Actonel has been related to the side effect of Abdominal pain. If you are taking Actonel and have experienced Abdominal pain this information may be of use to you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ACTONEL® (risedronate sodium) tablets
ACTONEL
-
risedronate sodium tablet, film coated Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
----------
ACTONEL® (risedronate sodium) tablets
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ACTONEL
safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ACTONEL.
ACTONEL
(risedronate sodium)
tablet, film coated for
oral
use Initial U.S. Approval:
1998
Must be taken with plain water (6 to 8 oz) at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day; do not lie down
for 30 minutes (2)
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: 5 mg daily, 35 mg once a week, 75 mg taken on two consecutive days each
month, or 150 mg once a month (2.1)
Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: 5 mg daily, or 35 mg once a week (2.2)
Known hypersensitivity to any component of this product (4, 6.2)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Upper gastrointestinal irritation may occur. Dosing instructions should be followed. Discontinue use if new or worsening symptoms
occur (5.1).
Hypocalcemia may worsen and must be corrected prior to use (5.2).
Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely (5.3).
Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain may occur. Consider discontinuing use if severe symptoms develop (5.4, 6.2).
Before initiating treatment in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, sex steroid hormonal status of both men
and women should be ascertained and appropriate replacement considered (5.6).
Bisphosphonates may interfere with bone-imaging agents (5.7).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions reported in >10% of patients treated with ACTONEL and with a higher frequency than placebo are:
back pain, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia (6.1).
Hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, generalized rash, bullous skin reactions), and eye inflammation (iritis, uveitis)
have been reported rarely (6.2).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at
1-800-836-0658
or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Calcium, antacids, or oral medications containing divalent cations interfere with the absorption of ACTONEL (7.1).
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
ACTONEL is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatine clearance <30 mL/min) (5.5, 12.3).
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling
ACTONEL is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women with
osteoporosis, ACTONEL reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures and a composite endpoint of nonvertebral osteoporosis-related
fractures [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)].
1.2 Osteoporosis in Men
ACTONEL is indicated for treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
1.3 Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
ACTONEL is indicated for the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women who are either
initiating or continuing systemic glucocorticoid treatment (daily dosage of ≥ 7.5 mg prednisone or equivalent) for chronic
diseases. Patients treated with glucocorticoids should receive adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
1.4 Paget's Disease
ACTONEL is indicated for treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
ACTONEL should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water.
To facilitate delivery to the stomach, ACTONEL should be swallowed while the patient is in an upright position and with a
full glass of plain water (6 to 8 oz). Patients should not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Patients should receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Calcium supplements and calcium-, aluminum-, and magnesium-containing medications may interfere with the absorption of
ACTONEL and should be taken at a different time of the day. ACTONEL is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal
impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with a creatinine clearance ≥30
mL/min or in the elderly.
The recommended treatment regimen is 30 mg orally once daily for 2 months. Retreatment may be considered (following post-treatment
observation of at least 2 months) if relapse occurs, or if treatment fails to normalize serum alkaline phosphatase. For retreatment,
the dose and duration of therapy are the same as for initial treatment. No data are available on more than 1 course of retreatment.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
5 mg film-coated, oval, yellow tablet with RSN on 1 face and 5 mg on the other.
30 mg film-coated, oval, white tablet with RSN on 1 face and 30 mg on the other.
35 mg film-coated, oval, orange tablet with RSN on 1 face and 35 mg on the other.
75 mg film-coated, oval, pink tablet with RSN on 1 face and 75 mg on the other.
150 mg film-coated, oval, blue tablet with RSN on 1 face and 150 mg on the other.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Known hypersensitivity to any component of this product [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Bisphosphonates, including ACTONEL, may cause upper gastrointestinal disorders such as dysphagia, esophagitis, and esophageal
or gastric ulcers. ACTONEL should be taken according to the dosing instructions to minimize the risk of these events. Patients
should discontinue use if new or worsening symptoms occur. [see Contraindications (4), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Information for Patients (17.1)].
