What is Actonel? Actonel is a brand name for risedronate, a medication used to treat osteoporosis and other bone conditions that cause weak bones. Actonel belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which slow down or inhibit bone loss. Bisphosphonates work by binding to minerals in bones, which helps to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Uses of Actonel Actonel is primarily used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and to boost bone density. It can also be used to treat Paget's disease, a condition that leads to weakened and deformed bones. In addition, Actonel can be used to prevent bone loss caused by glucocorticoid therapy. Dosage of Actonel Actonel comes in the form of a tablet that can be taken by mouth. The typical dosage for osteoporosis treatment is 35 mg once a week, or 150 mg once a month. For Paget's disease, the recommended dosage is 30 mg once a day for two months. For glucocorticoid therapy, the recommended dosage is 5 mg once a day. Demographic of Actonel Users Actonel is primarily used by postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis. It may also be used by men and women of any age who have weakened bone density or have been diagnosed with Paget's disease. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Actonel. Side Effects of Actonel Like all medications, Actonel may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most common side effects of Actonel include: - Nausea - Stomach pain - Diarrhea - Headache - Indigestion - Muscle pain - Back pain - Joint pain Serious side effects of Actonel are rare, but may include: - Bone fractures - Irregular heartbeat - Severe allergic reaction - Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain Interactions with Other Medications Actonel may interact with other medications. Before taking Actonel, you should inform your doctor of any medications that you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some medications and supplements that may interact with Actonel include: - Antacids - Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Calcium supplements - Vitamin D supplements Generic Options for Actonel Risedronate is the generic name for Actonel. There are also other bisphosphonate medications that are similar to Actonel, including alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva). These medications work by strengthening bones and reducing the risk of fractures in similar ways as Actonel. In conclusion, Actonel is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and other bone conditions that cause weak bones. It works by inhibiting bone loss and strengthening bones. The typical dosage of Actonel depends on the condition being treated. Although serious side effects are rare, it may interact with other medications. Risedronate is the generic name for Actonel, and there are other bisphosphonate medications available that work in similar ways. If you are experiencing bone loss or have been diagnosed with a bone condition, speak to your doctor to see if Actonel or a similar medication is right for you.