How does risedronate work?
If you have osteoporosis, risedronate slows down the cells that break down bone. This maintains bone density and makes your bones stronger and less likely to break.
With Paget's disease of bone, risedronate works by reducing the abnormal bone renewal the condition causes. This helps to reduce deformity in your bones, reduces pain, and makes your bones stronger and less likely to break.
How long does it take to work?
For osteoporosis, risedronate usually starts to work after 2 weeks. However, it may take 6 months for the medicine to fully protect your bones.
When used for Paget's disease of bone, risedronate reduces bone pain, but it may take 3 to 6 months for your symptoms to improve.
How long do the effects last after I stop taking it?
Once you stop taking risedronate the effects of the medicine will gradually wear off. Your bones may continue to benefit for up to 1 year afterwards.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Risedronate is generally prescribed for a long time for people with osteoporosis. While you're taking it, you're less likely to break a bone.
In a very small number of people, taking risedronate for more than 2 years can increase their chances of getting a rare type of bone damage in their inner ear and certain types of breaks to their thigh bones.
If risedronate works for you long term, your doctor will look at the benefits and risks of your treatment after 5 years. They may do some tests to check the strength (density) of your bones. Then they'll advise you if you should keep taking it.
The benefits of taking risedronate generally outweigh the risks. If you're concerned or have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What happens if I do not take it?
Missing occasional doses probably will not affect the health of your bones. But if you keep forgetting to take your risedronate or you do not want to take it, for whatever reason, then speak to your doctor. There are other treatments that can help your bones.
Any treatment can have side effects. But the benefits of risedronate usually far outweigh the risks.
By not having treatment, you're more likely to break a bone. Broken bones are painful and can have serious consequences. In older people, for example, a broken hip can mean they're no longer able to live independently.
Are there other medicines for osteoporosis?
Risedronate is a bisphosphonate.
Bisphosphonates are the main group of medicines used for osteoporosis and they are usually the first treatment given. Bisphosphonates all work in the same way.
Other bisphosphonate medicines include:
- alendronic acid, a tablet that is taken once daily or as a higher dose once a week
- ibandronic acid, a tablet that is taken once daily or as a higher dose once a month
- zoledronic acid, an injection that is given once a year. This may be given if you cannot take a bisphosphonate as a tablet
If you cannot take a bisphosphonate medicine, there are some other options. These include denosumab, raloxifene, teriparatide and hormone replacement therapy.
Your doctor will help you find the right medicine for you depending on your medical history.
What can I do to keep my teeth healthy while taking it?
It's important to take good care of your teeth while you're taking risedronate. This is because risedronate might affect your jawbone.
Keep your teeth clean and have a dental check-up every 6 months. Your doctor may also recommend a dental check-up before your treatment starts.
Contact your doctor or dentist if you have any problems with your mouth or teeth, such as pain, swelling or loose teeth.
What happens if I need dental treatment?
If you're having dental implants or having a tooth out while taking risedronate, there's a very small chance of damage to your jawbone.
For safety, tell your dentist that you're taking risedronate. They may recommend a different type of dental treatment.
Will risedronate affect my arthritis?
Some types of arthritis and arthritis medicines can increase your risk of getting osteoporosis. Taking risedronate reduces this risk.
If you have arthritis, let your doctor know if the pain or swelling in your joints gets worse when you start taking risedronate.
Will it affect my contraception?
Risedronate does not affect any type of contraception including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
However, if you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes, risedronate will not affect you being able to drive or cycle.
Can I drink alcohol while taking risedronate?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking risedronate.
However, drinking a lot of alcohol affects the strength of your bones and can increase your risk of breaks (fractures).
Try not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
After taking risedronate on an empty stomach with plain water, wait for 30 minutes and then you can eat or drink normally.
Can lifestyle changes help with bone health?
You can help keep your bones healthy by making some key lifestyle changes.
- Eat food for strong bones – include some foods high in calcium and vitamin D.
- Get vitamin D from sunlight – spend some time in the sun.
- Quit smoking – smoking harms your bones.
- Cut down on alcohol – try not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units.
- Exercise more – walking and low-impact aerobics are good for your bones. So are strength-training exercises where you use your own bodyweight.