Actonel

What is Actonel

Actonel alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.

Actonel is used to prevent and treat postmenopausal and steroid-caused bone-thinning (osteoporosis). Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans).

Actonel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Actonel

Although it has been reported less frequently with Actonel, other similar drugs can be very damaging to the mouth and stomach. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of Actonel.

Take Actonel in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of tap water or bottled water at least 30 minutes before eating any food, drinking any liquid (other than water), or taking any other medicines including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements. Do not take Actonel with mineral water, juice, or any other beverage since these beverages may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. This timing is very important in getting the maximum amount of medication from each dose. Foods, beverages, and other medications greatly decrease the effect of Actonel.

The 35 mg Actonel tablets should only be taken once a week, preferably on the same day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What you should find out before taking Actonel

Do not take Actonel without first talking to your doctor if you
- have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus;
- have esophageal ulcers or esophageal disease;
- have stomach ulcers or other stomach problems;
- have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body;
- have a kidney disease; or
- are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.

You may not be able to take Actonel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Actonel is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Actonel without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Actonel passes into breast milk. Do not take Actonel without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Actonel

Take Actonel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Although it has been reported less frequently with Actonel, other similar drugs can be very damaging to the mouth and stomach. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of Actonel.

Do not crush, chew, or suck the pills. Swallow them whole.

The 35 mg Actonel tablets should only be taken once a week, preferably on the same day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

It is important to maintain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in the diet while taking Actonel. Discuss with your doctor appropriate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

Store Actonel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

If you take Actonel every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not make a difference in the treatment.

If you take Actonel once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose the next morning. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Then, return to your regular schedule, taking one tablet on the chosen morning of the week.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

The symptoms of a Actonel overdose are unknown, but the following symptoms might be expected: nausea, heartburn, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, other stomach-related symptoms, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, uncontrollable facial grimacing, seizures, irritability, and abnormal behavior.

Avoid while taking Actonel

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Actonel, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible side effects of Actonel

Stop taking Actonel and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or
- new or worsening heartburn.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Actonel and talk to your doctor if you experience
- abdominal discomfort;
- stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- headache; or
- muscle or joint soreness or aches.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Actonel

Do not take any other medicine, including vitamins, minerals, or other supplements, at the same time as Actonel unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Any drug that is taken at the same time as Actonel can decrease the effects of this medicine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- an antacid;
- aspirin; or
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR), naproxen (Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

You may not be able to take Actonel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Actonel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.