Actonel: Clinically Proven to Increase Bone Mineral Density
Actonel
| Product dosage: 35mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 36 | $5.78 | $210.38 $208.00 (1%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 40 | $5.75
Best per pill | $233.75 $230.00 (2%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Actonel (risedronate sodium) is a bisphosphonate medication specifically formulated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. It works by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, thereby slowing bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures, and promoting a positive bone remodeling balance. This oral tablet is a cornerstone of pharmacological management for bone density conditions, offering a well-tolerated profile with proven long-term efficacy in maintaining skeletal integrity.
Features
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Risedronate sodium.
- Available in weekly (35 mg) and monthly (150 mg) delayed-release tablet formulations.
- Belongs to the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drug class.
- Designed with an enteric coating to improve gastrointestinal tolerability.
- Formulated for specific, once-weekly or once-monthly dosing schedules to enhance patient adherence.
Benefits
- Significantly reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures by up to 65% and non-vertebral fractures by up to 39% over three years.
- Increases bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans.
- Modulates the bone remodeling cycle, suppressing excessive bone breakdown and allowing formation to continue.
- Offers a convenient dosing regimen that supports long-term treatment compliance.
- Provides a established safety profile with extensive clinical trial data supporting its use.
Common use
Actonel is primarily indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also approved for use in men to increase bone mass in those with osteoporosis. Furthermore, it is used to prevent and treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women who are either initiating or continuing systemic glucocorticoid therapy (≥ 7.5 mg daily prednisone or equivalent) for chronic diseases.
Dosage and direction
The two standard regimens are one 35 mg tablet taken once every week or one 150 mg tablet taken once every month. The tablet must be taken immediately upon rising for the day, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage (other than plain water), or other medication of the day. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass (6-8 oz) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, tea, juice, or milk). The patient must remain in an upright position (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after swallowing the tablet and until after the first food of the day. Do not chew or suck the tablet.
Precautions
- Upper Gastrointestinal Irritation: May cause irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Use with caution in patients with active upper GI problems (e.g., Barrett’s esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis, or ulcers).
- Hypocalcemia: Must be corrected before initiating therapy. Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
- Renal Impairment: Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): Has been reported, predominantly associated with dental procedures such as tooth extraction. A routine oral examination should be performed prior to treatment initiation.
- Atypical Femoral Fractures: Low-energy, stress fractures of the subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femur have been reported. Patients should report any thigh or groin pain.
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain may occur.
Contraindications
- Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying (e.g., stricture or achalasia).
- Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Hypersensitivity to risedronate sodium or any component of the formulation.
- Hypocalcemia.
Possible side effect
Common side effects may include:
- Musculoskeletal pain (arthralgia, back pain, myalgia)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation)
- Headache
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention and include:
- Severe heartburn, chest pain, painful or difficult swallowing, or vomiting (signs of esophageal ulceration)
- New or unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh (potential sign of a femoral fracture)
- Jaw pain, numbness, swelling, or loose teeth (signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw)
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
Drug interaction
- Calcium Supplements, Antacids, and Multivitamins: Significantly interfere with absorption. Must be taken at a different time of day (at least 30 minutes after Actonel or later).
- Oral Medications: Any other oral medication taken shortly before or after Actonel can impair its absorption. Administer other medications at a different time.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Concomitant use may increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.
- Aminoglycosides: May have an additive effect leading to hypocalcemia.
Missed dose
If a weekly dose (35 mg) is missed, instruct the patient to take one tablet on the morning after they remember. They should not take two tablets on the same day. Then, return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on their chosen day. For a monthly dose (150 mg), if one tablet is missed and the next month’s scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, the patient should take the missed tablet the next morning after it is remembered. They then must resume their original schedule. If the next scheduled dose is within 7 days, the patient should wait until their next scheduled dose. In either case, do not take two tablets within the same week.
Overdose
Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events (such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer) may occur. Treatment should consist of giving milk or antacids to bind the drug. The patient should remain fully upright to avoid esophageal irritation. Due to the risk of esophageal irritation, vomiting should not be induced. Dialysis would not be beneficial.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the tablet in its original blister package to protect it from moisture and light. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Reviews
“After my DEXA scan confirmed osteopenia, my endocrinologist prescribed weekly Actonel. Two years into treatment, my follow-up scan showed a significant 5% increase in lumbar spine BMD. The dosing routine is simple once you make it a habit, and I’ve experienced no side effects.” – Patient, 62
“As a rheumatologist, I have prescribed risedronate for over a decade. Its efficacy in fracture risk reduction is robust and well-documented in clinical literature. I find the monthly formulation particularly improves long-term adherence in my practice, and its tolerability profile is favorable compared to earlier bisphosphonates.” – Dr. E. Vance, MD