Actonel is a prescription medicine used to: Treat or prevent
osteoporosis in women after menopause. Actonel helps increase bone
mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal or non-spinal
fracture (break). Increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
Treat or prevent osteoporosis in either men or women who are taking
corticosteroid medicines. Treat certain men and women who have
Paget's disease of the bone.
Take Actonel exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor may
change your dose of Actonel if needed. Actonel works only if
taken on an empty stomach. Take 1 Actonel tablet, after you get
up for the day and before taking your first food, drink, or other
medicine. Take Actonel while you are sitting or standing. Do
not chew or suck on a tablet of Actonel. Swallow Actonel tablet
with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water only. Do not
take Actonel with mineral water, coffee, tea, soda, or juice. After
swallowing Actonel tablet, wait at least 30 minutes: Before you
lie down. You may sit, stand or walk, and do normal activities like
reading. Before you take your first food or drink except for
plain water. Before you take other medicines, including antacids,
calcium, and other supplements and vitamins.
