WHAT IS Actonel/Residronate TABLETS?

RISEDRONATE reduces Phoslo/calcium loss from bones. It helps make healthy bone and to slow bone loss in patients with Paget's disease and osteoporosis. It may be used in others at risk for bone loss. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Actonel/Residronate?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:

• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• heartburn or stomach pain
• changes in vision
• black or tarry stools
• jaw pain, especially after dental work
• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• pain or difficulty when swallowing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):

• bone, muscle, or joint pain
• changes in taste
• headache
• eye pain or itching
• stomach gas or fullness
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea or vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Take your normal dose the next morning. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Actonel/Residronate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to risedronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• trouble swallowing
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• low blood Phoslo/calcium
• dental disease
• esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems, like acid reflux or GERD
• kidney disease
• problems sitting or standing

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Actonel/Residronate?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medicine. Your doctor or health care professional may order blood tests and other tests to see how you are doing.

You should make sure you get enough Phoslo/calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Some people who take this medicine have severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. Tell your doctor if you have pain that does not go away or that gets worse.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Actonel/Residronate?

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Actonel/Residronate?

• iron supplements
• Phoslo/calcium supplements
• vitamins with minerals
• aspirin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like Motrin/ibuprofen or Aleve/naproxen
• thyroid hormones
• antacids like aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Actonel/Residronate?

You must take this medication exactly as directed or you will lower the amount of medicine you absorb into your body or you may cause your self harm. Take this medicine by mouth first thing in the morning, after you are up for the day. Do not eat or drink anything before you take this medicine. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6 to 8 fluid ounces) of plain water. Do not take the tablets with any other drink. Do not chew or crush the tablet. After taking this medicine, do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines or vitamins for at least 30 minutes. Stand or sit up for at least 30 minutes after you take this medicine; do not lie down. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. This sheet may change.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.