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Actonel ( ris-ED-roe-nate) is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause. It may also be used in men and women to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine). Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone. Actonel is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Actonel is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life). Actonel is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (corticosteroids; a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis). Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones). Actonel is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness) to make bones stronger and less likely to break. Actonel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week in the morning. If you are taking Actonel once a week, take it on the same day every week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Actonel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Actonel may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, do not think you will remember, or are unable to follow these instructions. You must take Actonel immediately after you get out of bed in the morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take Actonel at bedtime or before you get up for the day. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them, and do not hold them in your mouth for any length of time. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water while you are sitting or standing up. Do not take Actonel with tea, coffee, juice, mineral water, milk, other dairy drinks, or any liquid other than plain water. After you take Actonel, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take Actonel. Sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day. Actonel controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does not cure these conditions. Actonel helps to prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take Actonel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Actonel without talking to your doctor. Brand names: - Actonel - Risedronate |