You should not take risedronate if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood.
Do not take risedronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.
Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Stop using risedronate and call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or pain when swallowing.
Also call your doctor if you have muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (in hands and feet or around the mouth), new or unusual hip pain, or severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take risedronate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
problems with the muscles in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Do not take risedronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Risedronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking  risedronate.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
trouble swallowing;
problems with your stomach or digestion;
hypocalcemia;
a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking risedronate);
kidney disease; or
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
This medicine may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Ask your doctor about your own risk.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Stop taking risedronate and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using risedronate.
Risedronate should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old.
