• The medication comes in tablet form. Depending on the dose, it is taken by mouth daily, weekly, or monthly. When taken monthly, one tablet is taken daily for two days in a row each month.
   
• Risedronate must be taken first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything (other than water). You must wait at least 30 minutes after taking the medication before eating or drinking anything other than water or taking any medications (including calcium). Food, beverages, and medications can interact with risedronate and prevent it from being absorbed into the body.
   
• Take risedronate with plain water only (not coffee, juice, soda, or even mineral water).
   
• Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking a dose of risedronate. The tablets should not be chewed, broken, or sucked on. These precautions are necessary to prevent risedronate from irritating your esophagus.
   
• You need to make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while taking risedronate, as the medication cannot build bone without these substances.
   
• If you are unsure about anything related to risedronate or your risedronate dosage, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.