Instructions for taking risedronate

(trade name Actonel)

  • _____ 15mg (3 pills of 5mg each) once a week
  • _____ 30 mg (1 pill) once a week
  • _____ 30 mg (1 pill) once a day (for Paget's disease)

Take tablet in the morning when you wake up, with a glass of water. The glass should be at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup). Do not lie down again after taking the medicine.

Risedronate can cause damage to the esophagus (food pipe) and the water will wash the medication down into the stomach. If you lie down the medication might come back up into the esophagus, so that is why you should not lie down. You may sit or stand, but don't bend way over (no toe touching!)

Take the medication with plain water

NOT mineral water, coffee, tea, milk, or juice. Risedronate will attach to the minerals or the food and not get absorbed into your bloodstream.

It is OK to take most prescription medications along with the risedronate. Exceptions: antacids, calcium tablets, multiple vitamins that contain calcium or minerals, tetracycline, laxatives.

Do not eat anything for the next 30 minutes

This is to allow time for the risedronate to be absorbed.

Take your calcium supplements in the afternoon and the evening, but not with breakfast.