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What are Calcium Carbonate; Risedronate tablets?

CALCIUM CARBONATE; RISEDRONATE (Actonel® with Calcium) is a combination of medicines used to reduce calcium loss from bones. It helps prevent bone loss and increases production of normal healthy bone in people with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Generic Actonel® with calcium tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• constipation
• dehydration
• dental disease
• kidney disease
• hyperparathyroidism
• low or high calcium in the blood
• low vitamin D in the blood
• stomach, intestine, or esophagus problems, like acid-reflux or GERD
• problems swallowing
• an unusual reaction to calcium, risedronate, other bisphosphonates, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Follow the directions on the prescription label. Risedronate is only taken once per week. Take the risedronate tablet on the same day of the week, every week. Calcium is taken on the other 6 days of the week that you do not take risedronate.

For the day you take the risedronate:
Take the risedronate tablet by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6—8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablet with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not chew or suck the tablet. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablet and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down or bend over) for at least 30 minutes. This will help to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium, or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

For the days you take the calcium:
Take your calcium tablet with food on the 6 days of the week that you do not take risedronate.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss your once a week dose of risedronate, take your dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a week, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the week. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. If you have already eaten, wait at least 4 hours after eating to take your dose or wait until the next morning. Never take 2 tablets on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you forget to take you daily calcium tablet, take it as soon as you remember with your next meal. Do not take 2 tablets with the same meal.

What drug(s) may interact with Calcium Carbonate; Risedronate?

• acetaminophen
• ammonium chloride
• antacids like aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide
• antibiotics
• anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others
• aspirin
• bisacodyl
• calcitonin
• calcium supplements
• captopril
• delavirdine
• dexmethylphenidate
• ethotoin
• ezetimibe
• gabapentin
• gallium nitrate
• iron supplements
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• magnesium supplements
• methenamine
• methylphenidate
• mycophenolate
• parathyroid hormone
• phenytoin
• phosphorous salts
• steroid medicines such as prednisone
• sucralfate
• rosuvastatin
• teriparatide
• thiazide diuretics
• thyroid hormones
• quinidine
• vitamins with minerals

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Calcium Carbonate; Risedronate?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests or other tests to check on your progress.

It is very important to take risedronate with a full glass of plain water (6—8 ounces). Do not take with other fluids, like coffee or orange juice, as these may decrease the absorption of risedronate. Do not take risedronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking risedronate before you eat, drink, or take other medicines.

Because risedronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Do not lie down. Do not bend over while you are sitting, standing, or walking.

If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away.

You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking risedronate, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.

If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like iron, or a vitamin with minerals, wait to take them at least 2 hours after you take risedronate. Do not take them at same time. Also, if you are taking other medicines, do not take them 2 hours before or after taking the calcium carbonate.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation

What side effects may I notice from receiving Calcium Carbonate; Risedronate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• black or tarry stools
• changes in mental status
• constant jaw pain, especially burning or cramping
• drowsiness or dizziness
• eye inflammation, pain, or vision change
• loss of appetite
• low levels of calcium in the blood (may cause symptoms like confusion, severe fatigue, or weakness)
• pain or difficulty when swallowing
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain
• swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bone pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• indigestion or stomach gas
• joint pain
• mild heartburn
• muscle pain
• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 68—77 degrees F (20—25 degrees C). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.