Before taking risedronate sodium

Before taking risedronate sodium make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had difficulties swallowing or if you have a problem with your oesophagus (food-pipe).
• If you are due to have any dental treatment or if you have not had a recent dental check-up.
• If you suffer from kidney problems.
• If you are unable to sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
• If you have been told you have low amounts of calcium in your blood.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take risedronate sodium

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take risedronate tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. Depending upon which preparation you have been given, your doctor will ask you to take one dose each day or one dose each week. If you are unsure about how often to take your tablets, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
• Take your dose of risedronate first thing after getting up on a morning. Swallow your tablet whole (do not not crush or chew the tablet). Take it with a large glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before any food, other drink or other medicine. It is important that you remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards in order to prevent the tablet from sticking in your food-pipe.
• If you take your dose of risedronate at any other time of the day, avoid food and drink for at least two hours before and two hours after each dose. You should also avoid milk, any drinks containing milk, iron supplements, mineral supplements and indigestion remedies during this four hour period.
• Never take risedronate tablets at bedtime or before getting out of bed in the morning.
• If you forget to take your tablet at the normal time, you can take it later in the day provided that that you can avoid any food and drink (other than plain water) for the two hours before and after taking the dose. If this is not possible or if it is getting near bedtime, then skip the dose for that day and just carry on normally the next day. If you take risedronate once weekly, then take the missed dose on the following day and then continue as before.
• If you are taking Actonel® Combi, take the risedronate tablets on the same day of each week and take one sachet containing calcium and colecalciferol on each of the other six days of the week. Dissolve the contents of the sachet into a glass of plain water, stir it and then drink it as soon as the fizzing has stopped. Do not eat food containing spinach or rhubarb within two hours of these sachets, and never take the risedronate tablets on the same day as the sachets.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Good dental hygiene is particularly important with this treatment - this means that you must brush your teeth regularly and have routine dental check-ups.
• When you are having any dental treatment, it is important that you tell your dentist that you are being treated with risedronate.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• Eating a well-balanced diet and taking regular exercise can help bones stay strong. Remember to follow any lifestyle advice your doctor has given you.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can risedronate sodium cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• Swelling of the mouth or throat.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A severe skin rash with blisters.

• Heartburn, pain or difficulty when you swallow.
• A red, painful eye with increased sensitivity to light.
• Pain, swelling, numbness of the jaw, a "heavy jaw feeling" or a loose tooth.
• Thigh, hip, or groin pain.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store risedronate sodium

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Actonel® Tablets, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009, accessed December 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Actonel® Once a Week Tablets, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009, accessed December 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Actonel® Combi Tablets, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009, accessed December 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.