Atelvia (Risedronate) for Osteoporosis

Overview
Atelvia is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. Atelvia is also referred to by its drug name, Risedronate, or Risendronic acid.

Atelvia is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are believed to work in cases of osteoporosis by reducing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.

How do I take it?
Atelvia is taken once a week. Ask your doctor whether you need to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements while on Actonel.

Atelvia comes in the form of delayed-release tablets.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Atelvia lists common side effects including flu symptoms, diarrhea, back pain, abdominal pain, and joint pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Atelvia include eye inflammation, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (potentially life-threatening disorder of skin and mucous membranes), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue) in the jaw, atypical femoral (upper leg) fractures, hypersensitivity reactions, and severe bone, muscle, or joint pain.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Atelvia prescribing information - Allergan
https://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/atelvia_pi

Bisphosphonates - International Osteoporosis Foundation
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/bisphosphonates