5.2 Mineral Metabolism
Hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism should be effectively treated before starting ACTONEL therapy.
Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important in all patients, especially in patients with Paget's disease in whom
bone turnover is significantly elevated [see Contraindications (4), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Information for Patients (17.1)].
5.3 Jaw Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis, primarily in the jaw, has been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Most cases have been in cancer patients undergoing dental procedures such as tooth extraction, but some have occurred in
patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or other diagnoses. Most reported cases have been in patients treated with bisphosphonates
intravenously but some have been in patients treated orally.
For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate
treatment, prior to the procedure, reduces the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Clinical judgment should guide the management
plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
5.4 Musculoskeletal Pain
In postmarketing experience, there have been reports of severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle
pain in patients taking bisphosphonates [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. The time to onset of symptoms varied from one day to several months after starting the drug. Most patients had relief of
symptoms after stopping medication. A subset had recurrence of symptoms when rechallenged with the same drug or another bisphosphonate.
Consider discontinuing use if severe symptoms develop.
5.5 Renal Impairment
ACTONEL is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
5.6 Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
Before initiating ACTONEL treatment for the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, the sex steroid
hormonal status of both men and women should be ascertained and appropriate replacement considered.
5.7 Laboratory Test Interactions
Bisphosphonates are known to interfere with the use of bone-imaging agents. Specific studies with ACTONEL have not been performed.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials
of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed
in practice.
Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Daily Dosing
The safety of ACTONEL 5 mg once daily in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in four randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled multinational trials of 3232 women aged 38 to 85 years with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The duration of
the trials was up to three years, with 1619 patients exposed to placebo and 1613 patients exposed to ACTONEL 5 mg. Patients
with pre-existing gastrointestinal disease and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors,
and H2 antagonists were included in these clinical trials. All women received 1000 mg of elemental calcium plus vitamin D supplementation
up to 500 IU per day if their 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level was below normal at baseline.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.0% in the placebo group and 1.7% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group. The incidence
of serious adverse events was 24.6% in the placebo group and 27.2% in the ACTONEL 5 mg group. The percentage of patients who
withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 15.6% in the placebo group and 14.8% in the ACTONEL 5 mg group. Table 1 lists adverse events from the Phase 3 postmenopausal osteoporosis trials reported in ≥5% of patients. Adverse events are
shown without attribution of causality.
Table 1 Adverse Events Occurring at a Frequency ≥5% in Either Treatment Group Combined Phase 3 Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Treatment Trials
Body System
Placebo N = 1619
5 mg ACTONEL N = 1613
%
%
Body as a Whole
Infection
29.9
31.1
Back Pain
26.1
28.0
Accidental Injury
16.8
16.9
Pain
14.0
14.1
Abdominal Pain
9.9
12.2
Flu Syndrome
11.6
10.5
Headache
10.8
9.9
Asthenia
4.5
5.4
Neck Pain
4.7
5.4
Chest Pain
5.1
5.0
Allergic Reaction
5.9
3.8
Cardiovascular System
Hypertension
9.8
10.5
Digestive System
Constipation
12.6
12.9
Diarrhea
10.0
10.8
Dyspepsia
10.6
10.8
Nausea
11.2
10.5
Metabolic & Nutritional Disorders
Peripheral Edema
8.8
7.7
Musculoskeletal System
Arthralgia
22.1
23.7
Arthritis
10.1
9.6
Traumatic Bone Fracture
12.3
9.3
Joint Disorder
5.3
7.0
Myalgia
6.2
6.7
Bone Pain
4.8
5.3
Nervous System
Dizziness
5.7
7.1
Depression
6.1
6.8
Insomnia
4.6
5.0
Respiratory System
Bronchitis
10.4
10.0
Sinusitis
9.1
8.7
Rhinitis
5.1
6.2
Pharyngitis
5.0
6.0
Increased Cough
6.3
5.9
Skin and Appendages
Rash
7.1
7.9
Special Senses
Cataract
5.7
6.5
Urogenital System
Urinary Tract Infection
10.4
11.1
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: The incidence of adverse events in the placebo and ACTONEL 5 mg daily groups were: abdominal pain (9.9% vs. 12.2%), diarrhea
(10.0% vs. 10.8%), dyspepsia (10.6% vs. 10.8%), and gastritis (2.3% vs. 2.7%). Duodenitis and glossitis have been reported
uncommonly in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group (0.1% to 1%). In patients with active upper gastrointestinal disease at baseline,
the incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse events was similar between the placebo and ACTONEL 5 mg daily groups.
