Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Risedronate.
Atypical femur fracture: There is evidence that long-term use of this class of medication may contribute to a type of rare fracture of the long bone in the thigh (femur) without any form of trauma.
If you experience new or unusual pain in the groin, hip, or thigh area, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Bone, joint, and muscle problems: On rare occasions, people taking Risedronate experience severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. This pain usually goes away when the medication is stopped.
Calcium and vitamin D: Calcium and vitamin D are important contributors to bone growth and strength. It may be necessary to take calcium or vitamin D supplements to get the best effect from risedronate if you are not getting enough from your diet. Your doctor may test you for low calcium levels or vitamin D deficiency before you start taking risedronate.
Effects on the esophagus: Risedronate can cause irritation or ulcers of the esophagus (the passage from the throat to the stomach). In some cases, these effects have been severe and have required hospitalization. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you suddenly experience problems swallowing, find it painful to swallow, develop pain behind the sternum (breastbone), or have new or worsening heartburn.
To reduce the risk of irritation of the esophagus, swallow Risedronate with a full glass of plain water first thing in the morning when you get up. Do not lie down until 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day. Do not chew or suck on the tablet, as this may lead to ulcers in the mouth or throat. Do not take Risedronate at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
Effects on the stomach and intestines: Rarely, people taking Risedronate have developed ulcers of the stomach or intestines. Get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a stomach or intestinal ulcer, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of weight or appetite, black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood.
If you have a history of ulcer or other stomach problems, discuss with your doctor how Risedronate may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risedronate, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Inflammation of the eye: Conditions of eye inflammation have been reported by people using risedronate. If you experience changes to your vision, red eyes, or eye pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Jaw problems: Rarely, risedronate can cause severe jaw problems associated with delayed healing and infection, especially in people with cancer or after tooth extractions. Your doctor may ask you to see your dentist before you start taking Risedronate. Any necessary dental procedures should be completed before starting treatment with risedronate. It is important that you take good care of your teeth and gums while taking Risedronate. If you experience any mouth sores or pain in the jaw or teeth, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney function: Risedronate is removed from the body by the kidneys. Decreased kidney function may cause an increase in the amount of medication in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Risedronate may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risedronate, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Risedronate is not recommended for use by people with severely reduced kidney function.
People who cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes: Risedronate can cause irritation or ulcers of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and stomach). People who cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes should use risedronate only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Pregnancy: Risedronate is not intended for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Risedronate, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if risedronate passes into breast milk. Risedronate is not intended for use by women who are breast-feeding. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Risedronate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Risedronate have not been established for children.
