Actonel is in a group of medicines known as bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. RISEDRONATE (Actonel®) reduces calcium loss from bones. It also helps prevent bone loss and it increases production of normal healthy bone in patients with Paget's disease, osteoporosis, and other conditions which place someone at risk for bone loss such as including after menopause in females or from the long-term use of corticosteroids in men or women.

Actonel Dosage

*For the treatment of Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis, the recommended dose is one 5-milligram tablet once a day.
*For Paget's Disease, the recommended dose is 30 milligrams once a day for two months.

Uses of Actonel

*Actonel is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in men and women.
*Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

Side Effects of Actonel

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

* Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, indigestion or abdominal pain
* Headache
* Pain in joints, muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain)
* Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
* Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
* Inflammation of the small intestine (duodenitis)
* Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis)
* Ulceration of the food pipe (oesophagus)
* Inflammation of the coloured part of the eye (iritis)
* Inflammation of the tongue (glossitis)
* Skin reactions, eg rash

Warnings and precautions before taking Actonel

*It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and watch for unwanted effects.
*It is important that you tell all of your health care providers that you are taking risedronate. If you are having dental procedures done while taking risedronate you may have an increased chance of getting a severe problem of your jaw.
*Make sure you tell your doctor about any new medical problems, especially with your teeth or jaws. Tell your doctor if you have severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
*If you have kidney conditions, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), trouble swallowing, stomach or esophagus disorders (e.g., ulcers, esophagitis), any allergies, then you should tell your doctor.
*After taken this medicine you may feel some dizzy, so do not perform any activity that requiring full mental alertness such as operate machinery or drive.
*Do not take a risedronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes.
*Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
*Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Drug Interaction :-

*Food, calcium and other minerals reduces the absorption of risedronate, resulting in loss of effectiveness. Thus, it should be taken with plain water only.
*If you are taking Actonel with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Actonel with the following:

*Antacids
*Calcium supplements
*Laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. 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.

Symptoms of a Actonel overdose 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.

By: ashu