Risedronate
Description
Risedronate is a medicine that is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which bones become weak and brittle) in men who are at high risk of fractures and in postmenopausal women. This medicine works by blocking the effect of osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and bone resorption.
Risedronate has some side effects like headache, nausea, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhoea. These side effects are mild and subside by themselves. Consult your doctor if they bother you for a longer time and worsen. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Risedronate should be taken before the first meal of your day for better absorption. The dosage will be decided by your doctor depending on the severity of your condition. It is usually prescribed to take once a week. This medicine should be taken on the same day each week for the ease of remembering and for its better results. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Risedronate is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data for use are not available. Inform your doctor of your entire medical history including kidney problems, asthma, a low level of calcium in your body, and your ongoing medication. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Risedronate
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash
- Bone pain
- Eye irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Eye pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Constipation
Uses of Risedronate
What is it prescribed for?
- Osteoporosis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Risedronate to show its action is not known.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Risedronate remains active in the body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Risedronate.
- Usage in pregnancy?Risedronate is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless necessary. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Risedronate is not recommended for use in breastfeeding unless necessary. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Risedronate if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Hypocalcaemia
Hypocalcaemia is a condition in which the levels of calcium in your blood are low. This may lead to weak bones. Use of Risedronate is not recommended in this condition as it may worsen your condition.
Severe Kidney disease
Use of Risedronate is not recommended for use if you have severe kidney problems due to the increased risk of serious side effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Risedronate is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless necessary. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Risedronate is not recommended for use in breastfeeding unless necessary. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Inability to stand or sit upright
Use of Risedronate is not recommended for use if you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
Use in Children
Use of Risedronate is not recommended for use in children less than 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not available.
Severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain
Risedronate may cause severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. Report any such symptoms to your doctor on priority. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply to the jaw area of your mouth. Use of Risedronate may rarely cause this condition in some people. This risk is especially higher if you are undergoing dental procedures. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose
Do not skip any dose of Risedronate. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose with Risedronate.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amikacin
Deferasirox
Etelcalcetide
Celecoxib
Bromfenac
Diclofenac
Aspirin
Disease interactions
Gastrointestinal disorders
Use Risedronate with caution if you have stomach and intestinal problems like gastritis as it may cause mucosal irritation and increase the risk of gastric ulcers and bleeding. Take this medicine along with a full glass of water and stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after the dose to reduce the chances of gastric irritation.
Kidney diseases
Use Risedronate with caution if you have mild to moderate kidney problems due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may suggest tests to closely monitor your kidney function if necessary while using this medicine.
Asthma
Asthma is a breathing disorder caused due to constriction of the airway and excess mucous secretion. Use Risedronate with extreme caution if you have asthma due to the increased risk of worsening your health.
Food interactions
The desired effects of Risedronate will not be achieved if it is taken along with food. It is advised to take this medicine on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.
The combined use of Risedronate and products containing calcium, magnesium, aluminium, or iron may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. Hence, do not take multivitamins with minerals for at least 30 minutes after taking Risedronate. Inform your doctor about all your ongoing medicines including herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with Risedronate to avoid such interactions.
Lab interactions
Bone imaging tests
A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone conditions. Risedronate may interfere with the results of the imaging test. Inform your doctor and lab technician about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before undergoing bone imaging tests or any other lab tests.
Take Risedronate as advised by your doctor. Take this medicine first thing in the morning or at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
Take this medicine with a full glass of plain water and swallow as a whole. Do not chew or crush the tablet in the mouth.
After taking this medicine, do not eat or drink anything other than plain water for at least 30 minutes.
Sit or stand in an upright position; do not lie down for at least 30 minutes.
Do not take more or fewer doses than prescribed. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor. Keep away from the reach of the children and pets. Ensure that the unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Risedronate strengthens bones by slowing down bone loss and allowing osteoblasts (bone-building cells) to work more effectively, improving bone mass.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Bisphosphonates, Drugs for osteoporosis
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Risedronate: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 28 October 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ACTONEL safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ACTONEL. ACTONEL® (risedronate sodium) tablets Initial U.S. Approval: 1998. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 28 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Risedronate sodium 30 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 28 October 2021].
Medsafe.govt.nz. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 28 October 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 29 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.