Risedronate sodium (Actonel)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a well-balanced diet, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of tobacco products and limited consumption of alcohol. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, you still must continue to make bone healthy lifestyle choices. However, lifestyle modifications alone are often not enough. Your medical professional may tell you that you need an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and to reduce your risk for broken bones.

What are the medication options for osteoporosis?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for osteoporosis prevention and/or treatment including: four bisphosphonate medications: [alendronate sodium [Fosamax], risedronate sodium [Actonel]),  ibandronate sodium [Boniva]), and zoledronic acid (Reclast)], calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin), estrogen therapy or hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo), Speak to your doctor or medical professional about the medication option that is right for you.

What is risedronate sodium (Actonel)?

Risedronate sodium is the generic name for Actonel (brand name). Actonel is chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication. It is not a hormone. Actonel works only on the bone and does not affect the heart, breast, uterus or other parts of the body.

What is the use for risedronate sodium (Actonel)?

Actonel is FDA-approved for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in postmenopausal women. In addition, Actonel may be used to treat women and men with osteoporosis resulting from the use of long-term steroid medications or to prevent osteoporosis related to steroid use.

How is Actonel usually prescribed?

Actonel is prescribed as a 5mg tablet taken daily or as a 35mg tablet taken once a week. When taking Actonel, it is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of Actonel?

Clinical studies show Actonel increases the bone mineral density of the existing skeleton and reduces the risk of all osteoporosis-related fractures (fractures of the spine and other non-spine areas) in pateints with osteopororis. 

What are the side effects of taking Actonel?

The side effects of Actonel may include heartburn and irritation of the esophagus but can usually be avoided by taking the medication properly. Actonel must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of tap water. Do not take Actonel with any other beverages such as mineral water, juice, milk, coffee or tea. After taking this medication, you must remain upright (in a sitting or standing position) and avoid bending over or lying down for at least 30 minutes.  

Actonel has the potential adverse effect of flu-like symptoms. These symptoms tend to be mild and may last for a few days after taking the medication. Rarely, dental complications occur when taking bisphosphonate medications,mostly in high-risk patients. It is important to see your dentist for a complete oral examination before starting treatment with any bisphosphonate medication including Actonel. During treatment with a bisphosphonate medication, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene and to continue to see your dentist for regular checkups.

Like all medications, it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication with your medical professional. For more information about risedronate sodium (Actonel), visit the P&G Pharmaceuticals/ Aventis Pharmaceuticals website; http://www.actonel.com/index.jsp