ACTONEL

Drug Name: ACTONEL

ACTONEL DESCRIPTION:
RISEDRONATE - ORAL (riss-ED-row-nate)

COMMON ACTONEL BRAND NAME(S):
Actonel

ACTONEL SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache and dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: flu-like symptoms (e.g., fatigue, fever, aches), weakness, chest or stomach pain, pain when swallowing, leg or ankle swelling, joint pain, bone pain. Unlikely but report promptly: unusual fatigue, vision changes, ringing in the ears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ACTONEL:
ACTONEL: Follow the directions for using this medication provided by your doctor. . Take ACTONEL at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day. To minimize the stomach side effects, take ACTONEL while in an upright position with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces/180 to 240 ml) of water. Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking this. Calcium or iron supplements, sucralfate, vitamins with minerals, milk, as well as antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of ACTONEL. Take these products at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. It is important to take the other medications prescribed for your condition (e.g., calcium supplements and Vitamin D) as directed by your doctor.

ACTONEL USES:
ACTONEL is used to treat bone disease (Paget's disease). It reduces bone pain and may prevent long-term complications. It also is used to treat and prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).

ACTONEL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney conditions, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), trouble swallowing, stomach or esophagus disorders (e.g., ulcers, esophagitis), any allergies. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate certain side effects of ACTONEL (e.g., dizziness). Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). ACTONEL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether ACTONEL is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using ACTONEL is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ACTONEL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially of: aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, sucralfate, antacids (especially those containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum), calcium supplements. Check the label on all nonprescription pain relievers, as they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Consult your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. ACTONEL may interfere with certain medical tests. Make sure that laboratory and medical personnel know that you are using ACTONEL. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ACTONEL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle weakness.

ACTONEL NOTES:
Do not share ACTONEL with others. Laboratory or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED ACTONEL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

ACTONEL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.