Risedronate (Actonel, Actonel with Calcium)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a nutrient-rich diet, the recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular physical activity, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of smoking 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 healthcare provider may prescribe an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and 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 which fall into two classes: antiresorptive medications and anabolic medications. Antiresorptive medications are used to strengthen bone, prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture (broken bone).

The antiresorptive medications include a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.The four bisphosphonate medications are:

• alendronate - available as a generic medication (Brand name: Fosamax, Fosamax D)
• risedronate (Brand name: Actonel, Actonel with Calcium )
• ibandronate ( Brand name: Boniva)
• zoledronic acid (Brand name: Reclast)

Other approved antiresorptive medications include:

• calcitonin (Brand name: Miacalcin,  Fortical )
• estrogen therapy or hormone therapy
• raloxifene (Brand name: Evista)

Anabolic medication builds new bone, increases bone density and helps reduce fracture risk. At this time the only approved anabolic medication is:

• teriparatide (Forteo)

It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about the medication option that is right for you.

What is risedronate (Actonel)?

Risedronate sodium is the generic name for Actonel (brand name). Risedronate is chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication. It is not a hormone. Risedronate 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?

Risedronate is FDA-approved for osteoporosis prevention in postmenopausal women and for osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women and men. Risedronate is also approved to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women and men as a result of longterm use of glucocorticoid medications (steroid medications such as prednisone or cortisone taken for 3 or more months).

How is risedronate usually prescribed?

Risedronate can be prescribed as a 5mg tablet taken daily, as a 35mg tablet taken once a week (with or without 600mg calcium carbonate tablets to be taken the following 6 days per week), as a 75mg tablet on two consecutive days a month or as a 150mg tablet once a month. When taking risedronate, it is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day. It is always important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of risedronate?

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

What are the side effects of taking risedronate?

The side effects of risedronate may include heartburn and irritation of the esophagus but can usually be avoided by taking the medication properly. Risedronate must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of tap water. Do not take risedronate 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.  

Risedronate  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 any bisphosphonate medication including risedronate. During treatment with a bisphosphonate medication, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene and to continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups.

Like all medications, it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication with your healthcare provider. For more information about risedronate (Actonel, Actonel plus Calcium) visit the Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and sanofi-aventis U.S. Website.