How many years should actonel be taken

How long should you take a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis? March 8, Print This Page Click to Print. Staying Healthy. Women's Health. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Sign Up. Close Thanks for visiting. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

I want to get healthier. Actonel decreases the rate bone cells are absorbed. This reduced absorption allows the body to increase bone density, which in turn reduces the risk of fracture.

Pills are available in 5mg, 30mg, and 35mg strength. The usual dosage for osteoporosis prevention and treatment is 35 mg once weekly, or 5 mg once daily. This helps to reduce deformity and pain and makes your bones stronger and less likely to break. 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.

For Paget's disease of bone, risedronate is usually taken for 2 months. You may need to start taking it again if your symptoms come back. For osteoporosis, you'll usually take risedronate for a long time.

If you're having long-term treatment with steroids, you'll usually take risedronate until your steroid treatment stops — maybe longer. If you have osteoporosis, your doctor will usually assess your risk of broken bones after 5 years. This may include tests to check the strength density of your bones. Depending on the results, you'll either keep taking risedronate, take a break from it or stop taking it completely.

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. Risedronate is generally prescribed for a long time.

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.

Then they'll decide if you should keep taking it. This may involve some tests to check the strength density of your bones. The benefits of taking risedronate generally outweigh the risks. If you're concerned or have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Missing the odd dose 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. 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. If you cannot take a bisphosphonate medicine, there are some other options. These include denosumab, raloxifene, teriparatide and hormone replacement therapy.

Your doctor will find the right medicine for you depending on your medical history. 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.

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.

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.

There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking risedronate will reduce fertility in either men or women. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.

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How long must I take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? Are they a lifelong commitment? Answer From Ann Kearns, M.