About risedronate sodium

You will be prescribed risedronate sodium to treat one of two conditions - a bone condition called Paget's disease of bone, or osteoporosis.

Bones affected by Paget's disease are weaker than normal, and may become deformed and may fracture (break) more easily than normal. For many people, Paget's disease causes no symptoms and does not need treatment. In the people who do develop symptoms, the most common symptom is pain. Typically, this is a deep-seated ache which may become worse at night-time. Treatment with risedronate sodium, helps to ease the pain.

Risedronate is also used to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes your bones to become brittle and fragile, making them prone to breaks and fractures. During our lifetime, old bone tissue is constantly being broken down and replaced by new bone. After the age of about 35 years, our bone begins to lose density because old bone is lost faster than new bone can replace it. Women in particular have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis because they lose bone material rapidly after the menopause. Risedronate sodium slows down the rate at which old bone is lost. New bone continues to be made and this leads to an overall increase in bone density, which reduces the risk of broken bones and fractures. Bones also need calcium and colecalciferol (vitamin D3) to help keep them strong and healthy.

Before taking risedronate sodium

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking these tablets it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows: 

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had any difficulties swallowing.
• If you are due to have any dental treatment in the near future, or if you have not recently had a dental check-up.
• If you have 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 any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take risedronate sodium

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the specific strength of tablets you have been given, and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking them. Not all tablet strengths are used to treat each of the conditions mentioned in this leaflet.
• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Depending upon which strength of tablet you are given, your doctor will ask you to take one dose each day or one dose each week. As a guide, if you are given 5 mg or 30 mg tablets, these are taken each day. If you are given 35 mg tablets, these are taken on one day of the week only. If you are unsure about how often to take your tablets, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
• Take your tablet first thing after getting up in the 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 you have any food, or other drinks or medicines. It is important that you remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards - this is to stop the tablet from getting stuck in your throat and doing any damage before it reaches your stomach. Avoid milk, any drinks containing milk, iron supplements, mineral supplements and indigestion remedies for two hours after you have taken a tablet. This is because these things interfere with risedronate sodium and stop it from being absorbed by your body.
• If you forget to take your tablet at the normal time, you can take it later in the day, provided that you do not eat food or have anything to drink during the two hours before you take it, or during the two hours afterwards. If this is not possible, or if it is getting near to bedtime, then do not take a tablet on that day. If you normally take risedronate each day, just carry on as usual the next day - do not take a double dose to make up for the missed tablet. If you usually take risedronate just once a week, then take the missed dose on the following day, and then take your next dose on your usual day of the week.
• Do not take any mineral supplements or any indigestion remedies, or anything which might contain iron or calcium during the two hours before and the two hours after taking risedronate sodium. Also, you should never take risedronate sodium tablets before you get out of bed in the morning, or at bedtime.
• If you are taking Actonel® Combi, this is a combination treatment which contains risedronate sodium tablets (Actonel®) and sachets which contain granules of calcium and colecalciferol. It is a treatment for women. You will be asked to take one Actonel® tablet on the first day of every week and one sachet of granules for the other six days of the week. Follow the instructions above for taking the tablets. To take the granules, dissolve the contents of one sachet into a glass of water, stir it to mix, and then drink it as soon as the fizzing has stopped. Foods which contain spinach, rhubarb and whole cereals can prevent you from absorbing the full amount of calcium - it is best to avoid these types of food for two hours after taking the granules. Never take risedronate tablets on the same day as you take the sachets.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. 
• Good dental hygiene is particularly important while you are taking these tablets - brush your teeth regularly and remember to have routine dental check-ups. Tell your dentist that you are taking risedronate sodium, as some dental treatments may not be recommended for you while you are taking these tablets.
• Treatment with risedronate sodium will last several months or longer. Continue to take the tablets unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. This is because mineral supplements, iron preparations, and some laxative and indigestion remedies reduce the amount of risedronate sodium which your body absorbs. This may make your treatment less effective.
• Eating a well-balanced diet and taking regular exercise can help your bones stay strong. Remember to follow any exercise or dietary advice your doctor gives to you.
• Chemicals from tobacco can get into your bloodstream and can affect your bones, making bone loss worse. If you smoke, you should try to make every effort to stop. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on stopping.

Can risedronate sodium cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

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