Risedronate with calcium carbonate (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats and prevents osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones) in women who have gone through menopause.

Brand Name(s):

Actonel with Calcium

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• The usual dose of this medicine is one Actonel® tablet each week and one calcium tablet every day except the day you take the Actonel® tablet.
• If any of the Actonel® stays in your esophagus, it may cause serious damage. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach when you swallow. To lower the risk of this problem, take the tablets exactly as directed below.
• On the day you take your Actonel® tablet, take it as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or have anything to drink. Swallow the tablet whole with a large glass (8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). Do not chew or suck on the tablet. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine, and do not lie down until after you have eaten some food. Do not take the medicine while you are still in bed, and do not take it at bedtime.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after you swallow the Actonel® tablet before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. This will help your body absorb the medicine.
• On the day you take your calcium tablet, take it with food to help your body absorb the calcium.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your Actonel® in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning. Follow all of the usual instructions about taking it on an empty stomach and not lying down for at least 30 minutes. Then return to your regular Actonel® schedule the following week. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Never take two Actonel® tablets on the same day.
• If you miss a dose or forget to take your calcium tablet, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use an extra tablet to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine at the same time you use mineral supplements, iron, or antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, or Tums®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using thyroid replacement (Synthroid®), diuretics ("water pills"), tetracycline, or an antibiotic such as Ciloxan®, Cipro®, Levaquin®, or Tequin®.
• This medicine may interact with the dye used for bone scans.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, kidney stones, ulcers, heartburn, trouble swallowing, or any other kind of stomach or digestive problems.
• If you think this medicine has started to damage your esophagus, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor. Some symptoms of damage to the esophagus are heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to your stomach.
• Your doctor will need to know if you have a history of problems with your mouth or teeth (such as gum disease). Make sure your doctor knows if you have been treated with a bisphosphonate medicine in the past.
• You may need to have a dental exam before you start using this medicine.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You should avoid having major dental work done while you are being treated with this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or itchy skin rash.
• Chest pain, heartburn, or burning in throat.
• Difficult or painful swallowing.
• Increased thirst, loss of appetite, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting.
• Muscle twitching or tremors, feeling tired or irritable.
• Pain or other problems with your teeth or jaw.
• Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
• Unusual or severe stomach pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Flu-like symptoms.
• Mild back pain, or joint pain.
• Mild nausea, gas, bloating, or constipation.
• Mild stomach pain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: