You may wonder how Actonel compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Actonel and Fosamax are alike and different. Actonel contains the active drug risedronate , while Fosamax contains the active drug alendronate. These medications both belong to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates.
Fosamax comes as tablets that are taken by mouth. Actonel and Fosamax both contain drugs that are bisphosphonates. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects. These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Actonel, with Fosamax, or with both drugs when taken individually. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Actonel, with Fosamax, or with both drugs when taken individually.
But separate studies have found both Actonel and Fosamax to be effective for the following uses:. According to estimates on GoodRx. Actonel and Fosamax are both brand-name drugs.
There are currently generic forms available of both drugs. A generic medication is an exact copy of the active drug found in a brand-name medication. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
The generic form of Fosamax, called alendronate, is available as both tablets and a liquid that you take by mouth. Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Examples of other drugs that may be used to prevent osteoporosis include:. Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat osteoporosis include:.
During this period of time, levels of the drug will slowly decrease until Actonel has been largely cleared from your system. Keep in mind that part of the way Actonel works is by becoming part of newly formed bone. That means it can remain in your bone for years. Some recent studies have looked at the relationship between Actonel and cancer. In one review of clinical information, researchers found that the risk of esophageal cancer was not increased in people who took bisphosphonates.
Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that includes Actonel. In a second review , the risk of esophageal cancer was nearly doubled in people who had:. For instance, some people taking the bisphosphonate drug called Fosamax reported hair loss. Instead, people reported hair loss after the drug was released onto the market. To taper off of a drug, your dosage is slowly lowered over a period of time.
Instead, Actonel belongs to a group of medications called bisphosphonates. These drugs help to slow down bone loss and increase thickness of your bones. Your esophagus is the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach. Taking Actonel with any liquid other than water can increase the risk of irritation in your esophagus. Both Actonel and Actonel DR contain the same active drug: risedronate. IR tablets release their active drug all at once into your body.
This is unlike DR tablets, which release their active drug over a longer period of time. This article focuses on Actonel.
However, both Actonel and alcohol can irritate your esophagus the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach. Like Fosamax discussed above , Prolia has uses similar to those of Actonel. Actonel contains the active drug risedronate , while Prolia contains the active drug denosumab.
These drugs belong to different classes of medications. Medication classes describe groups of drugs that work in similar ways. Prolia comes as a liquid inside single-dose prefilled syringes. Injections of Prolia are typically given once every 6 months. Actonel and Prolia both contain drugs to help slow bone loss. These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Actonel, with Prolia, or with both drugs when taken individually.
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Actonel, with Prolia, or with both drugs when taken individually. But separate studies have found both Actonel and Prolia to be effective in treating the following conditions:. Actonel and Prolia are both brand-name drugs. There is a generic form of Actonel available, but Prolia is only available as brand-name drug. Generic medications are exact copies of the active drug found in brand-name medications.
Actonel is approved to prevent or treat osteoporosis in certain situations, which are described below. With osteoporosis, your bones become thin and weak.
And bone fractures can also occur more easily with this condition. But some possible symptoms of osteoporosis can include:.
Sometimes, before a person develops osteoporosis, they have osteopenia. In some cases, if you have osteopenia, your doctor may recommend Actonel to help prevent osteoporosis from developing. BMD is a measurement that shows how strong your bones are. In a 1-year study, BMD was measured in the lower spine, femoral thigh bone, and radius one of the forearm bones. In this study, BMD of the lower spine was increased by:. In addition, femoral thigh bone BMD was also measured in this study. Actonel is approved to treat osteoporosis in men.
When taking risedronate, it's important to not take any other medicines at the same time. This is because they can interfere with how well your body absorbs risedronate and may stop it working properly. If you take risedronate first thing in the morning, when you get up, wait for at least 30 minutes before taking your other medicines. If you take risedronate between meals or in the evening, wait at least 2 hours before taking your other medicines.
For safety, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. In osteoporosis, risedronate slows down the cells that break down bone. This maintains bone density and makes your bones stronger and less likely to break. In Paget's disease of bone, risedronate reduces the abnormal bone turnover that this condition causes.
This helps to reduce deformity and pain and makes your bones stronger and less likely to break. For osteoporosis, risedronate usually starts to work after 2 weeks. However, it may take 6 months for the medicine to fully protect your bones.
When used for Paget's disease of bone, risedronate reduces bone pain, but it may take 3 to 6 months for your symptoms to improve. For Paget's disease of bone, risedronate is usually taken for 2 months. You may need to start taking it again if your symptoms come back.
