ACTONEL 5 mg
 |
|
|
Package:
F.C. Tablets: 28.
Dosage:
5 mg daily. All tablets should be swallowed whole in an upright position for at least 30 minutes, with a glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day, or at least 2 hours from any food or drink at other times and at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Children: Not recommended.
Prescribing Restrictions: None
Indications:
Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis to reduce the risk of vertebral fractures. Treatment of established postmenopausal osteoporosis to reduce the risk of hip fractures. Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with increased risk of osteoporosis. To maintain or increase bone mass in men and women undergoing long-term (more than 3 months), systemic corticosteroid treatment of doses higher than 7.5 mg/day prednisone or equivalent.
Contra-Indications:
Known hypersensitivity, hypocalcaemia, severe renal impairment.
Special Precautions:
Foods, drinks and drugs containing polyvalent cations (such as calcium, magnesium, iron and aluminum) may interfere with the absorption and should not be taken during treatment. Efficacy in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis is related to the presence of low bone mineral density and/or prevalent fracture. Evidence to support efficacy in very elderly women (>80 years) is limited). History of esophageal disorders which delay esophageal transit or emptying. Patients who are unable to stay in the upright position for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet. Hypocalcemia should be treated before starting therapy. Other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism (e.g. parathyroid dysfunction, hypovitaminosis D) should be treated at the same time as starting therapy.
Pregnancy and lactation. See prescribing information for full details.
Side Effects:
Abdominal pain, GI upset, musculoskeletal pain, headache, rash. Transient decrease in serum calcium and phosphate levels. Rarely, flu-like symptoms, chest pain, dizziness, neoplasm, peripheral edema, weight loss, apnoea, bronchitis, sinusitis, amblyopia, corneal lesions, dry eye, tinnitus, nocturia.
Drug Interactions:
Medications containing polyvalent cations (e.g. calcium, magnesium, iron and aluminum).