Musculoskeletal Adverse Events: The incidence of adverse events in the placebo and ACTONEL 5 mg daily groups were: back pain (26.1% vs. 28.0%), arthralgia
(22.1% vs. 23.7%), myalgia (6.2% vs. 6.7%), and bone pain (4.8% vs. 5.3%).
Laboratory Test Findings: Throughout the Phase 3 studies, transient decreases from baseline in serum calcium (<1%) and serum phosphate (<3%) and
compensatory increases in serum PTH levels (<30%) were observed within 6 months in patients in osteoporosis clinical trials
treated with ACTONEL 5 mg once daily. There were no significant differences in serum calcium, phosphate, or PTH levels between
placebo and ACTONEL 5 mg once daily at 3 years. Serum calcium levels below 8 mg/dL were observed in 18 patients, 9 (0.5%)
in each treatment arm (placebo and ACTONEL 5 mg once daily). Serum phosphorus levels below 2 mg/dL were observed in 14 patients,
3 (0.2%) treated with placebo and 11 (0.6%) treated with ACTONEL 5 mg once daily. There have been rare reports (<0.1%) of
abnormal liver function tests.
Endoscopic Findings: In the ACTONEL clinical trials, endoscopic evaluation was encouraged in any patient with moderate-to-severe gastrointestinal
complaints, while maintaining the blind. Endoscopies were performed on equal numbers of patients between the placebo and treated
groups [75 (14.5%) placebo; 75 (11.9%) ACTONEL]. Clinically important findings (perforations, ulcers, or bleeding) among this
symptomatic population were similar between groups (51% placebo; 39% ACTONEL).
Once-a-Week Dosing
The safety of ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in a 1-year, double-blind,
multicenter study comparing ACTONEL 5 mg daily and ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 95 years.
The duration of the trials was one year, with 480 patients exposed to ACTONEL 5 mg daily and 485 exposed to ACTONEL 35 mg
once-a-week. Patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal disease and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
proton pump inhibitors, and H2 antagonists were included in these clinical trials. All women received 1000 mg of elemental calcium plus vitamin D supplementation
up to 500 IU per day if their 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level was below normal at baseline.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.4% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 1.0% in the ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week group.
The incidence of serious adverse events was 7.1% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 8.2% in the ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week
group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 11.9% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group
and 11.5% in the ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week group. The overall safety and tolerability profiles of the two dosing regimens
were similar.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was similar between the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and the ACTONEL 35 mg
once-a-week group: dyspepsia (6.9% vs. 7.6%), diarrhea (6.3% vs. 4.9%), and abdominal pain (7.3% vs. 7.6%).
Musculoskeletal Adverse Events: Arthralgia was reported in 11.5% of patients in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 14.2% of patients in the ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week
group. Myalgia was reported by 4.6% of patients in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 6.2% of patients in the ACTONEL 35 mg
once-a-week group.
Laboratory Test Findings: The mean percent changes from baseline at 12 months were similar between the ACTONEL 5 mg daily and ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week
groups, respectively, for serum calcium (0.4% vs. 0.7%), phosphate (-3.8% vs. -2.6%) and PTH (6.4% vs. 4.2%).
