risedronate sodium

A bisphosphonate used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and the treatment of Paget's disease (in which the bones become deformed and fracture easily). It is available as tablets on prescription only.

Side effects:
include headache, constipation, indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and pain in the muscles and joints.

Precautions:
risedronate should be taken on an empty stomach to prevent food and drink interfering with its absorption in the gut. Therefore the tablets should be swallowed whole, with a full glass of water, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. The patient should then remain standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes and not lie down until after eating breakfast. The tablets should not be taken at bedtime or before rising. Risedronate should not be taken by anyone with low plasma-calcium levels or impaired kidney function or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should be used with caution by people with disorders of the oesophagus.

Interactions with other drugs:
see alendronic acid.

Proprietary preparations:
Actonel (daily tablets); Actonel Once a Week (weekly tablets); Actonel Combi (packaged with calcium carbonate and colecalciferol).

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