Actonel: Medication for Osteoporosis

Actonel: The Drug

Actonel prevents osteoporosis by reducing the activity of the osteoclasts and checks the loss of calcium from the bones. It also combats osteoporosis and strengthens the bones in the females facing menopause. This medication helps to reduce bone pain and may prevent long-term complications from this disease. Actonel slows bone loss and helps to maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of bone fractures.  It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It slows bone loss while increasing bones mass, which may prevent bone fractures. Actonel also increases the bone mineral density) in the spine, hip, and wrist. Interestingly, women taking Actonel lost less height when compared with women not taking it.

Actonel: The Ingredients

Actonel ingredients include crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. It is also a combination of  5 mg-ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate; 30 mg-lactose monohydrate; 35 mg-ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate; 75 mg-ferric oxide red and 150 mg FD&C blue  aluminum lake.

Actonel: The Doses

For osteoporosis-

To cure osteoporosis 5 mg of risedronate is taken once daily or 35 mg is taken weekly with 6 to 8 ounces of plain water.

For Paget's disease-

Initial dose of Actonel for Paget’s disease is 30 mg daily for two months. It should be taken in the morning before anything is eaten or drunk and no food or drink should be taken for at least 30 minutes pill consumption.

To avoid pills sticking and irritating the throat or esophagus, persons should not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate. It should also not be taken at the same time as iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum.

Actonel: Side Effects

Actonel causes nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headache as a primary side effect .Apart from these side effects, weakness, chest or stomach pain, pain when swallowing, leg or ankle swelling, joint pain, bone pain are some prominent problems due to Actonel. Rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing may be occur during consumption of this drug.
Side effects for Actonel may include back, muscle, bone or joint pain, stomach pain or constipation. Some other side effects are listed below:
•    Stomach pain
•    Upset stomach and Constipation
•    Diarrhea ,Gas and Headache
•    Swallowing is difficult or painful
•    chest pain and bad heartburn

Actonel: Not for every one

You must consult a doctor or a medical expert before start medication with Actonel if you are facing any one of these conditions:
•    low blood calcium
•    If you are not able to sit or stand for 30 minutes
•    kidney disease, including kidney failure
•    Esophagus malfunctioning
•    Allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.