Risedronate tablets come in different strengths (number of milligrams per pill) that are taken on different schedules. You may need to take a tablet once per day, once per week, once per month, or for 2 days in a row once per month.
Your dosing schedule will depend on why you are taking risedronate and in what tablet strength. If you change strengths, you may also need to change your schedule.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Risedronate is often given for only 3 to 5 years.
Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Take the Atelvia tablet just after breakfast, with at least 4 ounces of water.
Use only plain water when taking a risedronate tablet. Do not use coffee, tea, soda, juice, or mineral water.
Do not crush, chew, or suck on a risedronate tablet. Swallow it whole.
For at least 30 minutes after taking risedronate:
Do not lie down or recline.
Do not take any other medicine including vitamins, calcium, iron, antacids, or laxatives.
Take this medicine at the same time each day or on the same day each week or each month (depending on your dosing schedule).
Pay special attention to your dental hygiene while taking risedronate. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using risedronate.
Risedronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, bone mineral density testing, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep unused effervescent tablets in the foil blister pack.
 Detailed Risedronate dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Once-daily dosing: If you forget to take risedronate first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) doses in one day.
Once-per-week or once-per-month dosing: If you forget to take risedronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly or monthly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take 2 doses in one day.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss more than 2 doses in a month.
What happens if I overdose?
Drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.
