What is Risedronate?

Risedronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause. It may also be used in men and women to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine). Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone.

How does Risedronate work?

Risedronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates which also includes the drugs alendronate (Fosamax) and etidronate (Didronel). It is used for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone (a disease in which the formation of bone is abnormal) and in persons with osteoporosis (in which the density and strength of bones are reduced). Bone is continually being formed and dissolved. By slowing down the rate at which bone is dissolved, risedronate increases the amount of bone. Risedronate has a chemically unique component as compared with the other bisphosphonates which is believed to reduce the likelihood of gastro-intestinal side effects. Risedronate is more potent in blocking the dissolution of bone than etidronate and alendronate.

The history of Risedronate

The FDA approved risedronate for treatment of Paget's disease in 1998 and for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in 1999.

Risedronate mode of action

Take risedronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach. It should be taken in the morning at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages will decrease the amount of risedronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids that contain calcium or calcium supplements also will decrease the absorption of risedronate.

Do not suck or chew on the tablet because it may cause throat irritation. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking risedronate. This will help risedronate reach your stomach faster. It also will help prevent irritation to your esophagus.

Risedronate side effects

Abdominal or stomach pain (severe);  belching;  bone pain;  cramping of stomach 

Risedronate generally is well-tolerated. The most common side effects are headache (1 in 5 persons), joint pain (1 in 3), diarrhea (1 in 5), abdominal pain (1 in 9), rash (1 in 9), and nausea (1 in 10). A related drug, alendronate, can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn in patients when it sticks in the esophagus.

Risedronate Special Conditions To Observe

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether risedronate passes into milk. However, it does pass into the milk in animals. Discuss with your doctor whether or not to breast-feed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.