Actonel

Having an active life can be fun. However, age and certain health conditions, like osteoporosis can ruin all the fun you’re supposed to have.

Even if active people look strong and vibrant, their bones may be less so. Those who are beyond 50 years old and those who are post-menopausing will know how true this is. Fact is, older people tend to have lesser bone density. With weaker bones, an active lifestyle has to take a backseat.

Actonel a prescription medication has several uses: prevention and treatment of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women; increase in bone mass among men diagnosed with osteoporosis; prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in both genders brought about by the use of steroid medicines; and treatment of Paget’s disease of bone in both genders.

Actonel belongs to a group of drugs known as biphosphonates. It works to modify bone formation cycle and its breakdown in the human body. The drug serves to slow down the loss of bone density, simultaneously increasing bone mass. Our bones may look solid and very stable, but in reality they undergo regular renewal. Osteoclasts, or specialized cells, are tasked to bring out the used calcium from the bones, while osteoblasts are have the responsibility of replacing it. Most often, after menopause, such process is imbalanced. Calcium is drawn out from the bones in a rate faster than it is being replaced. This abnormal process leads to the “brittle bone disease” known in medicine as osteoporosis.

Actonel addresses this issue by lessening the activity done by the osteoclasts, thereby, slowing down calcium loss in the bones. Actonel is prescribed for use by postmenopausal women, as prevention of osteoporosis and strengthening of the bones when the disease has already occurred.

Actonel does not only cease bone loss but reverses the effect of osteoporosis as well. Thus, when the bones are stronger, the patient’s chances of developing a fracture are reduced.

Actonel are available in three types: 5 mg, 30 mg, and 35 mg tablets. Both the 5 mg and 30 mg tablets can be ingested every day, while the 35 mg tablet is to be taken once in every week. The tablets, regardless of dosage, should be ingested not less than 30 minutes before taking in any food or drink in the morning. The pill should be taken when the patient is standing or sitting upright. It should be washed down with a full glass of water, about 6-8 ounces. It shouldn’t be taken in with any other drink except water. The patient should not lie down after about 30 minutes.

If you missed your dose, but realized it before you had any food or drink for the day, you can take the dose as soon as you remember it. However if you already ate or drank something, skip the day’s dose of Actonel and take the next dose the following day. For those who are taking Actonel 35 mg tablet, missing a weekly dose means taking the missed dose on the morning of the following day, then go back to taking the tablet as scheduled originally. No two tablets should be taken on the same day.

The following are the most common Actonel side effects: anxiety, belching, bone pain, abdominal pain, back pain, chest pain, constipation, bladder irritation, dizziness, depression, bursitis, colitis, flu-like symptoms, cataracts, vision problems, nausea, leg cramps, itching, urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, stomach bleeding, rash, sinus problems, ulcers, sore throat, and pneumonia, among others.

Actonel is not prescribed to patient with calcium levels which are low. Also, patients who cannot stand or are unable to sit upright after taking the drug are not advised to use this medication.

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease. It’s nice to know we have one big ally in Actonel.