For osteoporosis, you'll usually take risedronate for a long time. If you're having long-term treatment with steroids, you'll usually take risedronate until your steroid treatment stops — maybe longer.
If you have osteoporosis, your doctor will usually assess your risk of broken bones after 5 years. This may include tests to check the strength density of your bones.
Depending on the results, you'll either keep taking risedronate, take a break from it or stop taking it completely. Once you stop taking risedronate the effects of the medicine will gradually wear off. Your bones may continue to benefit for up to 1 year afterwards. Risedronate is generally prescribed for a long time. While you're taking it, you're less likely to break a bone.
In a very small number of people, taking risedronate for more than 2 years can increase their chances of getting a rare type of bone damage in their inner ear and certain types of breaks to their thigh bones. If risedronate works for you long-term, your doctor will look at the benefits and risks of your treatment after 5 years. Then they'll decide if you should keep taking it.
This may involve some tests to check the strength density of your bones. The benefits of taking risedronate generally outweigh the risks. If you're concerned or have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Missing the odd dose probably will not affect the health of your bones. But if you keep forgetting to take your risedronate or you do not want to take it, for whatever reason, then speak to your doctor.
There are other treatments that can help your bones. Any treatment can have side effects. But the benefits of risedronate usually far outweigh the risks. By not having treatment, you're more likely to break a bone. Broken bones are painful and can have serious consequences. In older people, for example, a broken hip can mean they're no longer able to live independently.
Bisphosphonates are the main group of medicines used for osteoporosis and they are usually the first treatment given. Bisphosphonates all work in the same way. If you cannot take a bisphosphonate medicine, there are some other options. These include denosumab, raloxifene, teriparatide and hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor will find the right medicine for you depending on your medical history. It's important to take good care of your teeth while you're taking risedronate.
This is because risedronate might affect your jawbone. Keep your teeth clean and have a dental check-up every 6 months. Your doctor may also recommend a dental check-up before your treatment starts.
You can take aspirin while you are being treated with Actonel. How to take Actonel How much to take For osteoporosis, the usual dose is one 5mg tablet each day, one Actonel 35mg tablet once a week or one mg tablet once a month. How to take it Take your Actonel tablet in the morning, at least 30 minutes before your first meal, drink or medication of the day.
Swallow your Actonel tablet whole with a glass of plain water. Do not chew or suck the tablet. When to take it Take Actonel in the morning, 30 minutes to 1 hour before your first meal, drink or medication of the day. If you forget to take your tablet For Actonel 5mg and 30mg tablets If it is almost time for your next tablet skip the tablet you missed and take your next tablet when you are meant to.
For Actonel 35mg once-a-week tablets If you have forgotten to take your 35mg tablet, just take your tablet on the day you remember. For Actonel mg once-a-month tablets If you have forgotten to take your mg tablet, and your next monthly dose is more than 7 days ahead just take one tablet the next morning.
How long to take it Continue taking Actonel for as long as your doctor recommends it. If you take too much overdose Immediately telephone your doctor or pharmacist or the Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 or go to accident and emergency at your nearest hospital. While you are using Actonel Things you must do Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Actonel.
If you become pregnant while taking Actonel tell your doctor or pharmacist. Things you must not do Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Actonel. Do not have any food or drink, except for plain water for 30 minutes after taking Actonel. Do not give Actonel to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not take Actonel to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
After using Actonel Storage Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Disposal If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop taking Actonel or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets that are left over.
Schedule of Actonel Actonel is a Schedule 4 prescription only medicine. Side effects of Actonel Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Actonel. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you: Stomach pain ; Diarrhoea ; Aching muscles, joints or bones; Headache ; Nausea ; Runny nose; Sore throat; Dizziness.
These side effects are usually mild. If any of the following happen, stop taking Actonel and tell your doctor immediately: Difficulty or pain when swallowing; New or worsening heartburn. If any of the following happen, stop taking Actonel and tell your doctor immediately or go to accident and emergency at your nearest hospital: Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat or tongue; Severe skin reactions.
These may be serious side effects. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. For further information talk to your doctor. August December Medical Information.
Current Competitions. Of Interest This Week. Eye care: Dr Joe Kosterich. Alcohol: Responsible drinking. Avoiding stress over the festive season. Hot on Parenthub. Fathers to be: What to pack for hospital. People who have severe osteoporosis may need to wait for 10 years before they stop taking these drugs.
A bisphosphonate holiday typically lasts at least a year, but it may last indefinitely for some people if the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits. Luckily, the bone-strengthening effects of bisphosphonates appear to continue for several years after people stop taking the drugs.
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