Risofos (Risedronate) 150 mg

What is risedronate?

Risedronate is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Risedronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures. Risedronate is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in men and women. Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone. Risedronate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about risedronate?

You should not use risedronate if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus. Do not take a risedronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).

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

You should not use risedronate if you are allergic to it, or if you have: low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus. Do not take a risedronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.

To make sure risedronate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: low blood calcium (hypocalcemia); a vitamin D deficiency; kidney disease; or an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus. In rare cases, this medicine may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use risedronate, the more likely you are to develop this condition. Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication. It is not known whether risedronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether risedronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take risedronate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Risedronate tablets come in different strengths (number of milligrams per pill). Some tablets are taken once each day. Some tablets are taken once each week, or only 1 or 2 times each month. Your dosing schedule will depend on the tablet strength your doctor has prescribed. If you change tablet strengths, you may also need to change your schedule. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Take the Atelvia tablet just after breakfast, with at least 4 ounces of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a risedronate tablet.

After taking a risedronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions: Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.

Do not take two different strengths of risedronate tablet at the same time. If you take risedronate only once a week, take it on the same day and time each week. Do not crush, chew, or suck the risedronate tablet. Swallow it whole. The pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating. If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using risedronate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may not need to take risedronate for longer than 3 to 5 years if you take it for osteoporosis. Risedronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take risedronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day. If you take risedronate tablets once a week, or once or twice per month: If you forget to take risedronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

What should I avoid while taking risedronate?

Avoid taking any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking a risedronate tablet. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb risedronate.

Risofos Tablet - Side-effects