Generic name:risedronate [ ris-ED-roe-nate ]
Brand names: Actonel, Atelvia
Drug class:Bisphosphonates
What is Actonel?
Actonel is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.
Actonel is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure.
Actonel is also used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women.
Warnings
You should not take Actonel if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood.
Do not take Actonel if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.
Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Stop using Actonel and call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or pain when swallowing.
Also call your doctor if you have muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (in hands and feet or around the mouth), new or unusual hip pain, or severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles.
Actonel side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Actonel (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Stop using Actonel and call your doctor at once if you have:
chest pain, new or worsening heartburn;
difficulty or pain when swallowing;
pain or b...
