Risedronate

Uses of Risedronate

Risedronate tablets and delayed-release (long-acting tablets) are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (”change of life,” end of menstrual periods). Risedronate tablets are also used to treat osteoporosis in men, and in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (a type of corticosteroid medication that may cause osteoporosis). Risedronate tablets are also used to treat Paget’s disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Risedronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

Precautions and Warnings

Risedronate may cause ulcers (sores) in the esophagus. These can be severe. Your doctor may monitor you for signs of these problems. These signs can include trouble swallowing, pain when swallowing, chest pain, or frequent heartburn.

Risedronate can cause severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. If you have these symptoms, stop taking this drug and call your doctor.

Risedronate can cause poor blood supply to the jaw. This may lead to osteonecrosis (bone death) of the jaw. This is more likely to occur after a major dental procedure. If you need to have dental work done, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking this drug.

Risedronate can cause unusual fractures in the hip or leg bones. Before a fracture, you may have a dull, aching pain in your hips, groin, or thighs for weeks to months. If you have this kind of pain, talk to your doctor.

It is not known if or how Risedronate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Risedronate, stop taking it right away and contact your healthcare provider.

 It is not known if Risedronate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Risedronate while breastfeeding.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• nausea
• burping
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• headache
• dizziness
• weakness
• leg cramps
• back pain
• frequent or urgent need to urinate
• painful urination