Risedronate or risedronic acid is a drug to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis . This drug is also used in the treatment of osteoporosis due to long-term corticosteroid use and Paget's disease.
Risedronate belongs to the group of bisphosphonates that work by way of the bone resorption process so as to prevent the reduction of bone time. That way, the strength and density of the bones will be maintained and the risk of fracture will be reduced.
Risedronate brand names: Actonel Once a-Week, Actonel Once a-Month, Osteonate Oaw, Ristonat
What is Risedronate
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Bisphosphonates |
| Benefits | Preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis, treating osteoporosis due to long-term use of corticosteroid drugs, and Paget's disease |
| Consumed by | Adults |
| Risedronate for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Studies on experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies on pregnant women.
Medicines can only be used if the magnitude of the expected benefit exceeds the magnitude of the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether risedronate can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Risedronate
Risedronate should not be consumed carelessly and should be according to the doctor's prescription. Here are some things you should pay attention to before consuming risedronate:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Risendronate should not be consumed by someone who is allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing , cannot sit or stand for too long, or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy .
- Tell your doctor if you have ever or are suffering from achalasia , low calcium levels, stomach ulcers , kidney disease, dental or mouth disease, malabsorption , cancer, or blood disorders .
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are using other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor that you are undergoing treatment with risedronate and have not undergone surgery or medical procedures, including dental surgery.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose, after taking risedronate.
Dosage and Administration of Risedronate
The dose of risedronate is determined based on the age, condition of the patient, and the body's response to the drug. The following is the dose of risedronate for adults based on its intended use:
-
Purpose: Prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis
. The dose is 5 mg, once a day or 35 mg, once a week, or 150 mg, once a month.
-
Purpose: Treating osteoporosis due to long-term use of corticosteroid
drugs. The dose is 5 mg per day
-
Purpose: Treating Paget's disease
The dose is 30 mg, 1 time a day, for 2 months.
-
Purpose: Increase bone mass in men suffering from osteoporosis
. The dose is 35 mg, once a week.
How to Consume Risedronate Correctly
Follow your doctor 's advice and always read the directions for use on the risedronate package. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the medicine beyond the recommended period of time.
Risedronate tablets are consumed in the morning on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Swallow risedronate tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, split, or crush the medicine.
To prevent throat irritation, drink risedronate while sitting or standing. Do not lie down and consume any food or drink at least 30 minutes before taking the medicine.
While undergoing treatment with risedrone, you are also advised to always keep your teeth clean and have regular dental check-ups.
Make sure there is enough time between one dose and the next. Try to consume risedronate at the same time every day for maximum treatment.
If you forget to take risedronate, take it immediately if the pause with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Perform controls according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored. Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages because it can increase the loss of bone time and aggravate existing conditions.
Store risedronate in a dry, covered place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Risedronate Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interaction effects that can occur when risedronate is used with certain drugs, among others:
- Decreased absorption of risedronate if used with antacids or mineral supplements containing calcium , aluminum, or magnesium
- Increased risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding if used with deferasirox or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac or ibuprofen
- Increased risk of low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia) if used with etelcalcetide
Side Effects and Dangers of Risedronate
Some common side effects that can occur after consuming risedronate are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating or abdominal pain
- Headache
- Muscle pain, joint pain , or bone pain
Check with your doctor if the above side effects do not subside or worsen. Go to the doctor immediately if an allergic reaction to the drug appears, which can be marked by the appearance of symptoms in the form of an itchy rash, swelling of the eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Muscle pain, joint pain, hip pain, severe
- Pain or swelling in the jaw or sudden loose teeth
- Ear pain, discharge from the ear, and infection of the ear bone
- Muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, or tingling
- Severe abdominal pain , bloody or black stools, difficulty swallowing, or pain in swallowing