Actonel is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures. It can also be used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women.

Your dosing schedule will depend on why you are taking Actonel and in what tablet strength. Take the Actonel first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Use only plain water when taking a Actonel tablet. Do not use coffee, tea, soda, juice, or mineral water. Do not crush, chew, or suck on a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. After swallowing Actonel tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before you lie down or recline, before you take your first food or drink except for plain water, before you take other medicines including vitamins, calcium, iron, antacids.

Do not take two different brands or strengths of risedronate at the same time. Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel. This includes vitamins, calcium, iron, antacids, or laxatives. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb risedronate. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can also cause bone loss.

Do not take Actonel if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not use Actonel if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood. It can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Stop using Actonel and call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or pain when swallowing.

The most common side effects are heartburn, indigestion, back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms. Stop using Actonel and call your doctor at once if you have: difficulty or pain when swallowing; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; chest pain, new or worsening heartburn; new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip; jaw pain, numbness, or swelling; severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: aspirin; iron supplements; antacids, laxatives; or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

If you forget to take Actonel on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly or monthly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take 2 doses in one day.

Drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.