Actonel

Generic name: Risedronate

Why is Actonel prescribed?

Actonel helps to slow the loss of calcium from bones. It belongs to a family of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It is prescribed for postmenopausal women, both to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen the bones once the disease has begun. Actonel is also used to prevent or treat osteoporosis resulting from therapy with steroid medications, and it is used in the treatment of Paget's disease, a condition in which patches of bone become softened and enlarged.

Another version of the drug, Actonel With Calcium, is a co-packaged product containing Actonel tablets and calcium carbonate tablets. This product is also used to help prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The mineral calcium is important for developing and maintaining strong bones and is often recommended for osteoporosis treatment.

Most important fact about Actonel

Although it has been reported less frequently with Actonel, other similar osteoporosis drugs can be very damaging to the mouth, throat, and stomach. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of Actonel.

How should you take Actonel?

Three types of Actonel are available: a 5-milligram and 30-milligram tablet that can be taken daily, and a 35-milligram tablet that's taken once a week. The tablets should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water. Take the pill while standing or sitting in an upright position and wash it down with a full 6 to 8 ounce glass of plain water (do not use coffee, tea, mineral water, juice, milk, or other dairy products). Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or suck on it. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.

Actonel With Calcium comes packaged with four 7-day treatment cycles. Each weekly cycle consists of one 35-milligram Actonel tablet and six calcium tablets. For each 7-day cycle, take one Actonel tablet on Day 1, following the instructions above. Then on the remaining six days of the week (Days 2 through 7), take one calcium tablet each day. An important note: The calcium tablets may interfere with the absorption of Actonel and should not be taken at the same time as the Actonel tablets. Always take the calcium tablets on the six days of the week that you do not take the Actonel tablets.