Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Risedronate
Pack: 4 pills (35 mg)
Risofos is a bisphosphonate used for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, to enhance bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and for the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. It is also utilized in the management of Paget's disease.
The active component in Risofos is Risedronate Sodium.
Risofos is prescribed to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and contains calcium. Although users may not notice a visible or tangible difference, it can help halt further bone loss and strengthen bones for the majority of recipients. It contributes to reducing the likelihood of fractures. Your healthcare provider might monitor your bone density or conduct other assessments to gauge your progress.
Administer 1 tablet of Risofos once each week, ensuring it is taken on the same day weekly. Take the tablet with 6 to 8 ounces (approximately 1 cup) of plain water in the morning. Avoid coffee, tea, juice, milk, or other dairy products when taking it. Risofos should be taken while sitting or standing; swallow the tablet whole without chewing or letting it dissolve in the mouth.
After taking Risofos, you must wait at least 30 minutes before lying down. You can sit, stand, or engage in regular activities such as reading or walking during this time. It is recommended to take vitamins, calcium, and antacids separately. For the subsequent 6 days of the week, take a daily calcium tablet with food (for instance, one day before taking Risofos).
To effectively manage your postmenopausal osteoporosis with Risofos, adhere strictly to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Your provider may advise increased calcium intake, along with vitamin D and regular exercise. If advised to take additional calcium tablets, ensure they are spaced out throughout the day and taken with food.
If you miss a morning dose of Risofos, do not take it later that day. Simply take 1 tablet the following morning and return to your regular schedule. You may take your calcium tablet with food later the same day that you take the missed Risofos tablet. Avoid taking Risofos and calcium tablets simultaneously.
If you miss a calcium dose during the day, you may take it with food. If you forget a calcium dose for the entire day and remember the next day, you can take two tablets, ensuring they are spaced out and taken with food. Refrain from taking more than two calcium tablets in a single day unless advised by your healthcare provider.
The following are possible side effects of Risofos. Immediately cease taking Risofos and inform your healthcare provider if you experience difficulty or pain while swallowing, chest pain, or severe heartburn that doesn’t improve.
Potential side effects of Risofos include: difficulties or pain while swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn (esophagitis), ulcers in the stomach and esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and stomach), and severe pain in bones, joints, or muscles.
Common side effects of Risofos are back pain, joint pain, stomach upset, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and headaches. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience pain or discomfort in your stomach or esophagus.
Rarely, serious skin reactions may occur. Patients might experience allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which could lead to breathing or swallowing difficulties. In exceptional cases, users of this medication may develop eye inflammation characterized by pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Additionally, there have been rare reports of jaw issues tied to delayed healing and infections, usually after dental extractions.
These are not all the potential side effects associated with this medication. Consult your healthcare provider for more information on other side effects. If you encounter any medical issues that you suspect may be related to this medication, speak to your doctor.
Inform your doctor before using Risofos if you have kidney issues, as it may not be suitable for you. Also, disclose all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Risofos and calcium can interact with other medications. Maintain a list of all your medicines and present it to all your healthcare providers, including your dentist, whenever you receive a new prescription. Certain foods, vitamin supplements, and medications can interfere with the absorption of this medicine, so only take plain water around the time you take Risofos.