Generic Actonel Risedronate

 

Generic actonel risedronateprevents calcium loss from bones. It helps make healthy bone and to slow bone loss in patients with Paget's disease and osteoporosis. It may be used in others at risk for bone loss.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Actonel?

Do not take an Actonel tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Actonel can lead to severe problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will have to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.

Before using Actonel, let your doctor know if you are a patient of:

• kidney disease; or
• An ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.
• low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
• a vitamin D deficiency;

In such cases your doctor may suggest a dose adjustment or special tests to securely take this medication.

Some people using medicines similar to Generic actonel risedronatehave experienced bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. In this condition the patient feels jaw pain, loose teeth, gum infection, swelling, numbness or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.

Generic actonel risedronatemay hurt to an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. There is no evidence whether Actonel passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Dosing

For osteoporosis, take 5 mg of generic actonel risedronate once daily or 35 mg weekly with a glass of plain water. In case of Paget's disease, initially take 30 mg daily for two months. Take the drug in the morning before anything is eaten or drunk since food interferes with the absorption of risedronate. Don’t take food or drink for at least 30 minutes after drug intake. To avoid pills sticking and irritating the throat or esophagus, persons should not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. Don’t take the drug with other drug at the same time as iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum.

Overdose

An overdose can create health problem later on. Some patients have reported a drop in serum calcium and phosphorus. A few patients have also experienced symptoms of hypocalcemia. Foods like milk or antacid having calcium can be taken to decrease absorption of the drug. In overdose, gastric lavage can be used to eradicate unabsorbed drug. In hypocalcemia, administration of calcium intravenously can restore physiologic amounts of ionized calcium to reduce signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia.

Drug interactions

Food, calcium and other minerals may interact with generic actonel risedronatereducing its absorption. It gives rise to loss of effectiveness. Thus, it should be taken with plain water only.

Side effects

Some people after using generic actonel risedronate have developed headache, nausea or vomiting and stomach gas or fullness, bone, muscle, or joint pain, changes in taste, diarrhea or constipation, eye pain or itching.