Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Risedronate
Pack: 1 pill (150 mg)
Risofos is a bisphosphonate utilized for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, to enhance bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and to treat and prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Additionally, Risofos is effective in treating Paget's disease.
The active component in Risofos is Risedronate Sodium, with each tablet containing either 35 mg, 75 mg, or 150 mg of Risedronate Sodium.
Risofos aids in preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and includes calcium. It may help reverse bone loss by ceasing further loss and boosting bone strength in most individuals who use it, even if they do not notice any physical changes. This medication reduces the likelihood of fractures. Your healthcare provider might measure your bone density or conduct other assessments to monitor your progress.
You should take one tablet of Risofos once a week, ensuring it's on the same day each week. Consume it with 6 to 8 ounces (approximately 1 cup) of plain water in the morning. Avoid taking it with coffee, tea, juice, milk, or other dairy products. Take Risofos while sitting or standing upright. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew it or allow it to dissolve in your mouth.
After taking Risofos, wait at least 30 minutes before lying down. You can sit, stand, or engage in regular activities like reading a newspaper or taking a walk. Schedule your vitamins, calcium, and antacids for a different time. For the subsequent six days of the week (e.g., one day before taking Risofos), take one calcium tablet daily with food.
To effectively treat your postmenopausal osteoporosis or prevent its onset, it's essential to take Risofos precisely as directed. Your healthcare provider might advise increased calcium and vitamin D intake, along with exercising. If you take additional calcium, ensure each tablet is consumed at different times of the day alongside food.
If you forget a morning dose of Risofos, do not take it later the same day. Instead, take one tablet the next morning and return to your regular schedule. Consume your calcium tablet with food later on the same day that you take the missed Risofos tablet. Do not combine Risofos and calcium tablets at the same time.
In case you miss a calcium dose but remember it later the same day, you may take it with food. If you forget an entire day's dose of calcium and remember the next day, you can take two tablets on that day at separate times with food. However, do not exceed two calcium tablets in one day unless advised by your healthcare provider.
Potential side effects of Risofos are listed below. Cease taking Risofos and notify your healthcare provider immediately if: swallowing becomes difficult or painful, you experience chest pain, or you have severe heartburn that persists.
Risofos may lead to: difficulties or pain when swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn (esophagitis), ulcers in the stomach and esophagus (the connecting tube between the mouth and stomach), and pain in bones, joints, or muscles, which can sometimes be severe.
The most common side effects associated with Risofos include back pain, joint pain, upset stomach, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and headaches. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience discomfort or pain in your stomach or esophagus.
Rarely, serious skin reactions may occur. Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat may happen, potentially causing breathing or swallowing difficulties. In rare instances, individuals using this medication might develop eye inflammation, often accompanied by pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Additionally, some patients have experienced delayed healing or infection of the jaw, commonly following tooth extraction.
These are not all the potential side effects of this medication. You can consult your healthcare provider for information on other side effects. Whenever you have a medical issue that you believe may be related to this medication, discuss it with your doctor.
Before using Risofos, inform your doctor if you have kidney issues, as it may not be suitable for you. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements, as Risofos and calcium may interact with other medications. Maintain a list of all your medications and present it to your healthcare providers, including your dentist, whenever you receive a new prescription. Certain foods and some vitamin supplements and medications can interfere with your body's ability to absorb this medication. Therefore, you should only consume plain water near the time you take it.