Monthly Dosing
Two Consecutive Days per Month
The safety of ACTONEL 75 mg administered on two consecutive days per month for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
was assessed in a double-blind, multicenter study in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 86 years. The duration of the trial was
two years; 613 patients were exposed to Actonel 5 mg daily and 616 were exposed to ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per
month. Patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal disease and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton
pump inhibitors, and H2 antagonists were included in this clinical trial. All women received 1000 mg of elemental calcium plus 400 to 800 IU of vitamin
D supplementation per day.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 1.0% for the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 0.5% for the ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive
days per month group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 10.8% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 14.4% in the ACTONEL
75 mg two consecutive days per month group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment due to adverse events was
14.2% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 13.0% in the ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per month group. The overall safety
and tolerability profiles of the two dosing regimens were similar.
Acute Phase Reactions: Symptoms consistent with acute phase reaction have been reported with bisphosphate use. The overall incidence of acute
phase reaction was 3.6% of patients on ACTONEL 5 mg daily and 7.6% of patients on ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per month.
These incidence rates are based on reporting of any of 33 acute phase reaction-like symptoms within 5 days of the first dose.
Fever or influenza-like illness with onset within the same period were reported by 0.0% of patients on ACTONEL 5 mg daily
and 0.6% of patients on ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per month.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: The ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per month group resulted in a higher incidence of discontinuation due to vomiting
(1.0% vs. 0.2%) and diarrhea (1.0% vs. 0.3%) compared to the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group. Most of these events occurred within
a few days of dosing.
Ocular Adverse Events: None of the patients treated with ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per month reported ocular inflammation such as uveitis,
scleritis, or iritis; 1 patient treated with ACTONEL 5 mg daily reported uveitis.
Laboratory Test Findings: When ACTONEL 5 mg daily and ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per month were compared in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis,
the mean percent changes from baseline at 24 months were 0.2% and 0.8% for serum calcium, -1.9% and -1.3% for phosphate, and
-10.4% and -17.2% for PTH, respectively. Compared to the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group, ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive days per
month resulted in a slightly higher incidence of hypocalcemia at the end of the first month of treatment (4.5% vs. 3.0%).
Thereafter, the incidence of hypocalcemia with these regimens was similar at approximately 2%.
Once-a-Month
The safety of ACTONEL 150 mg administered once a month for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in a
double-blind, multicenter study in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 88 years. The duration of the trial was one year, with
642 patients exposed to ACTONEL 5 mg daily and 650 exposed to ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month. Patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal
disease and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 antagonists were included in this clinical trial. All women received 1000 mg of elemental calcium plus up to 1000 IU of vitamin
D supplementation per day.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.5% for the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 0.0 % for the ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month
group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 4.2% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 6.2% in the ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month
group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment due to adverse events was 9.5% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group
and 8.6% in the ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month group. The overall safety and tolerability profiles of the two dosing regimens
were similar.
Acute Phase Reactions: Symptoms consistent with acute phase reaction have been reported with bisphosphate use. The overall incidence of acute
phase reaction was 1.1% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group and 5.2% in the ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month group. These incidence
rates are based on reporting of any of 33 acute phase reaction-like symptoms within 3 days of the first dose and for a duration
of 7 days or less. Fever or influenza-like illness with onset within the same period were reported by 0.2% of patient on ACTONEL
5 mg daily and 1.4% of patients on ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: A greater percentage of patients experienced diarrhea with ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month compared to 5 mg daily (8.2% vs.
4.7% , respectively). The ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month group resulted in a higher incidence of discontinuation due to abdominal
pain upper (2.5% vs. 1.4%) and diarrhea (0.8% vs. 0.0%) compared to the ACTONEL 5 mg daily regimen. All of these events occurred
within a few days of the first dose. The incidence of vomiting that led to discontinuation was the same in both groups (0.3%
vs. 0.3%).
Ocular Adverse Events: None of the patients treated with ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month reported ocular inflammation such as uveitis, scleritis,
or iritis; 2 patients treated with ACTONEL 5 mg daily reported iritis.
