Risedronate and Calcium

Risedronate and calcium, as the name implies, is a combination of two medications: risedronate (Actonel) and calcium. The prescription drug is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The risedronate tablets are taken once a week, while the calcium tablets are taken on the other six days of the week. Common side effects of risedronate and calcium include bone pain, constipation, and heartburn.

What Is Risedronate and Calcium?

Risedronate and calcium (Actonel® With Calcium) is a prescription medication used for osteoporosis. It is approved to both prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Risedronate and calcium contains risedronate (Actonel) tablets to be taken once weekly and calcium carbonate tablets to be taken on the other six days of the week.
 
(Click What Is Risedronate and Calcium Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Risedronate and Calcium?

Risedronate and calcium is made by sanofi-aventis.
 

How Does Risedronate and Calcium Work?

Risedronate and calcium contains two medications, as the name implies: risedronate (Actonel) and calcium.
 Risedronate belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. The drug binds to certain cells in bones and slows down the rate at which they break down. Calcium is a mineral that is important for healthy bones and is necessary in order for risedronate to be effective.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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