What Is Risedronate and Calcium Used For?

Risedronate and calcium is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It works by slowing down the rate at which bone is broken down. "Off-label" risedronate and calcium uses include treating osteoporosis in men and treating Paget's disease of the bone. This drug has not been approved for use in children.

 

What Is Risedronate and Calcium Used For? -- An Overview

Risedronate and calcium (Actonel® With Calcium) is a combination medication that contains, as the name implies, risedronate (a bisphosphonate) and calcium carbonate. It is approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
 

Why Is Risedronate and Calcium Used for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone," is a disease characterized by low bone mass (bone thinning) that leads to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by this condition. Fortunately, osteoporosis is a disease that can be prevented and treated.
 
Common causes of osteoporosis include:
 
  • Age-related bone loss
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Long-term corticosteroid use
  • Certain diseases.
     
Race and ethnicity may play a role in developing osteoporosis as well, but more research is needed to determine the connection.
 
Often, osteoporosis treatment is not started until a bone is broken, as there are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis. However, treatment may be started earlier if the disease is detected using a test (see Diagnosing Osteoporosis). In fact, some osteoporosis medications (including risedronate and calcium) can be used for osteoporosis prevention in people who are at high risk for developing the condition (see Risk Factors for Osteoporosis).
 
(What Is Risedronate and Calcium Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;