DRUG NAME: Actonel
risedronate (rih SEH droe nate)
HOW TO USE:
Follow the directions on the Actonel prescription label. Some patients take Actonel every day. Other patients may only take a dose of Actonel once a week. If you take actonel only once a week, take Actonel on the same day every week.
Take Actonel tablets by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablets with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not chew or suck the tablets. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking actonel. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down) for at least 30 minutes to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take Actonel at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Actonel in children. Special care may be needed.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects of Actonel that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible: black or tarry stools; eye irritations; low levels of calcium in the blood (may cause symptoms like confusion, severe fatigue or weakness); pain or difficulty when swallowing; skin rash, itching; stomach pain; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Side effects of Actonel that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome): bone pain; diarrhea; headache; indigestion or stomach gas; mild heartburn; nausea.
PRECAUTIONS:
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have Paget's disease it may be some time before you see the benefit from actonel. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests or other tests to check on your progress.
It is very important to take Actonel with a full glass of plain water (6-8 ounces). Do not take with other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of actonel. Do not take Actonel with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking Actonel before you eat, drink or take other medicines.
Because Actonel may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine; do not lie down.
If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking Actonel, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.
If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor. However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after treatment with actonel.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, make sure that you wait at least 2 hours before or after taking Actonel. Do not take them at same time.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Aluminum hydroxide; antacids; anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others; aspirin; calcium supplements; iron supplements; magnesium supplements; vitamins with minerals may all interact with Actonel.
Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.
NOTES:
Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions: kidney disease; low level of blood calcium; stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems, like acid-reflux or GERD; problems swallowing; vitamin D deficiency; an unusual or allergic reaction to risedronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.
MISSED DOSE:
If you take a daily dose of Actonel: If you have not already eaten, take your dose as soon as you can. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel. If you have already eaten, wait at least 4 hours after eating to take your dose. Do not take double or extra Actonel doses.
If you take a once-weekly dose of Actonel: If you miss a dose of actonel 35-mg once a week, take your dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a week, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the week. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel. If you have already eaten, wait at least 4 hours after eating to take your dose. Never take 2 Actonel tablets on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.
STORAGE:
Keep Actonel out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
