Actonel is the brand name of the medication risedronate, a biphosphonate medication that alters bone breakdown and formation in the body. It is usually prescribed to help prevent fractures and slow bone loss in some osteoporosis patients and to help increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and to treat Paget’s bone disease.

As with all medications, take risedronate in an exact manner that your doctor prescribes it to you. Depending on the case and strength of the medication, your doctor’s instructions can vary from one tablet daily to one tablet per month. You should stick to the schedule that your doctor gives you as close as possible. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water, and you should avoid ingesting anything but water for 30 minutes past taking it, including any other medications. You should not take risedronate with anything besides plain water. This medication is usually prescribed as part of a full regimen of exercise, diet, supplements, and various tests. These directions should be followed closely. Store the medication in the original packs away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

Before taking this medication, you should give your doctor a full list of every medication, vitamin, and supplement that you take, along with an updated medical history. Doing so will help your doctor determine if this medication is safe for you to take. After taking this medication, you may be instructed to stand, walk, or sit for the next 30 minutes. If you experience muscle spasms, abnormal or new hip pain, extreme joint, bone or muscle pain, or numbness and tingling.

If you suspect that you are experiencing an allergic reaction, you should get emergency medical help immediately. While taking this medication, it is possible to experience bone loss in the jaw in some rare cases. Symptoms of this may include loose teeth, swollen and red gums, jaw numbness and pain, or slow dental healing. Smoking while taking risedronate can increase your chance of experiencing fractures.

If you suspect that you are experiencing an overdose, you should drink a full glass of milk, stay upright, and avoid inducing vomiting. Get emergency medical help right away.

It is unknown if this medication is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding if you are taking this medication.

If you experience any serious reaction to Actonel you should reach out to your doctor immediately. Examples of serious reaction may include some of the following:

• Pain or numbness in the jaw
• Abnormal thigh or hip pain
• Pain or trouble swallowing
• New or worsening heartburn
• Chest pain
• Burning pain in the back
• Stomach or under the ribs
• Coughing blood
• Muscle or joint pain
• Bone pain
• Low calcium levels

Common side effects of this medication may include some of the following:

• Back, joint or muscle pain
• Flu-like symptoms
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

What are Actonel side effects?

Some common side effects of Actonel may include pain in the back or joints, muscle pain, indigestion, heartburn, stomach pains, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms.

What is Actonel generic?

The generic alternative name of Actonel is risedronate.