Has your doctor told you that you are at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to thin as you age? Or maybe you are already taking medication for the condition. Risedronate is a special medication that is used to treat this type of bone-weakening condition. You may know it by the brand name Actonel. The way you take this medication is a little different, and there are a few things you need to be very careful about. So let's talk about it all clearly and simply today.
What kind of medicine is Risedronate?
Simply put, Risedronate is a medication that helps control the loss of calcium from your bones and keep them strong. It is mainly used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease, another bone disease. Doctors may also prescribe this medication to people who are at risk of bone weakness for other reasons.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| Bleeding disorder. |
| Cancer. |
| A disease of the teeth or gums. |
| Difficulty swallowing food. |
| Kidney disease. |
| Low blood calcium levels. |
| A problem with the stomach or intestines (e.g. gastritis, ulcers). |
| Difficulty sitting or standing upright for 30 minutes at a time. (This is very important) |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
| If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Here's something you need to remember : To get the most out of this medicine, you need to use it correctly.
1. Day to take: This medication is usually given once a week. You should take this pill on the same day of the week as your doctor tells you. For example, every Monday.
2. When to take: This pill should be taken as soon as you wake up in the morning, before eating or drinking anything else.
3. How to take: Take the tablet with a large glass of clean water only. Do not take it with anything like tea, coffee, milk, or fruit drinks. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Swallow it whole.
4. After taking the pill: Do not eat, drink anything (except water), or take any other medications or vitamins for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill.
5. Posture: This is very important! After taking the pill, sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes . Do not slouch or lie down. Doing so can cause the medicine to get stuck in your throat and cause injury.
6. Stopping: Continue using the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Imagine that you take this pill every Sunday morning. Then, as soon as you wake up on Sunday morning, you take the pill with a glass of water, and spend about 30 minutes reading the newspaper, doing some kitchen work, or sitting up straight. Only then do you drink your morning tea and eat your breakfast.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your pill one day, don't worry. Take it the next morning as soon as you remember . But never take two pills in one day. Then start taking your pill again on your usual day (e.g. Monday).
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications, vitamins, and foods you take can interfere with the absorption of Risedronate. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Calcium tablets
- Iron tablets
- Magnesium tablets
- Types of antacids for gastritis (e.g. Digene, Gelusil)
- Vitamins and minerals supplements
- Painkillers (such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
If you are taking something like this, it is best to take the Risedronate pill a few hours after taking it. Ask your doctor for specific instructions on this.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Visiting the doctor: Visit the doctor at the scheduled time to check your condition. It may take some time for this medicine to take effect.
- Watch out for pain: Some people may experience severe bone, joint, or muscle pain while taking this medication. Also, if you experience jaw pain (especially after a tooth extraction) or hip pain , don't ignore it. Tell your doctor right away .
- Calcium and Vitamin D: While taking this medication, you need to make sure that your body gets enough calcium and vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about appropriate foods and additional vitamins if necessary.
- Dental health: This is very important. Be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking this medication. It is best to have any dental problems treated before you start taking this medication. You may be advised to avoid major dental surgery while taking the medication. Keep your teeth clean.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Be aware of the symptoms below.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Severe pain | Severe pain in the bones, joints, muscles, or jawbone. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Pain when swallowing, heartburn, and sore throat. |
| Symptoms of calcium deficiency | Rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching, numbness in the limbs. |
| Eye problems | Redness, itching, vision changes. |
| Symptoms to report to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Stomach discomfort | Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation. |
| Other features | Headache , dizziness, insomnia, swelling of the limbs. |
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How should I store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Throw away any expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Risedronate tablets on the same day of the week, upon waking in the morning, on an empty stomach, with a glass of water.
- After taking the pill, stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down.
- Do not eat, drink, or take any other medication for 30 minutes after taking the pill.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- If you experience severe pain in your jaw, thigh, or anywhere else, notify your doctor immediately.
- Be sure to inform your dentist that you are taking this medication.
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