Risofos is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life). Risofos is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (corticosteroids; a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis). Risofos is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones). Risofos is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness) to make bones stronger and less likely to break.
Directions
Risofos comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week in the morning. If you are taking Risofos once a week, take it on the same day every week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Risofos exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Risofos may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, do not think you will remember, or are unable to follow these instructions.
You must take Risofos immediately after you get out of bed in the morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take Risofos at bedtime or before you get up for the day.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them, and do not hold them in your mouth for any length of time.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water while you are sitting or standing up. Do not take Risofos with tea, coffee, juice, mineral water, milk, other dairy drinks, or any liquid other than plain water.
After you take Risofos, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take Risofos. Sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day.
Risofos controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does not cure these conditions. Risofos helps to prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take Risofos even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Risofos without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Risofos. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
- aching muscles, joints or bones
- headache
- nausea
- rash
These side effects are usually mild.
Tell your doctor immediately if your skin, tongue or eyes become inflamed. These side-effects are rare.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
If any of the following happen, stop taking Risofos and tell your doctor immediately:
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing
- Chest pain
- New or worsening heartburn
Special Precautions
Before taking risedronate,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to risedronate or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, calcium or iron supplements or antacids by mouth, take them at least 30 minutes after Risofos.
- tell your doctor if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes, and if you have or have ever had problems with your esophagus, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, ulcers, other stomach problems, low levels of calcium in your blood, frequent muscle cramps or spasms, osteomalacia (softening of bones due to lack of vitamin D), or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future, because risedronate may remain in your body for years after you stop taking it. If you become pregnant while taking risedronate, call your doctor.
- talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular program of weight-bearing exercise.
Overdose Information
In case of overdose, give the victim a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- numbness or tingling around mouth or in hands or feet
- muscle spasms, cramps, or twitches
- seizures
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