What is Actonel (Risedronate) used for?
Adults with osteoporosis can take Actonel (Risedronate) to prevent and treat its symptoms. A person with osteoporosis is more likely to break their bones due to thin bones. When you take long-term corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) or age, your chances of developing osteoporosis increase. Bone loss is slowed with this medication, reducing the risk of broken bones (fractures) and preserving strong bones. Bisphosphonates are medications like risedronate that act on bone growth. In addition to treating Paget's disease of the bones, Actonel tablets can also help people with other diseases as well. The effects of this can weaken your bones, and they can deform. Actonel (Risedronate) helps improve your bones' strength and make them less likely to break. Actonel (Risedronate) is available only on prescription as a tablet.
Actonel (Risedronate) Information
The medication should be taken by mouth, usually once a month, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The packaging should include a medication guide as a reference.
It should not be taken before or during bedtime, especially if you have a hard time getting up in the morning. It should also not be taken after you have eaten your first meal, drink, or other medication of the day. You should talk to your doctor if any of the instructions are unclear.
It is recommended that you take this medication with a glass of water (180 to 240 milliliters or 6 to 8 ounces). You must swallow the tablet whole, without chewing or sucking.
Do not mix it with any other beverage. If you do not feel hungry, do not lie down until you have eaten your first meal of the day. For at least 30 minutes after your dose you should stand or sit upright. Wait at least 30 minutes before using other medications before taking Risedronate.
There are certain foods that can affect risedronate absorption. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, magnesium, or aluminum, dairy products and calcium-enriched juices may have an impact.
It is also possible for some medications to interfere with absorption. These include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), sucralfate, and bismuth subsalicylate. If you have taken risedronate, you must wait at least 30 minutes before taking these products.
The best way to benefit from this medication is to take it regularly, on a day that is convenient for you. It may help to put a reminder on your calendar to take it on a scheduled day each month. Discuss the risks and benefits of long-term use with your doctor.
Provide your doctor a list of your current drugs(including prescription and nonprescription drugs), vitamins, minerals and supplements to check for drug interactions.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if any of the following side effects of Actonel (Risedronate) occur:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- skin rash
Less common
- trouble swallowing
- Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)
- belching
- cramping of the stomach
- bone pain
Rare
- vomiting
- Red, sore eyes
- pain or burning in the throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
- Incidence not known
- heartburn
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating
- chest pain
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
- shortness of breath
- convulsions
- confusion
- muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
- difficulty with breathing
- tremor
- irregular heartbeats
- numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
Drug Interactions of Actonel (Risedronate) are listed below.
- Gabapentin
- Simvastatin
- Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
- Amlodipine
- Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
- Omeprazole
- Levothyroxine
- Prednisone
- Calcium 600 D (Calcium / Vitamin D)
- Aspirin
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
- Aspirin Low Strength (Aspirin)
- Metoprolol
- Synthroid (Levothyroxine)
- Lisinopril
- Nexium (Esomeprazole)
- Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)
- Hydrochlorothiazide
Actonel disease interactions:
- Asthma
- Hypocalcemia
- Renal Dysfunction
- Upper Gi Mucosal Irritation
- kidney disease
- worsening heartburn
Starting price of Actonel 5mg cost in Canada
- 84 tabs - $255.90 USD ($3.05 per tabs)
Generic Equivalent Starting price of Risedronate 5mg cost in Canada
- 90 tabs - $180.00 USD ($2.00 per tabs)
Please scroll up and refer to the product area for Actonel (Risedronate) 5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 150 mg costs in Canada.
You do require a prescription to order Actonel (Risedronate) in Canada. Licensed pharmacies are unable to dispense prescription required drugs without one.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended as supplementary information to that provided by your doctor. The guidance provided by your doctor supersedes any information provided on the website. Do not avoid or disregard any counseling from your licensed medical professional based on this information. If you have any medical questions that are not answered here, we do offer counseling from a pharmacist.