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Home > Drug Category > Osteoporosis Medications > Actonel and Equivalent

Actonel Information

Actonel (Risedronate) is an effective bisphosphonate used to help manage conditions that cause bones to become weak, thin, or abnormally structured. It is used to increase bone mineral density and reduce the incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures (including hip fractures) in postmenopausal women living with, or at risk of, osteoporosis. It is also used to increase bone mass and reduce fracture risk in men with low bone density due to osteoporosis. It is indicated for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in individuals starting or maintaining long-term corticosteroid use. Actonel is also used to induce remission in individuals with Paget's disease of the bone, targeting areas of erratic, accelerated bone remodeling.

Actonel works by shifting the balance of bone remodeling back in favor of bone growth. In a healthy skeleton, bone-building cells and bone-removing cells work in tandem. However, in conditions like osteoporosis, the bone-removing cells become overactive and destroy bone faster than it can be replaced. When you take this medication, the active ingredient, risedronate, binds directly to the calcium in your bones. When the overactive bone-removing cells arrive to dissolve bone tissue, they absorb the medicine. Once inside, risedronate blocks a crucial internal enzyme, disrupting the cell's structure and causing it to self-destruct. As it slows down this destructive process, the bone-building cells have time to repair and reinforce the skeleton, resulting in denser, stronger bones that are less likely to fracture.

Actonel Side Effects

Some common mild side effects of this medication may include abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stuffy nose, sore throat, and muscle and joint pain. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects and they persist or worsen.

It is important to consult your doctor right away if you notice serious side effects such as:
• Atypical femur fracture with symptoms such as new or unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh;
• Esophagus and stomach problems such as abdominal pain, pain or trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, and heartburn;
• Eye problems such as eye pain, redness or swelling, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision;
• Jaw problems such as numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, poor healing of gums, loose teeth, exposed bone in the mouth, sores in the mouth, dry mouth, swollen gums, infections, bad breath, and pain in the mouth, teeth, or jaw;
• Low blood calcium levels can cause numbness, tingling in the extremities, or muscle spasms;

Also, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, a rash, itching, hives, skin blisters, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Actonel Precautions

Do not use this medication if you have:
• Allergy to risedronate sodium, any of the other ingredients in Actonel, or any other medication;
• Esophageal problems or difficulty with swallowing;
• Inability to sit upright for 30 minutes;
• Low levels of calcium in the blood;
• Severe kidney disease;

Caution is needed when using this medication in individuals with certain medical conditions. Therefore, before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, especially the following:
• Cancer and also undergoing treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy;
• Diabetes;
• Eye conditions such as conjunctivitis;
• Gastrointestinal problems such as peptic ulcer disease;
• Jaw problems, including dental conditions;
• Kidney disease;
• Low blood count (anemia);
• Low calcium levels in the blood;
• Vitamin D deficiency;

While oral calcium, magnesium, or iron supplements can be beneficial for bone health, they can also bind directly to risedronate in the stomach, preventing its absorption. Therefore, take these supplements at a completely different time of day (such as at lunch or dinner), ensuring you do not take them within the first few hours after your morning Actonel dose. Regular use of systemic steroids like prednisone while taking Actonel can elevate the risk of developing jawbone necrosis. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with Actonel.

Actonel is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. While it is most commonly prescribed to postmenopausal women, it is also officially indicated for men with osteoporosis and individuals of either gender starting or maintaining long-term steroid therapy. Animal studies indicate potential risks like delayed skeletal development to the fetus and a breastfed infant. Ensure you take this medication in the morning on an empty stomach, with only a full glass of plain water. You must remain completely upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication to reduce the risk of esophageal reflux and irritation. Also, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene while taking this medication. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Actonel?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Actonel.