Sedron

Indications

Risedronate Sodium is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (thinning, weak bones) in women after menopause and in men, and osteoporosis caused by long-term steroid medicines. It lowers the risk of spine and hip fractures. It is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

How It Works

Risedronate is a bisphosphonate. It attaches to bone and slows down the cells (osteoclasts) that break bone down. This lets bone-building outpace bone loss, so bones become denser and stronger over time.

Dosage and Administration

Usual adult doses for osteoporosis are 5 mg once a day, 35 mg once a week, or 150 mg once a month, as prescribed. For Paget's disease, 30 mg once a day for 2 months is usual. Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water (not mineral water, tea, coffee, milk or juice), at least 30 minutes before any food, drink or other medicine. Swallow the tablet whole while sitting or standing upright, and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes. Most people also need enough calcium and vitamin D, as advised by the doctor.

Interactions

• Calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium or zinc products, antacids and milk: block absorption; take at a different time of day.
• Aspirin and NSAID painkillers: may increase stomach and food pipe irritation.

Contraindications

• Low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia).
• Inability to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes.
• Severe kidney disease.
• Problems of the food pipe that delay emptying, such as stricture or achalasia.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Allergy to Risedronate.

Side Effects

Common side effects include heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, nausea, headache and bone, joint or muscle pain. The monthly dose may cause flu-like symptoms for a few days.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe chest pain or pain on swallowing, black stools or vomiting blood, jaw pain or a slow-healing mouth sore, new thigh, hip or groin pain, eye pain or redness, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Risedronate should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Correct low calcium and vitamin D before starting. Have a dental check-up before treatment and keep good oral hygiene, because rare jaw bone damage (osteonecrosis of the jaw) can occur. Rare unusual thigh bone fractures have been reported with long-term use. The doctor will review the need for treatment after several years.

Overdose

An overdose may lower blood calcium and upset the stomach. Give a glass of milk or an antacid to bind the medicine and seek medical help. Do not make the person vomit, and keep them upright.

Therapeutic Class

Bisphosphonate; bone resorption inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.