What is Actonel? 

Actonel, whose generic name is risedronate, belongs to a group of bisphosphonate medicines. It is a potent drug that works primarily by preventing bone loss, weakening, or brittleness (also known as osteoporosis), especially if you are menopausal, taking steroids for a long time, or have Paget’s disease.

How does Actonel work? 

As you age, you are more prone or likely to develop osteoporosis. In the same manner, this is particularly prevalent while using steroids for a longer duration or if you have a bone problem. Osteoporosis develops when bones lose minerals faster than the body can restore them. 

This drug works by suppressing the cells responsible for rapid bone turnover or bone breakdown (osteoclast) while enabling bone-building cells (osteoblast) to function effectively. As a result, this helps to strengthen and increase bone mass, thereby reducing bone fractures. 

For this reason, Actonel for osteoporosis is the first drug of choice.

Actonel Dosage 

The dosage, strength, and frequency of Actonel depend on your medical condition, gender, age, and treatment tolerance. This tablet is administered orally on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This medication is available in doses of 5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg per tablet. 

The usual dose of this drug for osteoporosis in women after menopause will be dependent on your preference. You can take 5 mg daily, 35 mg once a week, two 75 mg pills taken on two consecutive days per month, or a 150 mg pill once a month. 

Generally, a 5 mg pill is recommended for induced steroid osteoporosis. Actonel 35 mg once a week is suggested for males with osteoporosis. For Paget’s disease, you may take this drug daily with a dose of 30 mg for a maximum of two months.

What is the best way to use Actonel? 

It is best to read all prescription directions and information carefully before starting the therapy. Seek medical advice from your doctor and pharmacist if there is anything that you don’t understand about this medicine. Any alteration or changes in your dosage is not advisable. 

This drug is best taken on an empty stomach in the morning, 30 minutes before meals or milk, for maximum absorption. Consume the whole tablet with a cup of plain water without chewing or crushing the tablets, as this might cause mouth and throat ulcers. Avoid lying down and taking any other medications or food 30 minutes after taking the pill. 

To avoid missing a dose, remember to take this medication regularly. Making a note on your calendar may assist you in remembering to take your medicine. If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, specifically in the morning. Skip the missing dose if it is already late in the afternoon and return to your regular schedule. 

In addition to this medication, a healthy diet and exercise are all adjunct therapy for strengthening the bones.

Actonel Side Effects 

The following are some of the most common side effects of this medication that may resolve in time: 

• Heartburn
• Stomach problems (diarrhea, constipation, indigestion)
• Pain (head, joint, back, stomach)
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle pain)
• Dizziness
• Increased blood pressure

You may need to stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these signs and symptoms worsen over time. Serious side effects include: 

• Esophageal irritation and inflammation 
• Ulcers in the esophageal lining (esophageal ulcer)
• Bleeding from the esophagus
• Symptoms of low calcium levels include muscle spasms and numbness in the extremities.
• Frequent and burning urination, as well as dark-colored urine
• Unbearable joint, muscle, or bone pain
• Bone fractures, jawbone breakage
• Blurring of vision
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Worsening in heartburn or chest pain

Remember that this list does not include all of the health implications of Risedronate. Other adverse effects could occur.

Precautions 

• If you have kidney, esophageal, or intestinal problems, inform your doctor about your medical history before starting this treatment. Also, if your blood calcium levels are low, you should not start taking this drug. Blood tests should be performed both before and after starting this therapy. 
• Do not use this drug if you are allergic to risedronate or other ingredients. When using this medicine, you should get medical treatment as soon as you notice any of the following signs and symptoms: rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing.
• Any medications or vitamins you’re taking should be disclosed to your doctor. Antacid medicines containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum can interact with your treatment and induce additional unwanted side effects. The same is true for drinks rich in calcium and dairy products.
• Encourage sufficient calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent low calcium levels and help strengthen your bones.
• Keep Actonel out of the reach of children and store it safely.

How much does Actonel cost?

Check the top of this page to find out how affordable our Actonel prices are.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between Actonel and Fosamax? 

On Actonel vs Fosamax, both drugs belong to the bisphosphonate group of medications used to treat osteoporosis, osteoporosis caused by long-term use of steroids, and Paget’s disease. Nonetheless, the former contains risedronate as an active component while the latter has alendronate.

Is Actonel the same as Boniva? 

On Actonel vs Boniva, both drugs belong to the same group of medications.  Actonel includes risedronate, whereas Boniva contains ibandronate as an active ingredient. In addition, both are available as oral tablets, but Boniva can be administered as a shot into your vein every three months.  

Furthermore, Actonel can be used for both genders, while Boniva is for women’s use only. Finally, Actonel requires only 30 minutes to wait to lie down after taking it orally, whereas Boniva needs at least an hour.

How much time does Actonel take to work? 

Risedronate starts to function in your system immediately after you begin treatment.

Why is it advised not to lie down right after taking Actonel? 

When taking Risedronate, you should wait at least 30 minutes before lying down because it has an irritating effect. Failure to do so can result in esophageal irritation or ulcer formation.