Risedronate Sodium (Generic Actonel) - Product information and Uses

Risedronic acid or risedronate sodium is a bisphosphonate which is used to strengthen bone, treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, Treat and prevent of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and treat Paget's disease of bone. Risedronate Sodium is produced and marketed under the trade names Actonel, Atelvia, and Benet. Generic Actonel is also available in a preparation that includes a calcium carbonate supplement, as Actonel with Calcium.
Generic Actonel (Risedronate) is taken orally, usually weekly or monthly. If risedronate lodges in the esophagus, it can lead to esophageal ulcers. Therefore, it is recommended that risedronate be taken with the body upright, and followed by a glass of water. Risedronate Sodium is poorly absorbed when taken with food, so it is recommended that no food or drink other than water be taken for 2 hours before and 30 minutes after taking risedronate. Risedronate has a faster esophageal transit time and different chemical chain which results in less gastrointestinal side-effects than other drugs in this class.

Risedronate - Availability And Packaging

Risedronate Sodium is available as Generic Actonel Tablets which is packaged in 5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg tablets. Generic Actonel is also available under various other trade names such as Risofos manufactured by Cipla Ltd, India.

Generic Actonel (Risedronate Sodium) - Dosage

Generic Actonel must be taken with plain water (6 to 8 oz) at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Risedronate. The recommended dosage of Generic Actonel to treat various indications is given below:
Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: 5 mg daily, 35 mg once a week, 75 mg two consecutive days each month, 150 mg once a month
Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: 5 mg daily, 35 mg once a week
Men with Osteoporosis: 35 mg once a week
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis: 5 mg daily
Paget's Disease: 30 mg daily for 2 months

Side Effects of Risedronate Sodium (Generic Actonel)

The most common adverse reactions reported in greater than 10% of patients treated with Actonel and with a higher frequency than placebo are back pain, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia
Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema, generalized rash, bullous skin reactions , and eye inflammation such as iritis, uveitis have been reported rarely.

Generic Actonel (Risedronate Sodium) - Contraindications

Generic Actonel is contraindicated in cases of Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying such as stricture or achalasia, Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes and Hypocalcemia. It is also containdicated in patients that have a hypersensitivity to Risedronate Sodium or any inactive ingredient present in Generic Actonel.

Warnings and Precautions when using Generic Actonel (Risedronate)

The following precautions have to be taken when using Generic Actonel. Severe irritation of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa can occur. Dosing instructions should be followed and caution should be used in patients with active upper GI disease. Discontinue use if new or worsening symptoms occur. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely. Calcium, antacids, or oral medications containing divalent cations interfere with the absorption of Actonel
Hypocalcemia may worsen and must be corrected prior to use. Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain may occur. Consider discontinuing use if severe symptoms develop. Atypical femur fractures have been reported. Patients with new thigh or groin pain should be evaluated to rule out a femoral fracture.

Additional Information

Additional Info: Prescribing Information