? Risedronate alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.

? Risedronate is used to prevent and treat postmenopausal and steroid-caused bone-thinning (osteoporosis). Risedronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans).

? Risedronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

? Take risedronate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. ? Take risedronate in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of tap water or bottled water at least 30 minutes before eating any food, drinking any liquid (other than water), or taking any other medicines including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements. Do not take risedronate with mineral water, juice, or any other beverage since these beverages may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. This timing is very important in getting the maximum amount of medication from each dose. Foods, beverages, and other medications greatly decrease the effect of risedronate.

? Although it has been reported less frequently with risedronate, other similar drugs can be very damaging to the mouth and stomach. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of risedronate.

? Do not crush, chew, or suck the pills. Swallow them whole.

? The 35 mg Actonel tablets should only be taken once a week, preferably on the same day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

? It is important to maintain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in the diet while taking risedronate. Discuss with your doctor appropriate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

? Stop taking risedronate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

? an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

? difficulty or pain when swallowing;

? pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or

? new or worsening heartburn.

? Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take risedronate and talk to your doctor if you experience

? Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

?There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking risedronate, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

? Do not take any other medicine, including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements, at the same time as risedronate unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Any drug that is taken at the same time as risedronate can decrease the effects of this medicine.

? Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

? a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR), naproxen (Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

? You may not be able to take risedronate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
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? Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with risedronate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

? If you take risedronate every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not make a difference in the treatment. ? If you take risedronate once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose the next morning. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Then, return to your regular schedule, taking one tablet on the chosen morning of the week.

? Store risedronate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.