Laboratory Test Findings: When ACTONEL 5 mg daily and ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month were compared in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the mean
percent changes from baseline at 12 months were 0.1% and 0.3% for serum calcium, -2.3% and -2.3% for phosphate, and 8.3% and
4.8% for PTH, respectively. Compared to the ACTONEL 5 mg daily regimen, ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month resulted in a slightly
higher incidence of hypocalcemia at the end of the first month of treatment (0.2% vs. 2.2). Thereafter, the incidence of hypocalcemia
with these regimens was similar at approximately 2%.
Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Daily Dosing
The safety of ACTONEL 5 mg daily in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in two randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trials. In one study of postmenopausal women aged 37 to 82 years without osteoporosis, the use of estrogen
replacement therapy in both placebo- and ACTONEL-treated patients was included. The duration of the trial was one year, with
259 exposed to placebo and 261 patients exposed to ACTONEL 5 mg. The second study included postmenopausal women aged 44 to
63 years without osteoporosis. The duration of the trial was one year, with 125 exposed to placebo and 129 patients exposed
to ACTONEL 5 mg. All women received 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day.
In the trial with estrogen replacement therapy, the incidence of all-cause mortality was 1.5% for the placebo group and 0.4%
for the ACTONEL 5 mg group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 8.9% in the placebo group and 5.4% in the ACTONEL
5 mg group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment due to adverse events was 18.9% in the placebo group and
10.3% in the ACTONEL 5 mg group. Constipation was reported by 1.9% of the placebo group and 6.5% of ACTONEL 5 mg group.
In the second trial, the incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.0% for both groups. The incidence of serious adverse events
was 17.6% in the placebo group and 9.3% in the ACTONEL 5 mg group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from treatment
due to adverse events was 6.4% in the placebo group and 5.4% in the ACTONEL 5 mg group. Nausea was reported by 6.4% of patients
in the placebo group and 13.2% of patients in the ACTONEL 5 mg group.
Once-a-Week Dosing
There were no deaths in a 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ACTONEL 35 mg once a week for prevention of bone
loss in 278 postmenopausal women without osteoporosis. More treated subjects on ACTONEL reported arthralgia (placebo 7.8%;
ACTONEL 13.9%), myalgia (placebo 2.1%; ACTONEL 5.1%), and nausea (placebo 4.3%; ACTONEL 7.3%) than subjects on placebo.
Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis
In a 2-year, double-blind, multicenter study, 284 men with osteoporosis were treated with placebo (n = 93) or ACTONEL 35 mg
once-a-week (n = 191). The overall safety and tolerability profile of ACTONEL in men with osteoporosis was similar to the
adverse events reported in the ACTONEL postmenopausal osteoporosis clinical trials, with the addition of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (placebo 3%; ACTONEL 35 mg 5%), nephrolithiasis (placebo 0%; ACTONEL 35 mg 3%), and arrhythmia (placebo 0%; ACTONEL
35 mg 2%).
Treatment and Prevention of Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis
The safety of ACTONEL 5 mg daily in the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was assessed in two
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multinational trials of 349 women aged 18 to 85 years with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The duration of the trials was one year, with 173 patients exposed to placebo and 176 patients exposed to ACTONEL 5 mg daily.
Patients in one study received 1000 mg elemental calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day; patients in the
other study received 500 mg calcium supplementation per day.
The incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.9% in the placebo group and 1.1% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group. The incidence
of serious adverse events was 33.5% in the placebo group and 30.5 % in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group. The percentage of patients
who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 8.8% in the placebo group and 7.5% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group.
Back pain was reported in 8.8% of patients in the placebo group and 17.8% of patients in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group. Arthralgia
was reported in 14.7% of patients in the placebo group and 24.7% of patients in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group.
