Actonel helps to slow the loss of calcium from bones. It belongs to a family of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It is prescribed for postmenopausal women, both to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen the bones once the disease has begun. Actonel is also used to prevent or treat osteoporosis resulting from therapy with steroid medications, and it is used in the treatment of Paget`s disease, a condition in which patches of bone become softened and enlarged. Another version of the drug, Actonel With Calcium, is a co-packaged product containing Actonel tablets and calcium carbonate tablets. This product is also used to help prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The mineral calcium is important for developing and maintaining strong bones and is often recommended for osteoporosis treatment.
The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.
Do not take a Actonel tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Actonel can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a Actonel tablet.
For at least the first 30 minutes after taking a Actonel tablet, do not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
Some people using medicines similar to Actonel have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and pre-existing dental problems.
Actonel is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Actonel.
Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flu symptoms, general aches and pain, headache, high blood pressure, indigestion, infection, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, nerve pain
Take Actonel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Actonel tablets come in different strengths (number of milligrams per pill). Some tablets are taken once each day. Some tablets are taken once each week, or only 1 or 2 times each month.
Your dosing schedule will depend on the tablet strength your doctor has prescribed. If you change tablet strengths, you may also need to change your schedule. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a Actonel tablet.
After taking a Actonel tablet, carefully follow these instructions:
Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel.
Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.
Do not take two different strengths of Actonel tablet at the same time.
If you take Actonel only once a week, take it on the same day and time each week.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the Actonel tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric coated pill has a special coating to protect your throat and stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. Visit your doctor regularly.
Actonel is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store Actonel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
