All medications
Bone health
Risedronate
Brand names: Actonel, Atelvia
An oral bisphosphonate with weekly or monthly options.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Osteoporosis and steroid-related bone loss.
How it works
It slows bone breakdown by osteoclasts.
How it’s taken
A tablet weekly or monthly. Actonel is taken on an empty stomach, and Atelvia can be taken after breakfast.
Side effects
Heartburn, stomach upset and muscle aches. Rare jaw and thigh bone problems.
Monitoring
Bone density and vitamin D.
Good to know
Same drug-holiday considerations as other bisphosphonates.
At a glance
Class
Bone health
Brand names
Actonel, Atelvia
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.