Treatment of Paget's Disease
ACTONEL has been studied in 392 patients with Paget's disease of bone. As in trials of ACTONEL for other indications, the
adverse experiences reported in the Paget's disease trials have generally been mild or moderate, have not required discontinuation
of treatment, and have not appeared to be related to patient age, gender, or race.
The safety of ACTONEL was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study of 122 patients aged 34 to 85.
The duration of the trial was 540 days, with 61 patients exposed to ACTONEL and 61 patients exposed to Didronel. The adverse
event profile was similar for ACTONEL and Didronel: 6.6% (4/61) of patients treated with ACTONEL 30 mg daily for 2 months
discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 8.2% (5/61) of patients treated with Didronel 400 mg daily for 6
months. Table 2 lists adverse events reported in ≥5% of ACTONEL-treated patients in Phase 3 Paget's disease trials. Adverse events shown
are considered to be possibly or probably causally related in at least one patient.
Table 2 Adverse Events Reported in≥5% of ACTONEL-Treated Patients* in Phase 3 Paget's Disease Trials
Body System
30 mg/day x 2 months ACTONEL % (n = 61)
400 mg/day x 6 months DIDRONEL % (n = 61)
*Considered to be possibly or probably causally related in at least one patient.
Body as a Whole
Flu Syndrome
9.8
1.6
Chest Pain
6.6
3.3
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea
19.7
14.8
Abdominal Pain
11.5
8.2
Nausea
9.8
9.8
Constipation
6.6
8.2
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Peripheral Edema
8.2
6.6
Musculoskeletal
Arthralgia
32.8
29.5
Nervous
Headache
18.0
16.4
Dizziness
6.6
4.9
Skin and Appendages
Rash
11.5
8.2
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: During the first year of the study (treatment and nontreatment follow-up), the proportion of patients who reported upper
gastrointestinal adverse events was similar between the treatment groups; no patients reported severe upper gastrointestinal
adverse events. The incidence of diarrhea was 19.7% in the ACTONEL group and 14.8% in the Didronel group; none were serious
or resulted in withdrawal.
Ocular Adverse Events: Three patients who received ACTONEL 30 mg daily experienced acute iritis in 1 supportive study. All 3 patients recovered
from their events; however, in 1 of these patients, the event recurred during ACTONEL treatment and again during treatment
with pamidronate. All patients were effectively treated with topical steroids.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
Because these adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to
reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity and skin reactions have been reported rarely, including angioedema, generalized rash and bullous skin reactions,
some severe.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events
Events involving upper gastrointestinal irritation, such as esophagitis and esophageal or gastric ulcers, have been reported.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Bone, joint, or muscle pain, described as severe or incapacitating, have been reported rarely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Eye Inflammation
Reactions of eye inflammation including iritis and uveitis have been reported rarely.
Jaw Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported rarely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
No specific drug-drug interaction studies were performed. Risedronate is not metabolized and does not induce or inhibit hepatic
microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes (Cytochrome P450).
7.1 Calcium Supplements/Antacids
Co-administration of ACTONEL and calcium, antacids, or oral medications containing divalent cations will interfere with the
absorption of ACTONEL.
7.2 Hormone Replacement Therapy
One study of about 500 early postmenopausal women has been conducted to date in which treatment with ACTONEL (5 mg daily)
plus estrogen replacement therapy was compared to estrogen replacement therapy alone. Exposure to study drugs was approximately
12 to 18 months and the primary endpoint was change in BMD. If considered appropriate, ACTONEL may be used concomitantly with
hormone replacement therapy.
7.3 Aspirin/Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Of over 5700 patients enrolled in the ACTONEL Phase 3 osteoporosis studies, aspirin use was reported by 31% of patients, 24%
of whom were regular users (3 or more days per week). Forty-eight percent of patients reported NSAID use, 21% of whom were
regular users. Among regular aspirin or NSAID users, the incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse experiences in placebo-treated
patients (24.8%) was similar to that in ACTONEL-treated patients (24.5%).
