Risedronate

What is Risedronate?

Risedronate can be used to treat osteoporosis that is caused by menopause or steroid usage. Risedronate should be used when there is a high chance of fracture as a result of osteoporosis. Risedronate can also be used to treat Paget disease. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Risedronate.

Side effects of Risedronate

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat with burning, pain in the eyes, or skin rash, which is red or purple and blisters or peels), seek emergency medical attention.

There are serious side effects associated with risedronate. If you experience:

• Heartburn: chest pain that is new or worsening
• Having difficulty swallowing can be painful.
• Pain or burning in the lower ribs;
• Heartburn that is severe, a burning sensation in the upper stomach, or bloody coughing
• A new or unusual pain in the thigh or your hip
• Jaw pain, numbness, or swelling
• Muscle pain or severe joint, bone, or muscle pain
• Low calcium levels can cause muscle contractions, numbness, or tingling (around the mouth, fingers, and toes).

Risedronate can cause the following side effects:

• Heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion;
• Stomach pain;
• Muscle pain; joint or back pain;
• Flu-like symptoms.

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing adverse side effects. For medical advice regarding adverse reactions.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Similar/related drugs

Hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate, estradiol, prolia, fosamax, calcium carbonate, and reclast

Warnings

If you have esophagus problems or low calcium levels in your blood, then you should avoid taking risedronate. If you are unable to stand or sit up straight for 30 minutes following the dose, do not take the medication. Risedronate may cause serious problems with the stomach or esophagus. If you experience chest pain, heartburn that is new or worsening, or difficulty swallowing, stop using risedronate immediately and contact your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you experience muscle spasms or numbness (in your hands, feet, or mouth) or have severe joint, bone, or muscle pain.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to risedronate or:

• Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia);
• Muscle problems in the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach)

If you are unable to stand or sit up straight for 30 minutes, do not take the risedronate. Risedronate may cause serious problems with the stomach or esophagus. After taking risedronate, you must remain upright for 30 minutes.

Inform your physician of any of the following issues:

• Trouble swallowing
• You may have digestive problems or stomach pain.
• Hypocalcemia;
• A dental issue (you may require a dental examination before taking risedronate);
• Kidney disease
• Malabsorption is a condition where your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.

This medicine can cause jaw bone problems. (osteonecrosis). People with blood cell disorders, preexisting dental issues, or those treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation are at the highest risk. Your doctor can tell you about your risk. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication. This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. If you think or know you are pregnant, stop taking Risedronate immediately and call your doctor. If you are using Risedronate, it is not recommended that you breastfeed. It is not recommended that a child under 18 years of age receive Risedronate.

How to take Risedronate?

The tablets of Risedronate come in different strengths and can be taken at different times. You can take the tablet every day, weekly, monthly, or twice a month. The schedule you use will be determined by the reason why you take risedronate as well as the strength of the tablet. You may need to adjust your schedule if you switch strengths. Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Follow the instructions on how to use your medicine. Risedronate can be given only for 3–5 years. Take one Actonel tab first thing in the morning, with at least a glass of water (6–8 ounces), 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. Take the Atelvia tablets after breakfast with at least four ounces of water. When taking a tablet of risedronate, only use plain water. Avoid using coffee, tea, or soda. Risedronate tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or sucked. It is best to swallow it whole.

Do not take risedronate for at least 30 minutes following the dose.

• You should not recline or lie down.
• Take no other medicines, including vitamins or antacids.

You can take this medication at the same time every day or on the same day of the week or month (depending on your schedule). Take care to maintain good dental hygiene when taking risedronate. Regularly brush and floss your teeth. Tell your dentist that you're using risedronate before you have any dental work done (especially surgeries). Risedronate may be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes diet changes, exercise, and bone mineral density tests, as well as calcium and vitamin supplements. You should follow your doctor's advice. Store away from moisture or heat. Keep any unused effervescent tablets in the blister pack.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the medication later in the day if you forgot to take it in the morning. Do not take the missed dose until the next morning. Take no more than two (2) doses per day. Dosing once a week or monthly: If you forget the risedronate dose on your scheduled date, you can take it the next morning after you realize you missed the dose. Return to your normal weekly or monthly schedule on the day you choose. Take no more than one dose a day. If you miss two or more doses within a month, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical attention immediately. Do not make yourself vomit or lie down.

What should be avoided?

Take no more than one brand or strength of risedronate. Take risedronate for at least 30 minutes before taking other medications. Vitamins, calcium, iron, and antacids or laxatives are all included. Some medications can reduce the body's ability to absorb risedronate. Try to stop smoking or avoid it. Smoking reduces your bone density and increases the risk of fractures. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Bone loss can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Aspirin;
• Calcium or iron supplements
• Antacids, laxatives,
• Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Advil), diclofenac (Aleve), indomethacin (Indomethacin), meloxicam (Meloxicam), and many others.

This list is incomplete. Risedronate may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.