Risedronate: Uses, How to Take It, and Important Safety Tips
Risedronate is a bisphosphonate medicine used to treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone. It helps strengthen bones and may reduce the risk of fractures, especially in the spine.
Take risedronate exactly as prescribed, usually on an empty stomach with plain water. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes afterward, and discuss any health problems or other medicines with your doctor or pharmacist.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 73056
- Generic
- Risedronate
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- Actonel
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy