Risedronate Sodium

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Before taking risedronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, etidronate, pamidronate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: esophagus problems (such as heartburn, narrowing of the esophagus, achalasia), difficult or painful swallowing, low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia), inability to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ulcers), severe kidney disease.

Some people taking risedronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication. Tell your dentist that you are taking this medication before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away.

Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking risedronate before your surgery. Ask for specific instructions about stopping or starting this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Risedronate may stay in your body for many years. You should not become pregnant while using risedronate. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as bone-imaging tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Lab and/or medical tests (x-rays, height, blood mineral levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of getting osteoporosis goes up as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time.

If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Take it the next morning after you remember. Keep taking your weekly dose on your originally scheduled day of the week. Do not take two doses on the same day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.