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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Chemical Name: RISEDRONATE (ris-ED-roe-nate)
ACTONEL belongs to a group of medications called bisphosphonates. This medication is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause. It works by altering the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. ACTONEL slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures. It may also be used in men and women to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids. ACTONEL is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone.
Take ACTONEL as exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Take the ACTONEL tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medication. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an ACTONEL tablet.
After taking an ACTONEL tablet, do not lie down or recline, do not eat or drink anything other than plain water and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least the first 30 minutes.
ACTONEL can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to risedronate, or if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
To make sure patients can safely take ACTONEL, talk to your doctor if you have:
Serious side effects of ACTONEL may include: