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What is Actonel?

Actonel (risedronate) tablets are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause. Risedronate tablets are also used to treat osteoporosis in men, and in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (a type of corticosteroid medication that may cause osteoporosis). Risedronate tablets are also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Risedronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

Risedronate tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach first thing in a morning with a full glass of water.

Follow your doctor's directions for taking this medication.

After taking Actonel, wait at least thirty minutes before eating or drinking anything else, taking other medications, lying down or reclining.

Before having any laboratory test or bone imaging study, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking risedronate.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of trouble swallowing, stomach problems, digestion problems, cancer, blood cell disorders, hypocalcemia, kidney disease, dental problems, low levels of calcium in your blood, problems with muscles in your esophagus or any condition which makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food. 
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• If you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.

You should also know:

• You should not breast-feed while taking Actonel.
• Actonel should not be given to anyone younger than 18.

Risedronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• burping
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• headache
• dizziness
• weakness
• leg cramps
• back pain
• frequent or urgent need to urinate
• painful urination

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately before you take any more risedronate:

• difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
• new or worsening heartburn
• chest pain
• itching
• rash
• hives
• blisters on skin
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• difficulty breathing
• hoarseness
• muscle spasms, twitching, or cramps
• numbness or tingling around the mouth or in hands or feet
• swollen, red, or painful eyes
• sensitivity to light
• painful or swollen gums
• loosening of the teeth
• numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw
• poor healing of the jaw
• dull, aching pain in the hips, groin, or thighs

Risedronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Taking a bisphosphonate medication such as risedronate for osteoporosis may increase the risk that you will break your thigh bone(s). You may feel pain in your hips, groin, or thighs for several weeks or months before the bone(s) break, and you may find that one or both of your thigh bones have broken even though you have not fallen or experienced other trauma. It is unusual for the thigh bone to break in healthy people, but people who have osteoporosis may break this bone even if they do not take risedronate. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking risedronate.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking risedronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.

What is the generic alternate to Actonel?

Generic Actonel is known as risedronate and is available in 5mg, 35mg and 150mg strengths. Only brand name Actonel is available in 30mg and 75mg strengths.