ACTONEL Film-coated tablet Ref.[50803] Active ingredients: Risedronic acid

Source: Marketing Authorisation Holder  Revision Year: 2018  Publisher: Accord Healthcare Limited, Sage House, 319 Pinner Road, North Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4HF, United Kingdom

4.1. Therapeutic 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 (see section 5.1).

To maintain or increase bone mass in postmenopausal women undergoing long-term (more than 3 months), systemic corticosteroid treatment at doses '27.5 mg/day prednisone or equivalent.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The recommended daily dose in adults is one 5 mg tablet orally.

Special populations

Elderly

No dosage adjustment is necessary since bioavailability, distribution and elimination were similar in elderly (>60 years of age) compared to younger subjects.

Renal/Impairment

No dosage adjustment is required for those patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. The use of risedronate sodium is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance lower than 30 ml/min) (see sections 4.3 and 5.2).

Paediatric population

Risedronate sodium is not recommended for use in children below age 18 due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy (see section 5.1).

Method of administration

The absorption of Actonel is affected by food, thus to ensure adequate absorption patients should take Actonel: Before breakfast: At least 30 minutes before the first food, other medicinal product or drink (other than plain water) of the day.

In the particular instance that before breakfast dosing is not practical, Actonel can be taken between meals or in the evening at the same time everyday, with strict adherence to the following instructions, to ensure Actonel is taken on an empty stomach:

Between meals: Actonelshould be taken at least 2 hours before and at least 2 hours after any food, medicinal product or drink (other than plain water). In the evening: Actonel should be taken at least 2 hours after the last food, medicinal product or drink (other than plain water) of the day. Actonelshould be taken at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

If an occasional dose is missed, Actonel can be taken before breakfast, between meals, or in the evening according to the instructions above.

The tablets must be swallowed whole and not sucked or chewed. To aid delivery of the tablet to the stomach Actonel is to be taken while in an upright position with a glass of plain water (2:120 ml). Patients should not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the tablet (see section 4.4).

Supplemental calcium and vitamin D should be considered if the dietary intake is inadequate.

The optimal duration of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis has not been established. The need for continued treatment should be re-evaluated periodically based on the benefits and potential risks of risedronate on an individual patient basis, particularly after 5 or more years of use.

4.9. Overdose

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdose with risedronate sodium.

Decreases in serum calcium following substantial overdose may be expected. Signs and symptoms of hypocalcaemia may also occur in some of these patients.

Milk or antacids containing magnesium, calcium or aluminium should be given to bind risedronate and reduce absorption of risedronate sodium. In cases of substantial overdose, gastric lavage may be considered to remove unabsorbed risedronate sodium.

6.3. Shelf life

5 years.

6.4. Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

6.5. Nature and contents of container

Opaque PVC/aluminium foil blister cards of 14 tablets in a cardboard carton, tablet count 14, 28 (2 × 14), 84 (6 × 14), 98 (7 × 14) or 10 × 14 (hospital bundle).

2 x I0 count perforated blister strip (hospital unit dose).

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No special requirements.

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