Risedronate

Risedronate is commonly used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in anyone who has corticosteroid-related osteoporosis. The medication works by slowing down bone loss in the body. The product comes in tablet form and is taken daily, weekly, or monthly. Common side effects include muscle pain, joint pain, and heartburn.

Risedronate Sodium Tablets

What Is Risedronate?

Risedronate sodium (Actonel^®) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:

Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Treating osteoporosis in men
Preventing and treating osteoporosis in both men in women that is due to the use of steroid medications, such as prednisone
Treating Paget's disease in men and women.

(Click What Is Risedronate Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with risedronate.

However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.

If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of risedronate include but are not limited to:

Pain in muscles, joints, or bones
Indigestion or heartburn
Diarrhea.

(Click Side Effects of Risedronate to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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