Learn a Drug a Day - Risedronate sodium

Today's drug is risedronate sodium.

What is risedronate sodium indicated for?
INDICATIONS : 

• It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
• It is also indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in men at high-risk fracture.
• It is  also used to treat Paget's disease of bone. (Paget's disease occurs when the process of bone remodelling happens too quickly and in a disordered way.The new bone that is produced isweaker than normal and the affected bones may become enlarged, deformed, painful and may fracture.)

How does  risedronate sodium work?

MECHANISMS OF ACTION : 

• It works by altering the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.
• It slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.

How is  risedronate sodium taken?

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION : 

• It is taken orally. 
• The absorption of risedronate sodium is affected by food and drinks. Therefore, it is very important that risedronate sodium should not be taken with food or drinks (other than water). It should be taken on an empty stomach. At least 30 min before the first food or drink (other than water) of the day.
• The tablets must be swallowed whole and not sucked or chewed. To aid delivery of the tablet to the stomach, risedronate sodium is to be taken while in upright position with a glass of plain water (≥120 mL). Patients should not lie down for 30 min after taking the tablet.

Dosage : 

• The recommended dose in adults is one 35-mg tablet once weekly.

Is there any contraindication?

CONTRAINDICATIONS : 

• Known hypersensitivity to risedronate sodium or to any of its excipients.
• Hypocalcemia (a low blood calcium level). 
• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
• Risedronate sodium must not be used during pregnancy or by breastfeeding women.

Are there any possible side effects?

SIDE EFFECTS : 

(i) Common possible side effects : 

• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• aching muscles, joints or bones
• headache
• nausea
• runny nose
• sore throat
• dizziness

(ii) Rare possible side effects : 

• skin rash or redness of the skin, sometimes made worse bysunlight, itchiness.
• blurred vision, pain or redness in the eyes.
• problems with your jaw or teeth, associated with delayed healing and/or infection often following a tooth extraction or invasive dental work.
• difficulty or pain on swallowing.
• chest pain.
• new or worsening heartburn.
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat or tongue.
• severe skin reactions.

What precautions are necessary?

PRECAUTIONS :  

• Invasive dental procedures should be avoided where possible. This type of medicine may cause jaw-bone problems in some people. Jaw-bone problems may include infection, and delayed healing after teeth are pulled out or other work that involves drilling into the jaw.

DRUG INTERACTIONS : 

• Concomitant ingestion of products containing calcium, magnesium, iron and aluminum may interfere with the absorption of risedronate sodium. These products should be taken at a different time of day to the risedronate sodium dose.

References : 

1. Risedronate sodium by Sanofi-aventis Australia Pty Ltd.

2. Risedronate sodium by Drugs.com.

3. Risedronate sodium by MIMS Malaysia.