Risedronic acid is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in men and postmenopausal women. It helps to strengthen the bones, increase bone mass and reduce the risk of spine or hip fractures.
This medicine may also be used to treat Paget's disease (a painful bone disorder which causes abnormal bone growth and deformity). It helps to regulate the growth of bone in individuals with this disease.
Take Risedronic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or a delayed-release tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, take it first thing in the morning upon arising for the day. Take this medicine with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink or other medicine of the day. Do not take Risedronic acid with mineral water, milk, coffee, tea, soda, juice or any other drink besides plain water. Swallow it whole. Do not suck, chew or crush it.
If you are taking the delayed-release type of tablet (usually labelled as “DR”), take it in the morning immediately after breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
To prevent throat irritation, take this medicine while you are in an upright position (sitting or standing). Do not take it while lying down. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Risedronic acid. Do not take other medicines, eat or drink anything except plain water during this 30-minute period.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully as this medicine may cause severe irritation to the gullet (food pipe) and stomach if not taken exactly as instructed. Taking Risedronic acid in the manner described here will help to minimise any stomach irritation that it may cause. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
There are 4 types of Risedronic acid available - the first type is to be taken once a day, the second type is to be taken only once a week, the third type is to be taken on 2 consecutive days each month, and the fourth type is to be taken only once a month.
If you are taking the Once Daily tablet, take it at about the same time everyday. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach before breakfast, at least 30 minutes prior to the first food, drink or other medicine of the day.
In certain instances that you are unable to take your once daily tablet before breakfast, you may take it on an empty stomach either between meals or in the evening. Doses between meals must be taken at least 2 hours before or after any food, drink or other medicine. Doses in the evening should be taken at least 2 hours after the last food, drink or other medicine of the day and at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Take Risedronic acid at about the same time everyday.
If you are taking the Once-a-Week tablet, take it on the same day each week.
If you are taking the third type of tablet, take it on the same 2 consecutive days each month.
If you are taking the Once-a-Month tablet, take it on the same date each month.
Your doctor will advise you about which type you will take. Make sure you understand how often you need to take this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Risedronic acid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you are taking Risedronic acid once a day, take the missed dose the next morning or according to your doctor’s instructions and return to your normal daily dosing schedule.
If you are taking this medicine once a week, take the missed dose the next morning and return to your usual once-a-week dosing schedule.
If you are taking the third type of Risedronic acid on 2 consecutive days each month and the next month’s scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take the missed dose the next morning if only one tablet is missed. If both tablets are missed, take the first dose the next morning and then the second tablet on the next consecutive morning. Return to your usual 2 consecutive days each month dosing schedule.
If you have missed one or both tablets while taking the third type of this medicine and the next month’s scheduled dose is within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled date to take your tablet then resume to your usual 2 consecutive days each month dosing schedule.
If you are taking Risedronic acid once a month and the next month’s scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take the missed dose the next morning and return to your usual once-a-month dosing schedule.
If you are taking this medicine once a month and the next month’s scheduled dose is within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled date to take your tablet then continue to your usual once-a-month dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low levels of calcium in your blood
- diseases of the gullet (food pipe)
- unable to sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes
- severe kidney disease
as Risedronic acid may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Risedronic acid, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Risedronic acid if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have problems with your stomach or food pipe e.g. difficulty swallowing, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), stomach ulcers
- cancer
- history of problems with your teeth or gums
- low levels of vitamin D in the body
- mild or moderate kidney disease
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, inform your doctor that you are taking Risedronic acid.
If you are going to have an operation including minor surgery and dental work, or certain tests such as bone scan, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with Risedronic acid. Your doctor may recommend that you have a dental check-up before starting you on this medicine. Inform your doctor and dentist if you experience pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw or if you have a loose tooth.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Risedronic acid. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have routine tests (e.g. blood calcium and vitamin D levels, bone mineral density) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Risedronic acid may cause any of the following side effects: headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling sensation in the fingers, toes, or around the mouth
- severe joint, bone or muscle pain
- unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
- chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, difficulty or pain when swallowing
- pass out bloody stools or black as tar and vomiting blood, or ground coffee-like material
- inflammation, pain or redness of the eyes
- severe jaw bone problems
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines or supplements containing calcium, aluminium, iron, or magnesium.
You should wait for at least 30 minutes after taking Risedronic acid before taking any other medicines (e.g. antacids) or supplements (e.g. calcium supplements).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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