Actonel

Actonel (generic name: Risedronic acid / risedronate sodium; brand names include: Avestra / Norsed / Optinate / Osteoclax / Osteonate / Ribastamin / Risofos) belongs to the group of medicines known as bisphosphonates.

Actonel is prescribed for postmenopausal women, both to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen the bones once the disease has begun.

Actonel is used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.

Actonel is also used to prevent or treat osteoporosis in men and women resulting from therapy with steroid medications, and it is used in the treatment of Paget's disease, a condition in which patches of bone become softened and enlarged.

Actonel is the only monthly osteoporosis pill approved to help prevent fractures at both the spine and other areas where fractures commonly occur.

Actonel is proven to help reverse bone loss, increase bone strength and help prevent fracture.

Actonel helps protect bones from fracture by helping to block cells that can make bones fragile.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Actonel exactly as directed.

Actonel tablets are made in different dosages (amounts). How often you should take your tablet depends upon the dosage that your doctor has prescribed (recommended) for you.

Actonel 5 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken every day in the morning.

Actonel 35 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken once a week in the morning.

Actonel 75 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken in the morning two days in a row every month.

Actonel 150 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken once a month in the morning.

Take Actonel first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. Take Actonel while you are sitting up or standing.

Take Actonel with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take it with any drink other than plain water.

Swallow Actonel whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep it in your mouth to melt or dissolve.

After taking Actonel you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE:

lying down; you may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk;
eating or drinking anything except plain water;
taking vitamins, calcium, or antacids; take vitamins, calcium, and antacids at a different time of the day from when you take Actonel.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Actonel, if:

you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
you have kidney problems;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: risedronate sodium.