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Home > Drug Category > Osteoporosis Medications > Actonel DR and Equivalent

Actonel DR Information

Actonel DR (Risedronate Sodium Delayed-Release) is a prescription bisphosphonate used primarily to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is a delayed-release formulation of risedronate that may also be used to increase bone density in men living with osteoporosis.

Actonel works by shifting the balance of bone remodeling back in favor of bone growth. In a healthy skeleton, bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and bone-removing cells (osteoclasts) 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, risedronate binds directly to the calcium crystals within your bones. When overactive bone-removing cells attempt to break down bone tissue, they absorb risedronate. This disrupts the chemical structure of osteoclasts, leading them to shut down and die prematurely. This, in turn, slows bone loss, allowing bone-building cells, also called osteoblasts, to catch up, increasing overall bone density and reducing the risk of fractures.

Actonel DR Side Effects

While generally well tolerated, it can cause some side effects, especially if not taken as prescribed. 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 inform your doctor as soon as possible 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;
• 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:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body rash, itching, hives, skin blistering, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• 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

Be sure to inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Actonel DR Precautions

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

Be sure to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have before starting this medication, as risedronate needs to be used with caution in individuals with some medical conditions, such as:
• 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.

Taking Actonel DR alongside regular doses of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers. Likewise, taking this medication along with corticosteroids can increase the risk of jaw problems (osteonecrosis of the jaw). Also, medications containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc can bind directly to risedronate in the digestive tract, entirely blocking its absorption. Hence, these supplements should not be taken at the same time as risedronate. Additionally, because Actonel DR relies on stomach acid to break down at the right time, taking it with acid-reducing medications—such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or regular antacids—can cause the tablet to dissolve prematurely in the stomach, increasing stomach irritation and reducing its effectiveness. 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 risedronate.

Actonel DR is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it is intended for use in postmenopausal women. Also, its long-term retention in human bones poses a potential risk to fetal bone development. It is also unknown whether the drug passes into human breast milk, though animal studies suggest small amounts do cross over with potential risk to the breastfed infant. It is important to take this medication immediately after a meal (preferably at the end of breakfast) with a full glass (6 to 8 oz) of plain water, and to avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after use to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation. Store this medication in its original packaging at controlled room temperature and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Actonel DR?

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