Actonel (Risedronate Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Actonel Used For?
Actonel contains risedronate sodium and belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It works directly on your bones to make them stronger and less likely to break or fracture.
Primary Uses
Actonel 5mg and 150mg tablets treat osteoporosis (brittle bones that fracture easily) and osteoporosis caused by taking steroids. Actonel 30mg tablets treat Paget's disease of the bone. These conditions happen when the normal bone maintenance process changes.
How It Works
Actonel slows down the process of old bone being removed, giving bone-forming cells time to rebuild normal bone. It also helps rebuild bone mass, creating stronger bone that's less likely to fracture. This helps reverse the progression of osteoporosis.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Actonel is addictive.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Actonel
Take Actonel in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal, drink, or other medication. Stay upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
Dosage Instructions
For osteoporosis: one 5mg tablet daily or one 150mg tablet once monthly. For Paget's disease: one 30mg tablet daily for 2 months. Take with a full glass of plain water only (120mL) – not mineral water, juice, coffee, or tea. Swallow whole, don't chew or suck the tablet.
What If You Miss a Dose?
For 5mg and 30mg tablets: If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. For 150mg monthly tablets: If your next dose is more than 7 days away, take one tablet the next morning. If your next dose is within 7 days, don't take the missed dose – return to your regular monthly schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet – this may increase your chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- aching muscles, joints or bones
- headache
- nausea
- runny nose
- sore throat
- dizziness
- skin rash or redness, sometimes made worse by sunlight
- itchiness
- blurred vision or vision changes
- eye pain, swelling or redness
- jaw or teeth problems with delayed healing after dental work
- difficulty or pain swallowing
- new or worsening heartburn
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- chest pain
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat or tongue
- severe skin reactions
Important Warnings
Actonel is not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Actonel
Don't use Actonel if you're allergic to risedronate sodium or any ingredients, can't stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, have hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium), or have severe kidney problems. Not recommended for children under 18 years.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have bone and mineral metabolism problems (like vitamin D deficiency), problems with your esophagus (food tube) such as ulcers, or jaw pain, swelling, numbness, or loose teeth. A dental check-up may be needed before starting treatment, especially if you're receiving cancer treatment or taking corticosteroids.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Actonel is not recommended during pregnancy unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits. It's unknown if Actonel passes into breast milk. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Actonel and affect how it works. You may need to stop taking these products or take them at different times.
Safe combination: You can take aspirin while being treated with Actonel.
- Antacids (medicines for indigestion like Gaviscon, Mylanta)
- Other products containing calcium
- Iron supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking Actonel, as it may affect some people differently.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Actonel affects you. Actonel may cause dizziness in some people.
Storage
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in the original pack until it's time to take them. Don't store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you've taken too much Actonel, seek urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. If someone has accidentally taken many tablets, give them a full glass of milk or antacids, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Actonel works directly on your bones to make them stronger over time. It slows down bone removal and helps rebuild bone mass, but the source doesn't specify exact timeframes for seeing results.
No, Actonel must be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day. Don't have any food or drink except plain water for 30 minutes after taking it.
No, there is no evidence that Actonel is addictive.
Don't stop using Actonel suddenly without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Follow your doctor's instructions about when to stop treatment.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The medication guide doesn't prohibit alcohol but recommends discussing it with your healthcare provider.
You must stay upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel to help the tablet reach your stomach quickly and avoid irritation to your esophagus (food tube).
Tell your dentist that you're taking Actonel. Invasive dental procedures should be avoided where possible, as this type of medicine may cause jaw-bone problems in some people. Contact your doctor or dentist if you develop tooth pain, jaw pain, or swelling after dental work.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.