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. Risedronate comes in tablet form and is taken daily, weekly, or monthly. While most people tolerate the drug well, side effects can occur. Common side effects include muscle pain, joint pain, and heartburn.
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.
Risedronate is made by Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and sanofi-aventis.
How Does Risedronate Work?
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.
Risedronate has been evaluated in several studies for various osteoporosis-related uses.
Risedronate and Postmenopausal Women
Risedronate has been evaluated in two large studies involving almost 4,000 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In these studies, the drug reduced the risk of vertebral fractures (broken spinal bones) by up to 65 percent. It also reduced the risk of other types of broken bones by up to 39 percent. In addition, risedronate increased the bone mineral density (a measure of the strength of bones) in the spine, hip, and wrist. Interestingly, women taking risedronate lost less height, compared to women not taking the drug.
Risedronate can also be used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with risk factors for the disease. In studies, women taking the drug showed increased bone mineral density, while those not taking it actually experienced bone loss.
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