Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones as we age, is something that is common to our mothers, fathers, and grandparents. Perhaps your doctor has prescribed a medicine called Risedronate to strengthen your bones. It is available under brand names like Actonel. So today, let's talk about this medicine, the correct way to use it, and some important things you need to know.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Risedronate is a medication that slows down the rate at which calcium is released from your bones. This prevents your bones from becoming thinner and more easily broken. It is mainly used to treat bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease . It can also be prescribed to people who are at risk of bone weakness for other reasons.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is aware of these things before deciding if this medication is right for you. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your situation/problem | How to notify the doctor |
|---|---|
| Difficulty swallowing food | If you have difficulty swallowing or experience pain when swallowing. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems | Gastritis, stomach ulcers, or other related conditions. |
| Decreased blood calcium levels | If you have been diagnosed with low calcium in your blood. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney-related condition. |
| Problems with teeth or gums | If you have existing dental disease or are scheduled to have dental surgery. |
| Difficulty sitting or standing upright | If you are unable to stand upright for 30 minutes after taking the medicine. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Other medications or allergies | If you are allergic to Risedronate or any other medicines or foods. If you are using steroids such as Dexamethasone or Prednisone. |
The correct way to use this medicine
To get the most out of this medication and minimize side effects, it is extremely important to know exactly how to take it. Remember these steps carefully.
1. When to take: This should be taken as soon as you wake up in the morning, before eating or drinking anything else (on an empty stomach).
2. What to drink: Take the pill with a full glass of water and drink it with that water only . Do not take it with anything like tea, coffee, milk, or fruit drinks. Just plain water.
3. How to take the pill: Do not chew or crush the pill. Swallow it whole .
4. Very important step: After taking the pill, stay upright for at least 30 minutes . That means sitting or standing. Do not lie down or bend over for any reason .
5. Next: Do not eat breakfast, drink anything else, or take other medications or vitamins for 30 minutes after taking the pill.
Remember, lying down after taking this medicine can cause irritation and sores to your throat and esophagus. So be sure to follow the advice to 'stay upright for 30 minutes'.
Continue to use the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
This varies depending on the order in which you take the medicine.
If it is a medicine to be taken once a day
If you miss a dose, skip it. Take the next pill at the usual time the next morning. Never take two pills in one day.
If it's a medicine to take once a month
- If you miss a pill more than 7 days before your next dose, take the missed pill the morning after you remember.
- However, if it is between 1 and 7 days until your next pill is due when you remember, do not take the missed pill. Skip the missed pill altogether and take the next pill on the scheduled day.
- Remember, never take two pills in the same week.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications and supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine, so tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
- Antacids for gastritis
- Supplements containing calcium or iron
- Vitamins (especially those containing minerals)
- Aspirin
- Painkillers (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Naproxen
- Thyroid hormones
Give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you use.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Medical Checkups: See your doctor on scheduled days to monitor your progress. It may take some time for the effects of this medication to show.
- Watch out for pain: Some people may experience severe pain in their bones, joints, or muscles while taking this medicine. There is also a risk of jaw problems or a sudden fracture of a thigh bone . If you experience severe pain, especially in your jaw, after dental surgery, such as a tooth extraction , tell your doctor right away.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: You need to make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about your diet and the vitamins you are taking.
- Dental Health: It is a good idea to see a dentist for a dental check-up before starting this medication. Keep your teeth clean throughout the entire period of taking the medication. Also tell your dentist that you are taking this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Risedronate can cause side effects. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe pain | Severe pain in the bones, joints, muscles, or jaw area. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Pain when swallowing, heartburn. |
| Symptoms of calcium deficiency | Rapid heartbeat, numbness in the limbs, muscle twitching, seizures. |
| Other serious symptoms | Changes in vision, itching/redness of the eyes, sores inside the mouth. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, bloating, constipation, nausea. |
| Other minor features | Headache , dizziness , depression, insomnia. |
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
How should you store your medicine?
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Risedronate tablets in the morning on an empty stomach, with a glass of clean water. It is essential to remain upright for 30 minutes after taking them.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- If you experience severe pain in your bones, joints, muscles, or jaw area, seek medical advice immediately.
- Maintain good dental health while taking this medicine. Also tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Make sure you get the amount of calcium and vitamin D you need according to your doctor's advice.
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