Common Questions about Risedronate Sodium (Actonel)

How long does risedronate take to start working?

Risedronate sodium starts working within 2 weeks, but you may need to take it for 6 months or more to get the full benefits. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel well. Osteoporosis may not cause specific symptoms, and it’s not possible for you to know how your bone mass is doing without undergoing a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Stopping treatment with risedronate sodium could put you at risk of bone fractures. For people with Paget’s disease, it may take 3-6 months after risedronate sodium treatment to notice an improvement in bone pain.

How long should you stay on risedronate sodium?

Most postmenopausal women stay on risedronate sodium for 3-5 years. Healthcare providers evaluate periodically with bone mineral density (BMD) testing to see if a patient still needs risedronate sodium. For Paget’s disease, you usually take risedronate sodium for 2 months.

What is the difference between alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate sodium (Actonel)?

Both alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate sodium (Actonel) are bisphosphonates and first-line therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Both drugs can also be used to treat osteoporosis in men, steroid-induced osteoporosis, and Paget’s disease. In addition to daily and weekly dosing, risedronate sodium also comes in a dosage strength that allows two-days-a-month or once-monthly dosing. Alendronate is for once daily or once weekly dosing only (not monthly).

What is the difference between Atelvia and Actonel?

Both Atelvia and Actonel contain the same active ingredient, risedronate sodium. However, while you must take immediate-release Actonel on an empty stomach, you can take Ateliva after breakfast. Note that Atelvia is only approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, while Actonel can additionally be used to treat other types of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease.

What is the price of risedronate sodium  without insurance?

Without insurance, risedronate sodium can be as high as $781.85, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $43.28 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.

What is the price of risedronate sodium with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on risedronate sodium —Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for risedronate sodium . When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.