Risendronate for Osteoporosis

Overview
Risedronate is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Risedronate may be used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, men with osteoporosis, and people with osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoid steroids such as prednisone. Risedronate is also referred to as Risendronic acid. Risedronate is sold under brand names including Actonel and Atelvia.

Risedronate is a biphosphonate. Biphosphonates 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?
Risedronate is taken on differing schedules, ranging from once a day to once a month, according to what type of osteoporosis you have and which formulation of the drug you are taking. Ask your doctor whether you need to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements while on Risedronate.

Risedronate comes in the form of standard or delayed-release tablets.

Side effects
The FDA-approved labels for Risedronate lists common side effects including upset stomach, diarrhea, back pain, abdominal pain, and joint pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Risedronate 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:

Actonel - Allergan
http://www.actonel.com/

Atelvia - Allergan
http://www.atelvia.com/

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