Risedronate (Daily Dosage)

About Risedronate (Daily Dosage)

This belongs to the group of medicines known as bisphosphonates.

It is used to treat Paget's disease, a disease of the bones, which leads to thickening of the skull, spine, pelvis and long bones of the body, resulting in pain, deformity and fractures.

Risedronate is also used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes bones to become brittle and fragile, making them prone to breakage and fractures. During our lifetime, old bone is constantly replaced by new bone. After the age of about 30-35 years, our bones begin to lose density because old bone is being lost faster than new bone can replace it.

Risedronate helps by preventing bone loss, rebuilding lost bone and by preventing thickening.

Risedronate is available in tablet form.

The brand available is: Actonel. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Risedronate (Daily Dosage)

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from hypocalcaemia (decreased calcium in the blood)
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you suffer from dysphagia (difficulty or pain on swallowing) or oesophageal disease (diseases of the gullet)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Risedronate (Daily Dosage)

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Swallow Risedronate tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a large glass of water, on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before breakfast or the first drink of the day). Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes.
• 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 provided that that you can avoid food and drink (as above) for the two hours before and after taking the dose. If this is not possible or it is getting too near bedtime then skip the dose for that day and just carry on normally the next day. Don't take extra doses to try and catch up.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Risedronate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Risedronate.

Can Risedronate (Daily Dosage) 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 to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Indigestion, stomach cramps, feeling bloated, nausea (feeling sick), diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, muscle or joint pain, swollen ankles, weight loss, stuffy nose, rash, dry eyes, buzzing in the ears.

Important: If you develop pain on swallowing, pain in the stomach or midriff, sore swollen tongue, red painful eyes or changes in vision contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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

How to store Risedronate (Daily Dosage)

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/03/2005