Risedronate

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat Paget's disease of the bone.
• Another use includes treatment of osteoporosis (brittle bones) in postmenopausal women.

How does it work?

• Risedronate reduces normal and abnormal bone destruction.

How is it best taken?

• Take first thing in the morning.
• Take with a full glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medicine of the day.
• Do not drink coffee, orange juice, or eat for at least 30 minutes after taking medicine. These decrease medicine getting into system.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking medicine. This prevents irritation of the esophagus.
• Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. May irritate the lining of the mouth.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed one and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and cigarette smoking. Can worsen bone breakdown.
• Use caution if you have stomach, intestine, or esophageal diseases. Talk with healthcare provider.
• This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements (if dietary intake is poor), weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Rash.
• Flu-like feeling.
• Muscular or bone pain.

What should I monitor?

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Heartburn, stomach pain/burning, nausea.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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