Actonel

Generic name: Risedronate

Brand names: Actonel (35.00 mg)

What is Actonel drug class and mechanism?

Risedronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates which also includes the medicines alendronate (Fosamax) and etidronate (Didronel). It is used for the treatment of Paget’s illness of bone (a disease in which the formation of bone is abnormal) and in persons with osteoporosis (in which the density and strength of bones are reduced). Bone is continually being formed and dissolved.

By slowing down the rate at which bone is dissolved, risedronate increases the amount of bone. Risedronate has a chemically unique component as compared with the other bisphosphonates which is believed to reduce the likelihood of gastro-intestinal side effects. Risedronate is more potent in blocking the dissolution of bone than etidronate and alendronate. The FDA approved risedronate for treatment of Paget’s illness in 1998 and for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in 1999.

Follow your medical assistant’s advice about your best dosage.
Here is list of diseases and usual Actonel dosage:

Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

• one 5 mg tablet orally, taken daily
• one 35 mg tablet orally, taken once a week
• one 75 mg tablet orally, taken on two consecutive days for a total of two tablets each month
• one 150 mg tablet orally, taken once a month

Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

• one 5 mg tablet orally, taken daily
• one 35 mg tablet orally, taken once a week
• alternatively, one 75 mg tablet orally, taken on two consecutive days for a total of two tablets each month may be considered
• alternatively, one 150 mg tablet orally, taken once a month may be considered
  

Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

one 35 mg tablet orally, taken once a week

Treatment and Prevention of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

one 5 mg tablet orally, taken daily

Treatment of Paget’s Disease (possible recommended dosage):

The recommended treatment regimen is 30 mg orally once daily for 2 months. Retreatment may be considered (following post-treatment observation of at least 2 months) if relapse occurs, or if treatment fails to normalize serum alkaline phosphatase. For retreatment, the dose and duration of therapy are the same as for initial treatment. No data are available on more than 1 course of retreatment.

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your medical assistant tells you to do so.

What is Actonel prescribed for?

Risedronate is used for the treatment of Paget’s disease of bone (osteitis deformans) and to treat or prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis that is caused by cortisone-related medicines (glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis).

What are Actonel precautions?

Tell your healthcare professional your medical history, including:

• kidney conditions
• low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
• trouble swallowing
• stomach or esophagus disorders (e.g., ulcers, esophagitis)
• any allergies

It is important to not smoke and to limit the amount of alcohol used as these can increase the risk of osteoporosis. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical assistant. It is not known whether this medicine is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your healthcare professional before breast-feeding.

What are Actonel special notes?

Do not share this drug with others. Laboratory or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress. It is very important to not take this medication with anything other than water. Even juice and coffee have been found to interfere with its absorption. Exercising regularly and acquiring calcium in the diet via eating well-balanced meals can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

How should Actonel be used?

Follow the directions for using this medication provided by your doctor. You may be instructed to take this daily or to take this weekly, depending on the strength of the pill. Take this drug at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day. To minimize the stomach side effects, take this medicine while in an upright position with a full glass (6-8 oz or 180-240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. After taking risedronate, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes.

Calcium or iron supplements, sucralfate, vitamins with minerals, milk, as well as antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this drug. Take these products at least 2 hours after taking risedronate. It is important to take the other medicines prescribed for your condition (for example, calcium supplements and Vitamin D) as directed by your doctor.

Follow your medical assistant’s advice about your best dosage.
Here is list of illnesses and common Actonel dosage:

Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

• one 5 mg tablet orally, taken daily
• one 35 mg tablet orally, taken once a week
• one 75 mg tablet orally, taken on two consecutive days for a total of two tablets each month
• one 150 mg tablet orally, taken once a month

Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

• one 5 mg tablet orally, taken daily
• one 35 mg tablet orally, taken once a week
• alternatively, one 75 mg tablet orally, taken on two consecutive days for a total of two tablets each month may be considered
• alternatively, one 150 mg tablet orally, taken once a month may be considered

Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

one 35 mg tablet orally, taken once a week

Treatment and Prevention of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis (possible recommended dosage):

one 5 mg tablet orally, taken daily

Treatment of Paget’s Disease (possible recommended dosage):

The recommended treatment regimen is 30 mg orally once daily for 2 months. Retreatment may be considered (following post-treatment observation of at least 2 months) if relapse occurs, or if treatment fails to normalize serum alkaline phosphatase. For retreatment, the dose and duration of therapy are the same as for initial treatment. No data are available on more than 1 course of retreatment.

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

What should you do if you have missed a dose?

If you miss a dose of this drug, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

For patients taking the medicine each day: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medication in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medication the next morning. Do not take two pills on the same day. Return to your regular schedule the next day.

If you are on a weekly schedule and miss a dose of this medication, take it the next morning after you remember. Resume your usual schedule taking the drug on your chosen day the next week.

For patients taking the medicine on two consecutive days each month, and the next month’s scheduled doses are more than 7 days away: If both pills are missed, take the first tablet on the morning after the day it is remembered. Take the second tablets on the next morning. If only one pills is missed, take the missed tablets on the morning after the day it is remembered. Return to your regular schedule the following month. Do not take more than two tablets within 7 days.

For patients taking the medication on two consecutive days each month, and the next month’s scheduled doses are 1 to 7 days away: Wait until the next month and take the tablets on the scheduled days. Return to your regular schedule the following month. Do not take more than two tablets within 7 days.

What happens if you overdose?

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room as soon as possible.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle weakness.

What are Actonel side effects?

If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your healthcare professional as soon as possible:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• headache may occur

Report right away:

• flu-like symptoms (for example, fatigue, fever, aches)
• weakness
• chest or stomach pain
• pain when swallowing
• leg or ankle swelling
• joint pain
• bone pain

Unlikely but report right away:

• unusual fatigue
• vision changes
• ringing in the ears

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• rash
• itching
• swelling
• dizziness
• trouble breathing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your medical assistant.|

This is not a whole list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your medical assistant. Call your healthcare professional for medical advice about side effects.|

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your medical assistant.|

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your healthcare professional about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.]

What are possible interactions of Actonel with other medications?

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, especially of:

• aspirin and NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• iron supplements
• vitamins with minerals
• sucralfate
• antacids (especially those containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum)
• calcium supplements

Check the label on all nonprescription pain relievers, as they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.

Consult your medical assistant about the safe use of those products. This medication may interfere with certain medical tests. Make sure that laboratory and medical personnel know that you are using this medicine.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Prandin. Tell your healthcare professional about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and pills prescribed by other healthcare professionals. Do not start using a new medication without telling your healthcare professionalr.

What should be proper storage of Actonel?

Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Actonel out of the reach of children and away from (pets|domestic animals}.