Risedronate and Calcium

Generic name: Risedronate and Calcium [ ris-ED-roe-nate-& KAL-see-um ]
Brand name: Actonel and Calcium
Drug class: Bisphosphonates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 22, 2024.

Uses of Risedronate and Calcium:

• It is used to prevent or treat soft, brittle bones (osteoporosis).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Risedronate and Calcium?

• If you are allergic to risedronate and calcium; any part of risedronate and calcium; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have high calcium levels.
• If you have any of these health problems: A swallowing tube (esophagus) that is not normal, high calcium levels, low calcium levels, very bad kidney disease, or trouble swallowing.
• If you are not able to stand or sit up for 30 minutes.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Risedronate and Calcium?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take risedronate and calcium. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad swallowing tube (esophagus) problems like irritation, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding have happened with risedronate and calcium. Talk with the doctor.
• Worsening of asthma has happened in people taking drugs like this one. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may raise the chance of a broken leg. Talk with the doctor.
• Have a bone density test as you have been told by your doctor. Talk with your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take risedronate and calcium.
• This medicine works best when used with vitamin D and weight-bearing workouts like walking or PT (physical therapy).
• Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
• Have a dental exam before starting risedronate and calcium.
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you smoke, talk with your doctor.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
• This medicine is not approved for use in children. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine is not approved for use in pregnant women. Talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using risedronate and calcium while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Risedronate and Calcium) best taken?

All products:

• Follow how to take risedronate and calcium as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use more than you were told to use.
• Keep taking risedronate and calcium as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Do not take the risedronate and calcium on the same day. Talk with your doctor if you are not sure how to take risedronate and calcium.
• This medicine prevents many other drugs from getting into the body. If you take other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take them at some other time than risedronate and calcium.

Risedronate:

• Take with a full glass of water.
• Take with plain water only. Avoid taking with mineral water, milk, or other drinks.
• Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Take on an empty stomach before breakfast.
• Take at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or drugs of the day.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate and calcium and until you eat your first food of the day.

Calcium:

• Take the calcium with food.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Do not take it later in the day.
• Take the missed dose on the next morning after you think about it and then go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses on the same day.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low calcium levels like muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling, or seizures.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Chest pain.
• Coughing up blood.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Heartburn.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Very bad pain when swallowing.
• Sore throat.
• Very bad bone, joint, or muscle pain.
• Any new or strange groin, hip, or thigh pain.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Back pain, belly pain, or blood in the urine. May be signs of a kidney stone.
• This medicine may cause jawbone problems. The risk may be higher with longer use, cancer, dental problems, ill-fitting dentures, anemia, blood clotting problems, or infection. It may also be higher if you have dental work, chemo, radiation, or take other drugs that may cause jawbone problems. Many drugs can do this. Talk with your doctor if any of these apply to you, or if you have questions. Call your doctor right away if you have jaw swelling or pain.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Risedronate and Calcium?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Constipation.
• Gas.
• Belly pain.
• Bloating.
• Back pain.
• Muscle or joint pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Risedronate and Calcium?

• Store in the original container at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer