Top 9 Precautions To Be Taken While Taking Actonel

Over 75 million people in the US, Europe and Japan are affected by osteoporosis and approximately 61% of osteoporotic fractures are experienced by women. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue which results in weak and fragile bones. A person suffering from Osteoporosis is at an increased risk for fractured bones in the hip, spine and wrist areas. Actonel is a widely used drug for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in both men and women.
What is Actonel and How Should it Be Taken?
Actonel (risedronate) belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It functions by altering the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in a person's body. The medicine slows down the bone loss while increasing the bone mass, thus preventing bone fractures. The dosage schedule of this drug depends on the strength prescribed by your physician.
Certain precautions need to be followed while consuming this medicine:
It is advisable to take Actonel first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you drink or eat something.
The drug should be taken with a glass full or ordinary and not mineral water.
You should not lie down or recline in the thirty minutes after taking the medicine.
No other medicine should be taken in the thirty minutes after consuming this medicine.
The drug can be taken as a part of an overall health program that may also include diet plan, exercises, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.
The drug should not be taken by people who cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes
Actonel can cause serious problems in the stomach or the esophagus.
People allergic to risedronate or those who have low levels of calcium in their blood should not consume this tablet
Those suffering from problem in the movement of muscles of their esophagus must not take this drug.
Prior to taking Actonel, you must inform your doctor about whether:
you are pregnant or breast feeding
you have low blood calcium
you are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency
you have a ulcer in your stomach
you have a kidney disease
You must also tell your doctor about all the medicines (if any) you are taking at that point of time.
Side Effects of Actonel
Some common side effects of taking Actonel are stomach pain, upset stomach, mild joint or back pain and headache. However, you should immediately get in touch with your doctor in case of serious side effects, such as:
chest pain
difficulty or pain while swallowing
allergic reaction
pain or burning under the ribs or in the back
worsening heartburn
severe pain in joints
bones or muscles
pain in the jaws
Do consult your physician for the most appropriate dosage of this drug for the treatment of your bone related problems and especially osteoporosis. You can order Actonel from

By: Jeff Warner

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