Risedronate

Pronounced ris-ED-ro-nate

Brand names: Actonel, Atelvia

Type: Bisphosphonate (bone medicine) · All Hormone & Endocrine Medicines

What Risedronate is used for

  • Osteoporosis in women and men
  • Bone loss from steroid treatment
  • Paget disease of bone

◆ Kidney note

Not recommended when kidney function is severely reduced.

Common side effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea

Important cautions

  • Can irritate the food pipe — it is taken with a full glass of water and the person stays upright afterwards, exactly as the label directs
  • Rarely, serious jaw bone problems or unusual thigh fractures occur — tell your dentist you take it

How it comes

Tablets. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Toxicity lists: Risedronate also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Kidneys.

Related medicines — Hormone & Endocrine Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.