Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: RISEDRONATE (ris-ED-roe-nate)
This medicine is a bisphosphonate used to prevent and treat osteoporosis that occurs after menopause.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions if you have a history of stomach or bowel problems (such as inflammation, ulcer); esophagus problems (such as narrowing, blockage, heartburn, reflux disease, severe irritation); kidney problems; difficult or painful swallowing; low blood vitamin D levels; mood or mental problems; cancer; anemia; blood clotting problems; an infection; calcium metabolism problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Inform your doctor if you have poor dental hygiene, other dental problems, or you will be having a dental procedure. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have low blood calcium levels; severe kidney problems; or if you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is taken once a week. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule and take the medicine that day every week. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck on the tablet before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with 6 to 8 ounces of PLAIN WATER ONLY the first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine. This medicine is effective only if taken on an empty stomach. DO NOT LIE DOWN for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this medicine. Take these products or any other medicines at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it the next morning after you remember. Then resume taking your weekly dose on your originally scheduled day of the week. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. IF YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF SURGERY and cannot sit or stand upright following surgery, check with your doctor before continuing this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; joint pain; headache; mild stomach pain or upset; nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mouth sores. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry, or bloody stools; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood; difficult or painful swallowing; unusual eye pain or redness; new, worsening, or severe heartburn; painful or difficult urination; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain; severe or persistent sore throat or stomach pain; swelling of the hands, legs, or joints; swelling or pain in your jaw; or vision changes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If an allergic reaction to this medicine occurs, seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Non-drug therapy may also help prevent bone loss. Consult your doctor about a weight-bearing exercise plan or other lifestyle changes that may be helpful. Follow all diet recommendations for adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.