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Important Safety Information | ACTONEL Patient Information | Healthcare Professionals | Text Size A A A | Send to a friend

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ACTONEL is the only monthly osteoporosis pill approved to help prevent fractures at both the spine and other areas where fractures commonly occur (other areas were measured as a group, not separately).

Bone health tips.


Keeping your bones healthy starts with you. By keeping up a few healthy habits, you can help maintain your bone density. Eating right and staying fit are two of the ways you can help protect your bones.



Eat to stay healthy.


Women over 50 should include calcium-rich foods in their diets to help get the recommended 1,200 mg of calcium per day. And don't forget, it's important to get the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D* to help your body absorb calcium.



Exercise wisely.


Regular weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone density.
You can start with exercises such as† :

  • Walking
  • Stair climbing
  • Hiking
  • Tennis
  • Dancing
  • Yoga
  • Weight lifting
  • Tai chi
  • Bowling
  • Gardening

*The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends that adults under 50 get 400 to 800 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D daily, and that adults 50 and over get 800 to 1,000 IUs of vitamin D daily.


†Remember, always consult with your doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise program.

Are you getting enough calcium? Is your home safe for your bones?

ACTONEL is for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Your doctor may also prescribe ACTONEL to help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.


Important Safety Information for
ACTONEL® (risedronate sodium) tablets


You should not take Actonel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, if you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), have kidneys that work poorly, or cannot stand or sit upright for 30 minutes.


Stop taking Actonel and tell your doctor right away if you experience difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Follow dosing instructions carefully to lower the chance of these events occurring.


Side effects may include stomach pain, upset stomach, or back, muscle, bone or joint pain, sometimes severe. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects, or if you have questions about Actonel. Promptly tell your doctor if you develop dental problems, as serious jawbone problems have been reported rarely.


Please see ACTONEL Patient Information.