Risofos 35mg (Risedronate)

Risofos general information

What is Risofos used for?

Risofos tablets 35mg are used to treat osteoporosis, to reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures in men and postmenopausal women, and to prevent osteoporosis developing in postmenopausal women who are at risk. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density resulting in brittle bones which can fracture more easily and is often associated with lack of oestrogen in postmenopausal women, or following treatment with a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory steroid that can cause bone loss. Risofos tablets 35mg are also used to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women, in which the normal mechanism of bone turnover is faulty and bone structure becomes abnormal causing weakness. Risofos tablets 35mg, taken just once weekly, help to strengthen the bone structure making them less likely to fracture.

How does Risofos work?

Risofos tablets 35mg contain risedronate, which is a pyridinyl bisphosphonate; a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process that allows bones to grow and repair. Risedronate acts directly on bone and binds to hydroxyapatite (the scaffolding of bone architecture), specifically at the site of bone resorption (the process for removal of old bone tissue by breakdown of the bone structure and removal of calcium and phosphorus), and inhibits the action of bone cells called osteoclasts that are responsible for bone resorption. Risedronate has no effect on osteoblast cells that are responsible for bone formation (laying down of new bone tissue and deposit of calcium and phosphorus). Risofos tablets 35mg change the balance of bone turnover so that bone breakdown is reduced relative to bone building. Reduction in bone turnover as well as bone resorption increases bone density, making bones stronger and more resistant to fracture, which can be painful and debilitating, and can cause loss of height if the fracture occurs in the spine. Although risedronate in Risofos tablets 35mg begin working on bone turnover immediately, it may take several months before measurable effects on bone density may be seen.

What does Risofos contain?

Risofos tablets 35mg contain the active ingredient risedronate sodium, a biphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis.

Risofos for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

Risofos tablets 35mg contain risedronate, which is a bisphosphonate; a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process that allows bones to grow and repair. This process of bone turnover is hormonally controlled and is increased by oestrogen and decreased by corticosteroids. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density resulting in brittle bones which can fracture more easily, but there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. During menopause, oestrogen production slows down and this increases risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women. Aging also causes bones to weaken due to loss of bone density, so that men are also susceptible to osteoporosis. Low levels of testosterone can cause loss of bone density, as well as long-term use of corticosteroid medication (an anti-inflammatory steroid). Risofos tablets 35mg are used to treat men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and to prevent osteoporosis in pre-menopausal women who are know to be at risk of osteoporosis; also to treat and prevent corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in men, pre-menopausal women and postmenopausal women receiving oestrogen. Risofos tablets 35mg taken just once weekly, increase bone density and reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures, which can be painful, debilitating, and cause loss of height if the fracture occurs in the spine.

Treating Paget's disease of bone with Risofos

Risofos tablets 35mg contain risedronate, which is a bisphosphonate; a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process of bone resorption (removal of old bone tissue) and bone formation (laying down of new bone tissue) that allows bones to grow and repair. Paget's disease of bone occurs in men and women, in which the normal mechanism of bone turnover is faulty and bone structure becomes abnormal causing bones to become weak and brittle. Risofos tablets 35mg restores the balance in bone remodelling to allow bones to form a more normal structure, making them stronger and more resistant to fracture.

What are the side effects of Risofos?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Risofos tablets 35mg include: abdominal distension and pain, heartburn (dyspepsia), constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, oesophageal ulcer, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), headache, bone, muscle and/or joint pain, which is usually mild.

When should Risofos not be used?

You should not use Risofos if you:

• are allergic to risedronate or any components of Risofos tablets 35mg
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have certain disorders of oesophagus including, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), oesophageal disease, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers
• are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• have low blood calcium
• are taking calcium supplements, antacids, and other oral medications will interfere with absorption of Risofos tablets 35mg, you should wait at least one half hour after taking Risofos tablets 35mg before taking any other oral medication
• are taking aspirin as this may increase risk of stomach upsets

How should Risofos be taken?

You should take your Risofos tablets 35mg one tablet per week, with glass of water, on the same day each week in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medication. You should then remain upright for at least 30 minutes, either sitting, standing or walking around, to reduce risk of a reaction in your oesophagus. You should continue to take your Risofos tablets 35mg every week for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be several months or more, as it can take this long before you see a measurable increase in bone density.

How long should you take Risofos?

You should continue to take your Risofos tablets 35mg every week for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be several months or more. Although Risofos tablets 35mg start working on the bone cells immediately, you may not see measurable effects on bone density for several months or more.

Missed dose of Risofos

If you miss a dose of Risofos tablets 35mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Risofos be stored?

You should store your Risofos tablets 35mg in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.