risedronate sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Oral bisphosphonate
Main role
Preserves bone density and helps reduce osteoporotic fracture risk
Administration
Take on an empty stomach with plain water and remain upright afterwards
What is risedronate sodium used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treating postmenopausal osteoporosis to reduce vertebral fracture risk.
Treating established postmenopausal osteoporosis to reduce hip fracture risk.
Preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at increased risk.
Maintaining or increasing bone mass in postmenopausal women receiving long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment.
How does risedronate sodium work?
Risedronate binds to bone mineral and inhibits osteoclasts, the cells that remove old bone. This reduces bone turnover while allowing bone formation and mineralisation to continue.
risedronate sodium preparations and strengths
How to take risedronate sodium
Follow the instructions for the product supplied, as food and minerals substantially reduce absorption.
Take on an empty stomach, preferably at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink or other oral medicine of the day.
Swallow the tablet whole with at least 120 mL of plain water; do not suck or chew it.
Take it while sitting or standing and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes.
Do not take it with milk, mineral water, tea, coffee or juice.
risedronate sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion, nausea or abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Headache
- Bone, muscle or joint pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or blistering skin reaction
- Painful or difficult swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn
- Painful red eye, light sensitivity or altered vision
- Persistent jaw pain, swelling, loose teeth or poor healing after dental treatment
- New thigh, hip or groin pain, which can precede a rare atypical femoral fracture
- Persistent ear pain, discharge or recurrent infection
risedronate sodium in pregnancy
The selected product is contraindicated during pregnancy, and human safety data are limited. Because bisphosphonates remain stored in bone, anyone planning a pregnancy or becoming pregnant during or after treatment should discuss exposure with their prescriber. Exposure does not usually require extra fetal-malformation monitoring by itself.
risedronate sodium while breastfeeding
The selected product is contraindicated while breastfeeding. If bone treatment is needed, a prescriber should review suitable alternatives and the feeding plan rather than treatment being changed without advice.
risedronate sodium interactions
Absorption is reduced when risedronate is taken with food, drinks other than plain water, or products containing certain minerals.
Calcium supplements and dairy products
Calcium binds risedronate and reduces absorption, so they should not be taken together.
Iron or magnesium supplements
These minerals reduce risedronate absorption and must be separated from it.
Aluminium-containing antacids
Aluminium interferes with absorption, so simultaneous use should be avoided.
Common questions about risedronate sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why must risedronate sodium be taken on an empty stomach?
Food and minerals bind or interfere with risedronate, leaving much less available for absorption.
Can I take risedronate sodium with coffee, milk or mineral water?
No. Swallow it with plain water only and wait as directed before having other drinks or food.
Can calcium be taken at the same time as risedronate sodium?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.