Actonel with Calcium

Generic name: Calcium Carbonate And Risedronate
Drug class: Bisphosphonates

Usage of Actonel with Calcium

Actonel with Calcium (risedronate and calcium) is packaged as two separate medicines: 4 Actonel tablets and 24 calcium tablets. Risedronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Risedronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractise.

Calcium is a mineral that is needed for many functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance.

Actonel is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal and steroid-induced osteoporosis. Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

Calcium carbonate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

Actonel with Calcium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Actonel with Calcium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Actonel with Calcium: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain, new or worsening heartburn;

difficulty or pain when swallowing;

pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;

severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;

new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip;

jaw pain, numbness, or swelling; or

severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common Actonel with Calcium side effects may include:

mild heartburn, nausea, or stomach upset;

diarrhea, gas, or constipation;

muscle, joint, or back pain;

pain or burning with urination;

mild skin rash; or

headache or depressed mood.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Actonel with Calcium

You should not use Actonel with Calcium if you are allergic to calcium carbonate or risedronate, or if you have:

low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or

a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.

Do not take an Actonel tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.

To make sure Actonel with Calcium is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

low or high levels of calcium in your blood;

kidney disease;

trouble swallowing; or

an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.

In rare cases, this Actonel with Calcium may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use Actonel with Calcium, the more likely you are to develop this condition.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this Actonel with Calcium.

It is not known whether Actonel with Calcium will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether calcium carbonate and risedronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How to use Actonel with Calcium

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: risedronate: 35 mg orally once a week. calcium carbonate: 1250 mg orally with food once daily on each of the remaining 6 days of the week.

Warnings

You should not use Actonel with Calcium if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.

What other drugs will affect Actonel with Calcium

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

levothyroxine or other thyroid medicine;

a diuretic or "water pill";

an iron supplement;

steroids (prednisone and others);

an antibiotic--ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, minocycline, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, and others; or

aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Actonel with Calcium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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