vitamins, calcium, or antacids. Take these at a different time of the day from when you take Actonel.

Take Actonel exactly as prescribed for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.

What should I avoid while taking Actonel?

Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication. Do not eat or drink anything except plain water before you take Actonel and for at least 30 minutes after you take it. Do not chew or suck on the tablet because it may irritate your mouth or throat. Foods and some vitamin supplements and medicines can stop your body from absorbing (using) Actonel. Therefore, do not take anything other than plain water at or near the time you take Actonel.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Actonel?

Foods and some vitamin supplements, including calcium and antacids, and some medicines can stop your body from absorbing Actonel. (See "How should I take this medication?")

What are the possible side effects of Actonel?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: pain (back, chest, stomach, joints, muscles, bones), upset stomach, painful or difficult swallowing, heartburn, ulcers in your stomach and esophagus, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and headache, low calcium and other mineral disturbances, jaw bone problems (including infection and slower healing after teeth are pulled), short-lasting, mild flu-like symptoms, allergic and severe skin reactions, or eye inflammation (eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light).

Can I receive Actonel if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Actonel during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Actonel?

If you miss a dose of your Actonel 5 mg in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Take only 1 Actonel 5 mg-tablet the next morning and continue your usual schedule of 1 tablet a day. Do not take 2 tablets on the same day.

If you miss a dose of your Actonel 35 mg in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Take only 1 Actonel 35 mg-tablet the next morning and continue your usual schedule of 1 tablet a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day. Do not take 2 tablets on the same day.

If you miss one or both tablets of your dose of Actonel 75 mg on 2 consecutive days per month in the morning, do not take it later in the day. If the next month's scheduled doses are more than 7 days away, do the following:

If both tablets were missed, take only the first Actonel 75 mg-tablet on the morning after the day it is remembered and the second tablet on the next consecutive morning.

If only 1 tablet is missed, take the missed tablet on the morning after the day it is remembered.

Then continue your usual schedule of Actonel 75 mg on 2 consecutive days each month as originally scheduled. Do not take more than two 75 mg-tablets within 7 days.

If the next month's scheduled doses are 1 to 7 days away, wait until next month's scheduled doses and then resume taking Actonel 75 mg on 2 consecutive days each month as originally scheduled.

If you miss a dose of your Actonel 150 mg once-a-month in the morning, and the next month's scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, the missed tablet should be taken in the next morning after it is remembered. Then you should resume taking your Actonel 150 mg once-a-month as originally scheduled. Do not take more than one 150 mg-tablet within 7 days.

If you miss a dose of your Actonel 150 mg once-a-month in the morning, and the next month's scheduled dose is 1 to 7 days away, wait until next month's scheduled dose and then continue taking Actonel 150 mg once-a-month as originally scheduled.

If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.

How should I store Actonel?

Store at room temperature.