Actonel Uses

Actonel uses are primarily concerned with treating osteoporosis in several groups of people, including men, postmenopausal women, and people who take steroids on a long-term basis. The drug works by slowing down the rate at which bones break down and encouraging normal bone re-formation. Off-label Actonel uses include the treatment of high calcium levels in the blood and cancer that has spread to the bones.

 

Actonel Uses: An Overview

Actonel® (risedronate sodium) is a prescription medication that is part of a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. It is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Treating Paget's disease of the bone in men and women
  • Treating osteoporosis in men
  • Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Preventing and treating osteoporosis in men and women who take steroids.
     

Actonel Uses for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone," is a disease characterized by low bone mass (bone thinning) that leads to fragile bones and to an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by this condition. Fortunately, osteoporosis is a disease that can be prevented and treated.
 
Common causes of osteoporosis include:
 
  • Age-related bone loss
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Long-term corticosteroid use
  • Certain diseases.
     
It is also thought that race and ethnicity may play a role in developing osteoporosis, but more research is needed to determine the connection.
 
Often, osteoporosis treatment is not started until a bone is broken, as there are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis. However, treatment may be started earlier if the disease is detected using a test (see Diagnosing Osteoporosis). In fact, some osteoporosis medications (including Actonel) can be used for osteoporosis prevention in people who are at high risk for developing the condition (see Risk Factors for Osteoporosis).
 
(Actonel Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;