Complete list of drugs used to treat
arthritis.Actonel or Risedronate
Actonel or Risedronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in
women after menopause. It may also be used in men and women to prevent and treat
osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine).
Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone.
Before Using Actonel or Risedronate
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against
the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For risedronate,
the following should be considered: Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever
had any unusual or allergic reaction to risedronate. Also tell your health care
professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or
dyes. Pregnancy - Studies have not been done in pregnant women. However, studies in
animals given large doses of risedronate have shown that this medicine causes decreased
weight gain, cleft palate, and deformed bones in the fetus, and, in some cases, death of
the fetus. Breast-feeding - It is not known whether risedronate passes into milk.
However, it does pass into the milk in animals. Discuss with your doctor whether or not to
breast-feed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Medical problems associated with Actonel or Risedronate
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of risedronate. Make sure you
tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Digestive
system problems, including trouble swallowing, inflammation of the esophagus, or
ulcer—Risedronate may make these conditions worse
Kidney
problems—Effects of risedronate may be increased because of slower removal from the
body
Side Effects of Actonel or Risedronate
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not
all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal or stomach pain; skin rash
Less common
Abdominal or stomach pain (severe); belching; bone pain; cramping of
stomach
Rare
Red, sore eyes
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side
effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check
with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Diarrhea; headache; joint pain
Less common
Blurred vision or change in vision; chest pain; constipation; cough;
dizziness; dry eyes ; fever; general feeling of discomfort or
illness; headache; leg cramps; nausea; ringing in the ears;
swelling of feet or lower legs ; weakness
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any
other effects, check with your doctor.
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