Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: RISEDRONATE - ORAL (riss-ED-row-nate)
BRAND NAME(S): Actonel
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat bone disease (Paget's disease). It reduces bone pain and may prevent long-term complications. It also is used to treat and prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).
HOW TO USE: Follow the directions for using this medication provided by your doctor. You may be instructed to take this daily or to take this weekly, depending on the strength of the tablet. Take this medication at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day. To minimize the stomach side effects, take this medication while in an upright position with a full glass (6-8 oz or 180-240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. After taking risedronate, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes. Calcium or iron supplements, sucralfate, vitamins with minerals, milk, as well as antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this medication. Take these products at least 2 hours after taking risedronate. It is important to take the other medications prescribed for your condition (e.g., calcium supplements and Vitamin D) as directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Report promptly: flu-like symptoms (e.g., fatigue, fever, aches), weakness, chest or stomach pain, pain when swallowing, leg or ankle swelling, joint pain, bone pain. Unlikely but report promptly: unusual fatigue, vision changes, ringing in the ears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Osteoporosis - Get information on osteoporosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (drugs), prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), statistics, risk factors (hereditary) and research.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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