Actonel 30mg tablets contain the active ingredient risedronate sodium, which is a type of drug known as a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are drugs that reduce the turnover of bone.
Bone is not a static structure. It is continually shaped, reformed and rebuilt by cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These cells continously deposit and remove calcium and phophorous, stored in a protein network that makes up the structure of the bone. Old bone is broken down by the osteoclasts and new bone is formed by the osteoblasts.
In Paget's disease of bone the normal metabolism of bone is disturbed. There is an increase in bone breakdown by the osteoclasts and increased and irregular formation of new bone by the osteoblasts. The normal bone marrow also becomes replaced with blood vessels and fibrous tissue. In this disease there are often no symptoms for many years, but over time the bones can become enlarged, deformed, painful, weak and prone to breaking. The enlarged and deformed bones can also put pressure on nerves, causing pain and muscle weakness.
Risedronate sodium works by binding very tightly to the bone and preventing the calcium being removed by the osteoclasts. This stops the osteoclasts from breaking down the bone. The reduced bone turnover helps to reduce deformity and keep the bones strong and less likely to break.
Calcium and vitamin D are also needed for strong bones and your doctor may ask you to take supplements of these if your dietary intake is too low.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- Bone disease called Paget's disease, in which there is excessive breakdown of bone and increased and irregular formation of bone, causing the bones to become enlarged, deformed, painful, weak and prone to breaking.
Although our bones seem solid and stable, they actually undergo constant renewal. Specialized cells called osteoclasts draw used calcium out of the bones while other cells called osteoblasts replace it. Especially after menopause, this process can get out of balance. Calcium starts to leach out of the bones faster than it can be replaced, leading to the brittle-bone disease called osteoporosis.
Actonel combats this problem by reducing the activity of the osteoclasts and slowing the loss of calcium from the bones. It is prescribed for postmenopausal women, both to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen the bones once the disease has begun. It is also used to prevent or treat osteoporosis resulting from therapy with steroid medications, and it is used in the treatment of Paget's disease, a condition in which patches of bone become softened and enlarged.
Both Actonel and a similar drug called Fosamax are members of the family of drugs called bisphosphonates.
Actonel not only stops the bone loss of osteoporosis, but actually reverses the disease and increases bone mineral density. As the bones grow stronger, your chances of sustaining a fracture decline.
- weight loss;
- weakness;
- vision problems;
- vertigo;
- urinary tract infection;
- ulcers;
- ulceration of the food pipe;
- tumor;
- tendon problems;
- swelling of the ankles due to fluid retention;
- swelling;
- stuffy or runny nose;
- stomach bleeding;
- sore throat;
- skin reactions eg rash;
- sinus problems;
- sensation of ringing or other noise in the ears;
- ringing in ears;
- rash;
- pneumonia;
- pain in joints muscles or bones;
- pain;
- nerve pain;
- neck pain;
- nausea;
- muscle weakness;
- muscle pain;
- low blood calcium levels;
- leg cramps;
- leg cramps;
- joint disorders and pain;
- itching;
- insomnia;
- inflammation of the tongue;
- inflammation of the stomach;
- inflammation of the small intestine;
- inflammation of the food pipe;
- inflammation of the coloured part of the eye;
- infection;
- high blood pressure;
- headache;
- gas headache;
- flu-like symptoms;
- flu-like symptoms;
- eye infection;
- dry eyes;
- dizziness;
- disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea constipation nausea indigestion or abdominal pain;
- difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- difficulty breathing;
- diarrhea;
- depression;
- constipation;
- colitis;
- chest pain;
- cataracts;
- bursitis;
- bronchitis;
- bone disorders and pain;
- bladder irritation;
- belching;
- back pain;
- anxiety;
- abdominal pain;
ADULTS
Osteoporosis
For the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the recommended dose is one 5-mg tablet once daily or one 35-mg tablet once a week.
Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
For treatment or prevention of steroid-induced osteoporosis, the recommended dose is one 5-mg tablet once a day.
Paget's Disease
The recommended dose for Paget's disease is 30 mg once a day for two months. A second 2-month course of therapy may be required in certain individuals.
