Why Is Risedronate Used for Paget's Disease?
Normally, bone is continuously being broken down and rebuilt. Paget's disease of the bone is a condition involving rapid breakdown of bone combined with abnormal reformation. The abnormally reformed bone is weaker than normal. Symptoms of Paget's disease can include pain and bent or broken bones. Bisphosphonates such as
risedronate can help slow down the rate at which bone breaks down and can help the body to build bone more normally.
Not all people with Paget's disease need to be treated with a bisphosphonate. Risedronate is recommended for people who:
- Have very high alkaline phosphatase levels (a measure of the disease's severity)
- Have Paget's disease symptoms
- Are at risk for future complications of Paget's disease.
How Does Risedronate Work?
As mentioned, risedronate binds to certain cells in bones and slows down the rate at which they break down.
Bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, and the effects of risedronate often result in increased
bone density.
Is Risedronate Used in Children?
Risedronate is not approved for use in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
Is Risedronate Used for Off-Label Reasons?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend risedronate for something other than the uses discussed in this article.
Off-label risedronate uses include treating the following conditions:
- High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Cancer that has spread to the bones.
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