Actonel Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone density. Eventually, bones become brittle and patients may experience fractures. The disease is more prevalent in women than in men.

Osteoporosis can be detected through bone density tests, which are recommended for women over 50. A number of factors can contribute to this disease: pre-existing autoimmune disorders, digestive and gastrointestinal problems, hormonal disorders, and certain medical procedures.

Paget’s Disease

Most people with Paget's disease do not experience symptoms for years. When symptoms do manifest, patients usually complain of bone pain. The disease interferes with the body's normal process of gradually replacing old bone tissue. Over time, bone loss density increases, and bones become fragile. Complications of the disease can include broken bones, hearing loss, and pinched nerves in the spine. Men are more likely to be affected than women.

Actonel Active Ingredient

Generic Actonel Alternative: Risedronate sodium

Actonel contains the active ingredient risedronate, which belongs to a class of medications known as bisphosphonates. These drugs help the body maintain bone density and prevent the process of bone loss.

General Drug Information

What is Actonel and What Is It Used For?

Actonel is prescribed to patients suffering from osteoporosis and Paget's disease. It helps to slow down bone loss, thus preventing future complications like fractures.

Usage and Application

Actonel should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor for patients to absorb as much of the drug as possible, also reducing the risk of esophageal injury. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment.

Most patients with Paget’s disease are prescribed one daily oral dose, recommended to be taken first thing in the morning. Patients must take Actonel at the same time each morning, usually for a period of two months. It is important to take this medication regularly in order to experience its full benefit.

Patients with osteoporosis are usually directed to take Actonel once weekly. Patients should check the prescription label carefully, and consult their doctor or pharmacist in the event they have questions about their dosing schedule. Discuss the risks and benefits of long-term Actonel use.

Actonel should be taken in the morning with a full glass of plain water. Patients should not take this medication at bedtime or while they are still in bed. Patients should not take Actonel with any other beverage besides water. The tablet should be swallowed whole. Patients should not chew or suck on their Actonel tablet.

After taking Actonel, you should stay fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes. Patients should also wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than plain water, or taking any other medications. Do not lie down until after your first meal of the day.

Supplements which contain calcium or iron – as well as antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum – may interfere with how Actonel is absorbed by the body. This is also the case with dairy products and calcium-enriched juice.

Some medications – like the blood pressure drug Accupril – can interfere with the absorption of Actonel. The list includes the ulcer medication sucralfate, the heartburn and nausea drug bismuth subsalicylate, and certain forms of the HIV medication didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution).

Do not take any of the above supplements or medications for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel.

Considerations Before Taking Actonel

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Actonel, and bisphosphonates such as alendronate, etidronate, and pamidronate.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially esophagus problems such as heartburn, narrowing of the esophagus, and achalasia.

Additional problems include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, low levels of calcium in the blood, and the inability to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Patients should also mention stomach disorders like ulcers, as well as severe kidney disease.

Patients taking Actonel may develop serious jawbone problems. Patients need to have their mouth checked before starting treatment. Before undergoing dental procedures, patients should warn their dentist they are taking Actonel.

Regular dental exams and keeping good oral hygiene can help to help prevent jawbone problems. Contact your dentist should you experience any jaw pain.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking. Patients may be directed to stop this medication before surgery or dental procedures.

Women should exercise caution if pregnant – or planning to become pregnant – as Actonel may remain in the body for many years. It is not know how this medication can affect an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of Actonel treatment with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss their daily-prescribed Actonel dose should skip it. They should not take it later in the day. On the following day, resume your dosing schedule as usual. Do not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Those who miss their weekly dose should skip that day. Take it the following morning, and continue with the original schedule. Never take two doses on the same day.

Other Medications and Actonel

Drug interactions may change the way Actonel works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor.

Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Actonel may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Patients should alert laboratory personnel about the possibility of faulty results.

For more information about possible interactions, please see the How To section.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Actonel without serious negative side effects.

Common side effects include stomach upset. Contact your doctor should this effect persist or worsen.

Serious side effects include eye problems, severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain, and pain in the hips, thighs, groin, and/or jaw.

In rare cases, Actonel may cause irritation and/or ulcers in the stomach or esophagus. Patients should seek immediate medical help if they experience heartburn, chest pain, difficult or painful swallowing, severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Extremely serious allergic reactions to risedronate are rare. However, seek immediate medical help if you notice a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Actonel

Actonel should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.