Generic Name: risedronate (rih SED ro nayt)
Brand Names: Actonel, Atelvia
What is risedronate?
Risedronate is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Risedronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Risedronate is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in men and women. Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.
Risedronate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about risedronate?
Do not take a risedronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Take the Atelvia tablet just after breakfast, with at least 4 ounces of water.
Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a risedronate tablet.
For at least the first 30 minutes after taking a risedronate tablet, do not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
Some people using medicines similar to risedronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and pre-existing dental problems.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using risedronate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking risedronate?
Do not take a risedronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to risedronate, or if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
To make sure you can safely take risedronate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
a vitamin D deficiency;
kidney disease; or
an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.
Some people using medicines similar to risedronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether risedronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether risedronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking risedronate.
How should I take risedronate?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Risedronate tablets come in different strengths (number of milligrams per pill). Some tablets are taken once each day. Some tablets are taken once each week, or only 1 or 2 times each month.
Your dosing schedule will depend on the tablet strength your doctor has prescribed. If you change tablet strengths, you may also need to change your schedule. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Take the Atelvia tablet just after breakfast, with at least 4 ounces of water.
Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a risedronate tablet.
After taking a risedronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions:
Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate.
Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.
Do not take two different strengths of risedronate tablet at the same time.
If you take risedronate only once a week, take it on the same day and time each week.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the risedronate tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating. If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using risedronate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. Visit your doctor regularly.
Risedronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you take risedronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
If you take risedronate tablets once a week, or once or twice per month: If you forget to take risedronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.
What should I avoid while taking risedronate?
Avoid taking any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking a risedronate tablet. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb risedronate.
Risedronate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using risedronate and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
chest pain;
difficulty or pain when swallowing;
pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
new or worsening heartburn;
severe or ongoing indigestion;
severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip; or
jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.
Less serious side effects may include:
flu symptoms, muscle pain;
mild stomach pain or upset stomach;
diarrhea, constipation;
mild joint or back pain; or
headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.
What other drugs will affect risedronate?
Before using risedronate, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with risedronate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Atelvia resources
- Atelvia Side Effects (in more detail)
- Atelvia Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Atelvia Drug Interactions
- Atelvia Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Atelvia - Add your own review/rating
- Atelvia Delayed-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Atelvia Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Atelvia Consumer Overview
- Atelvia Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Risedronate Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Risedronate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Actonel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Actonel Consumer Overview
- Actonel Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Actonel Monograph (AHFS DI)
Compare Atelvia with other medications
- Osteoporosis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about risedronate.
See also: Atelvia side effects (in more detail)
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