Risedronate Sod 35mg Imm Rel Tb Pk
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely.
Take your medication with plain water only. Avoid taking it with mineral water, milk, or other beverages.
Swallow the medication whole. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Also, do not suck on the medication.
Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling well.
Take your medication with a full glass of water.
Take it at least 30 minutes before consuming your first food, drink, or other medications of the day.
After taking your medication, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes and wait until you have eaten your first meal of the day before lying down.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid storing it in a bathroom.
Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the same day.
Take the missed dose the next morning as soon as you remember, and then return to your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses on the same day.
If you are unsure about what to do if you miss a dose, contact your doctor for guidance.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the tablet with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water only, first thing in the morning, at least 30-60 minutes before your first food, drink (other than plain water), or other medication of the day.
- Do not lie down for at least 30-60 minutes after taking the tablet and until after your first food of the day. This helps prevent irritation of the esophagus.
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or suck on it.
- Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements, but take calcium/vitamin D supplements at a different time of day than risedronate (e.g., in the afternoon or evening).
- Maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups.
- Engage in weight-bearing exercise as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can negatively impact bone health.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low calcium levels, including:
+ Muscle cramps or spasms
+ Numbness and tingling
+ Seizures
Signs of high blood pressure, such as:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Heartburn
Trouble swallowing
Severe pain when swallowing
Sore throat
New or unusual pain in the groin, hip, or thigh area
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Difficulty urinating
Pain while urinating
Jawbone Problems: Important Safety Information
This medication may increase the risk of jawbone problems, particularly with long-term use or in people with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, dental problems, or blood clotting disorders. Other factors that may increase the risk of jawbone problems include:
Dental work
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Taking other medications that may cause jawbone problems
Ill-fitting dentures
Anemia
Infection
If you have any concerns or questions, discuss them with your doctor. If you experience jaw swelling or pain, contact your doctor right away.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only mild ones, others may have more severe reactions. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Bone, joint, or muscle pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
* Flu-like symptoms
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia, odynophagia)
- New or worsening heartburn or chest pain
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
- New or unusual pain in your thigh, hip, or groin
- Jaw pain, swelling, numbness, or heaviness, especially after a dental procedure
- Muscle cramps, spasms, or numbness/tingling (signs of low calcium)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Esophageal problems
+ Difficulty swallowing
+ Low calcium levels
+ Kidney disease
If you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
If you are taking any of the following medications:
+ Cimetidine
+ Dexlansoprazole
+ Esomeprazole
+ Famotidine
+ Lansoprazole
+ Nizatidine
+ Omeprazole
+ Pantoprazole
+ Rabeprazole
+ Ranitidine
* If you are taking another medication that contains the same active ingredient as this drug
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
This drug can cause severe esophageal problems, such as irritation, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. It is crucial to discuss these potential risks with your doctor.
If you have asthma, be aware that this medication may worsen your condition. Consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
There is an increased risk of fractures, particularly of the leg, associated with this medication. Talk to your doctor about this potential risk.
Regular blood tests and bone density checks are necessary while taking this medication, as directed by your doctor. Additionally, inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug, as it may affect certain laboratory test results.
To maximize the effectiveness of this medication, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D supplements, as well as engage in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or physical therapy.
Before starting this medication, schedule a dental exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
If you consume alcohol, discuss this with your doctor, as it may interact with your medication. Similarly, if you smoke, consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of continuing to smoke while taking this medication.
A severe skin reaction, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur with this medication. This condition can cause severe health problems, permanent damage, and even death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, with or without fever, red or irritated eyes, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium, e.g., muscle cramps, spasms, numbness/tingling)
- Hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate)
- Upper gastrointestinal adverse events (e.g., esophageal irritation, heartburn, dyspepsia)
What to Do:
Administer milk or antacids to bind risedronate. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Calcium supplements, antacids, and other polyvalent cation-containing medications (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, iron): Significantly reduce risedronate absorption. Must be separated by at least 30 minutes after risedronate administration.
- Aspirin/NSAIDs: Increased risk of upper GI adverse events when co-administered with bisphosphonates.
Moderate Interactions
- H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): May increase gastric pH, potentially affecting risedronate absorption, though clinical significance is generally low for immediate-release formulations.
- Aminoglycosides: May lower serum calcium levels, potentially exacerbating hypocalcemia if present.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To ensure normocalcemia and normophosphatemia before initiating therapy, as bisphosphonates can cause transient decreases in these levels. Correct hypocalcemia prior to therapy.
Timing: Before initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess kidney function, as risedronate is renally eliminated and contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
Timing: Before initiation of therapy
Rationale: To identify and address any pre-existing dental issues, especially for patients at risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
Timing: Before initiation of therapy, especially for patients with risk factors for ONJ
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially if symptoms of hypocalcemia occur
Target: Normal range
Action Threshold: If hypocalcemia or hypophosphatemia develops, supplement calcium/vitamin D and/or consider temporary discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated
Target: > 30 mL/min
Action Threshold: Discontinue if CrCl falls below 30 mL/min.
Frequency: Every 1-2 years
Target: Increase or stabilization of BMD
Action Threshold: Consider re-evaluation of therapy if BMD continues to decline or fractures occur.
Frequency: Ongoing patient education and inquiry at visits
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: If severe or persistent dysphagia, odynophagia, or retrosternal pain occurs, discontinue and investigate.
Symptom Monitoring
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Retrosternal pain (chest pain behind the breastbone)
- Heartburn (new or worsening)
- Severe musculoskeletal pain (joint, muscle, or bone pain)
- Jaw pain, swelling, numbness, or heaviness (signs of ONJ)
- Thigh or groin pain (possible atypical femoral fracture)
- Symptoms of hypocalcemia (e.g., muscle cramps, spasms, numbness/tingling)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Risedronate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone matrix and gradually released over years. The extent of fetal exposure is unknown.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is not known whether risedronate is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from bisphosphonates, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Use is not recommended.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between elderly and younger patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary based on age alone, but renal function should be monitored, as it often declines with age.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Strict adherence to administration instructions (first thing in the morning, plain water only, upright for 30-60 minutes, 30-60 minutes before food/drink/other meds) is crucial to maximize absorption and minimize esophageal irritation.
- Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, but separate administration from risedronate.
- Patients should be advised to report any new or worsening severe musculoskeletal pain, jaw pain, or thigh/groin pain immediately.
- Consider a 'drug holiday' after 3-5 years of treatment for low-risk patients to reduce the risk of atypical femoral fractures and ONJ, as per clinical guidelines, but this should be individualized.
- Risedronate is not metabolized by the liver, making it a suitable option for patients with hepatic impairment.
Alternative Therapies
- Other oral bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, Ibandronate)
- IV bisphosphonates (e.g., Zoledronic Acid)
- RANK Ligand Inhibitors (e.g., Denosumab)
- Parathyroid Hormone Analogs (e.g., Teriparatide, Abaloparatide)
- Sclerostin Inhibitors (e.g., Romosozumab)
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) (e.g., Raloxifene)