How it works
Actonel works by altering the cycle of breakdown of skeletal muscle in the body,
Guidelines for Usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Actonel must only be taken twice a month on consecutive days. Select these days and take them in the morning.
Take care that you swallow the tablet whole without breaking, crushing or chewing it unless you have been advised accordingly. It must be taken with a glass of plain water and not mineral water, coffee, tea or other beverages. You must avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after you take Actonel.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How and where do i store Actonel
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
• Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Actonel if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes; you have low blood calcium levels or severe kidney problems.
Using Alcohol
Actonel is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using the drug.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Additional Information
Most doctors prescribe a calcium and vitamin D supplement along with a proper diet and exercise regime. Speak to your doctor about this.
You must maintain proper dental care while using Actonel. Brush and Floss twice a day. Weight bearing exercises can help improve bone density.
Most doctors advice that certain laboratory tests be carried out periodically to check for the severity of side effects if any and to analyze your response to treatment. These tests include bone density and blood calcium levels. Please ensure that you do not miss out on any laboratory tests.
Information for Pregnant Women
The Drug is categorized under FDA pregnancy category C
Actonel is found in breast milk.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication. Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
