Actonel (Risedronate)

Actonel is used for treating and preventing osteoporosis in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Actonel as directed by your doctor.

• Choose 2 days in a row during the month to take Actonel . Take 1 tablet on the morning of the first day. Take the second tablet on the morning of the next day.
• Do not take more than 2 tablets of Actonel per month unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Swallow Actonel whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck on the tablet before swallowing.
• Take Actonel with a full glass of plain water (6 to 8 oz/180 to 240 mL). Do not take Actonel with mineral water, coffee, tea, milk, or juice. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Actonel and until you eat your first food of the day.
• Be sure you understand how to take Actonel . Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Continue to take Actonel even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Actonel is a bisphosphonate. It works by slowing bone loss.

If you miss a dose of Actonel, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Actonel at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Actonel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Actonel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Actonel;
• you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes;
• you have low blood calcium levels or severe kidney problems.

• Actonel may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Actonel with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Talk to your doctor before you drink alcohol, smoke, or use other tobacco products while taking Actonel.
• Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you use Actonel.
• Talk to your doctor about the use of weight-bearing exercises to help prevent weak bones.
• Proper dental care is important while you use Actonel. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Actonel before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Actonel may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Actonel.
• Lab tests, including bone density and blood calcium levels, may be performed while you use Actonel . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Actonel should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Actonel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Actonel is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Actonel.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; joint pain; mild stomach pain or upset; nausea.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry or bloody stools; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood; difficult or painful swallowing; mouth sores; new, worsening, or severe heartburn; painful or difficult urination; sensitivity to light; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain; severe or persistent sore throat or stomach pain; swelling of the arms or legs; swelling or pain in your jaw; unusual eye pain or redness; vision changes.

Actonel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.