RisedronateRisedronate Sodium

About Risedronate

Risedronate binds to bone and slows the cells that break it down, so fractures become less likely. It treats and prevents osteoporosis after menopause and bone loss from long-term steroid use, treats osteoporosis in men, and, as a two-month daily course, treats Paget’s disease of bone. Atelvia, the weekly delayed-release tablet, is approved only for osteoporosis after menopause and is never combined with Actonel, which is the same drug.

Back pain, joint pain, stomach pain and indigestion are common. Painful or difficult swallowing, chest pain or new heartburn can mean the esophagus is irritated, and the label says to stop and seek medical advice. It is not used with esophagus problems that delay emptying, by people who cannot stay upright for 30 minutes, or with low blood calcium, and is not recommended in severe kidney impairment. There is no boxed warning.

Rare problems with long use include jaw bone damage, made more likely by invasive dental work, and unusual thigh fractures that often begin as a dull thigh or groin ache. A dental check first is advised, and people at low fracture risk may be considered for stopping after 3 to 5 years.

Taking Risedronate

How to take it

Standard tablets: first thing in the morning, swallowed whole with 6 to 8 ounces of plain water (not coffee, juice, milk or mineral water), then nothing to eat, drink or swallow for at least 30 minutes, sitting or standing. Delayed-release tablets: immediately after breakfast, swallowed whole with at least 4 ounces of plain water, staying upright for 30 minutes. Never chew or suck either tablet.

If you miss a dose

Weekly tablet: take it the morning after you remember, then return to your usual day; never two in one day. Monthly tablet: take it the morning after you remember if the next dose is more than 7 days away; otherwise skip it. Daily tablet: skip it.

Storage

At room temperature in the original container, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture.

Interactions to know about

Calcium, iron, magnesium, antacids and other supplements block absorption: take them at least 30 minutes after a standard tablet, and not with a delayed-release tablet. Acid reducers such as omeprazole are not recommended with the delayed-release tablet. Report swallowing pain, chest pain, jaw pain or thigh pain.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Risedronate differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Generic risedronate has several makers, but a month is only four weekly tablets or one monthly tablet, so the dispensing fee and mark-up are much of the cash price, and per-tablet and flat-fee pharmacies quote very differently. The delayed-release tablet and the 30 mg and 75 mg strengths have fewer makers and less price competition, and since the two forms are not interchangeable, the prescription decides which price applies.

Ways to pay less for Risedronate without insurance

• Ask for a ninety-day supply, so one dispensing fee covers three months.
• If the delayed-release form is quoted high, ask the prescriber whether the standard weekly tablet would suit you, given its empty-stomach routine.
• Ask the prescriber whether alendronate, a weekly bisphosphonate with many generic makers, would suit you if cost matters.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Risedronate

1. 1.Is this the standard or the delayed-release tablet, and do I take it before or after breakfast?
2. 2.How long must I wait before eating or taking other medicines?
3. 3.When should I take calcium, iron or antacids?
4. 4.What if I miss a weekly or monthly dose?

Related medications