Atelvia
Generic Name: Risedronate
What is Atelvia?
Atelvia is a medicine used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.What is the most important information I should know about Atelvia?
Atelvia may cause serious problems in your stomach and esophagus, such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, or ulcers. Stop taking Atelvia and call your doctor right away if you have pain when swallowing, trouble swallowing, chest pain, new or worse heartburn, or indigestion/heartburn that does not go away.You may feel pain in your bones, joints, or muscles. Atelvia may cause jaw-bone problems (osteonecrosis). This can include infection and slow healing after teeth are pulled. Tell your doctor, including your dentist, right away if you have these symptoms.
Who should not take Atelvia?
Do not take Atelvia if you take a medicine called risedronate sodium (Actonel). Atelvia and Actonel contain the same medicine.Do not take Atelvia if you have certain problems with your esophagus, cannot sit or stand up for at least 30 minutes, have low blood calcium, kidney problems, or are allergic to risedronate sodium or any of the other ingredients in Atelvia.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Atelvia?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Atelvia. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have problems swallowing or other problems with your esophagus, kidney problems, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The recommended dose is one 35-milligram (mg) tablet taken once a week.
How should I take Atelvia?
Take Atelvia only as directed by your doctor. The once-weekly dose should be taken right after breakfast with at least 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) of plain water. Choose a day of the week to take Atelvia that best fits your schedule.Take Atelvia while you are sitting up or standing and remain upright for at least 30 minutes before lying down. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush tablets before swallowing. If you cannot swallow tablets whole, tell your doctor as you may need a different medicine.
Your doctor may tell you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements, and to exercise while taking Atelvia.
What should I avoid while taking Atelvia?
You should not take more than one tablet on the same day. Avoid taking calcium supplements and/or antacids together at the same time of the day as Atelvia.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Atelvia?
If Atelvia is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Atelvia with the following: Actonel or other medicines to treat osteoporosis, aspirin, calcium supplements, drugs that decrease the acidity of your stomach (such as antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors), iron supplements, laxatives, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.What are the possible side effects of Atelvia?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: low calcium and other mineral changes in your blood, jaw-bone problems (osteonecrosis), diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, back and joint pain, upset stomach, stomach pain
Can I receive Atelvia if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Atelvia during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Atelvia?
If you miss your weekly dose of Atelvia, take the missed dose the morning after you remember, then return to your usual schedule of one tablet on your chosen day of the week. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Atelvia?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
