Actonel (Oral)

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Actonel (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information

Actonel (Oral)

Actonel (Oral) Medication Classification

RISEDRONATE (By mouth)

Actonel (Oral) Brandname

Actonel

Actonel (Oral) is used for the Treatment

Risedronate (res-ED-roe-nate) Treats and prevents osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones). Also treats a bone disorder called Paget's disease.

When To Not Use Actonel (Oral)

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to risedronate, if you have trouble swallowing, or if you have very low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia). You should not take this medicine if you are unable to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

How Should You Use Actonel (Oral)

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • If any of this medicine stays in your esophagus, it may cause serious damage. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach when you swallow. To lower the risk of this problem, take the tablets exactly as directed below.
  • Take this medicine as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or have anything to drink. Swallow the tablet whole with a large glass (8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). Do not chew or suck on the tablet. Do not take the medicine while you are still in bed, and do not take it at bedtime.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after you swallow the tablet before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. This will help your body absorb the medicine.
  • Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, and do not lie down until after you have eaten some food.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. It is especially important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.
    • If a dose is missed:
  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning. Follow all of the usual instructions about taking it on an empty stomach and not lying down for at least 30 minutes. If you are taking the medicine once a week, return to your regular schedule the following week.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Proper Actonel (Oral) Storage

Store Actonel (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Actonel (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.

What To Avoid While Using Actonel (Oral)

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Wait at least 30 minutes after you take risedronate before taking calcium or mineral supplements, or antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, or Tums®).
  • This medicine may interact with the dye used for bone scans.

Actonel (Oral) Warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, ulcers, heartburn, trouble swallowing, or any other kind of digestive problems.
  • If you think this medicine has started to damage your esophagus, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor. Some symptoms of damage to the esophagus are heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to the stomach.

Actonel (Oral) Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Unusual or severe stomach pain
    • If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
  • Bone, muscle, or joint pain
  • Mild nausea, gas, diarrhea, or constipation

Actonel (Oral) Ratings

Overall Rating:

2.0**

 

(based on 2 reviews)

Effectiveness:

*

Ease of Use:

****~

Overall Satisfaction:

*

Reviewit

Reviews

Actonel (Oral)
2.0

Effectiveness: *

Ease of Use: ****

Overall Satisfaction: *

Avatar_thumbnail

Valerie, florence, al - 07/06/2010

Two years ago, I stopped taking Actonel because of dizziness. However, I resumed dosage three weeks ago. During the second week of use, I began to experience lower back pain and this week, after the third dosage, I am experiencing upper and lower back pain and will therefore not resume dosing. Nor do I plan to try another medication.

I am 76 years old, do moderate exercise and take 1000 mg of calcium on a daily basis.

2 comments | Reply

Actonel (Oral)
2.5

Effectiveness: *

Ease of Use: *****

Overall Satisfaction: *

Avatar_thumbnail

Jonny Campbell, California - 05/28/2008

I realized after taking this drug for four years I had shrunk 1.5 inches. My bone density improved by six percent. I have recently been diagnosed with Microscopic Collagenous Colitis. I am concerned that the collagen forming qualities in this drug led to my diagnosis. I will stop taking the drug and see if my cramps, chronic diarrhea, and bloating will cease. I have also decided to stop taking Naproxen and will use acetaminophen instead. NSAIDs may actually be to blame for this condition, although I have taken it for 20 years without any problems.

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