7.4 H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Of over 5700 patients enrolled in the ACTONEL Phase 3 osteoporosis studies, 21% used H2 blockers and/or PPIs. Among these patients, the incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse experiences in the placebo-treated
patients was similar to that in ACTONEL-treated patients.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: Survival of neonates was decreased in rats treated during gestation with oral doses ≥16 mg/kg/day (approximately
5.2 times the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). Body weight was decreased in neonates from dams treated with 80 mg/kg (approximately 26 times the 30 mg/day human dose
based on surface area, mg/m2). In rats treated during gestation, the number of fetuses exhibiting incomplete ossification of sternebrae or skull was statistically
significantly increased at 7.1 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.3 times the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). Both incomplete ossification and unossified sternebrae were increased in rats treated with oral doses ≥16 mg/kg/day (approximately
5.2 times the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). A low incidence of cleft palate was observed in fetuses from female rats treated with oral doses ≥3.2 mg/kg/day (approximately
1 time the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). The relevance of this finding to human use of ACTONEL is unclear. No significant fetal ossification effects were seen in
rabbits treated with oral doses up to 10 mg/kg/day during gestation (approximately 6.7 times the 30 mg/day human dose based
on surface area, mg/m2). However, in rabbits treated with 10 mg/kg/day, 1 of 14 litters were aborted and 1 of 14 litters were delivered prematurely.
Similar to other bisphosphonates, treatment during mating and gestation with doses as low as 3.2 mg/kg/day (approximately
1 time the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2) has resulted in periparturient hypocalcemia and mortality in pregnant rats allowed to deliver.
Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone matrix, from which they are gradually released over periods of weeks to years.
The amount of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount available for release back into the systemic
circulation, is directly related to the dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. There are no data on fetal risk in humans.
However, there is a theoretical risk of fetal harm, predominantly skeletal, if a woman becomes pregnant after completing a
course of bisphosphonate therapy. The impact of variables such as time between cessation of bisphosphonate therapy to conception,
the particular bisphosphonate used, and the route of administration (intravenous versus oral) on this risk has not been studied.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ACTONEL in pregnant women. ACTONEL should be used during pregnancy only
if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the mother and fetus.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
Risedronate was detected in feeding pups exposed to lactating rats for a 24-hour period post-dosing, indicating a small degree
of lacteal transfer. It is not known whether ACTONEL is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk
and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ACTONEL, a decision should be made whether
to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of ACTONEL use in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the patients receiving ACTONEL in postmenopausal osteoporosis studies [see Clinical Studies (14)], 47% were between 65 and 75 years of age, and 17% were over 75. The corresponding proportions were 26% and 11% in glucocorticoid-induced
osteoporosis trials, and 40% and 26% in Paget's disease trials. No overall differences in efficacy between geriatric and younger
patients were observed in these studies. In the male osteoporosis trial, 28% of patients receiving ACTONEL were between 65
and 75 years of age and 9% were over 75. The lumbar spine BMD response for ACTONEL compared to placebo was 5.6% for subjects
<65 years and 2.9% for subjects ≥65 years. No overall differences in safety between geriatric and younger patients were observed
in the ACTONEL trials, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
10 OVERDOSAGE
Decreases in serum calcium and phosphorus following substantial overdose may be expected in some patients. Signs and symptoms
of hypocalcemia may also occur in some of these patients. Milk or antacids containing calcium should be given to bind ACTONEL
and reduce absorption of the drug.
In cases of substantial overdose, gastric lavage may be considered to remove unabsorbed drug. Standard procedures that are
effective for treating hypocalcemia, including the administration of calcium intravenously, would be expected to restore physiologic
amounts of ionized calcium and to relieve signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia.
Lethality after single oral doses was seen in female rats at 903 mg/kg and male rats at 1703 mg/kg. The minimum lethal dose
in mice and rabbits was 4000 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. These values represent 320 to 620 times the 30 mg human dose based on surface
area (mg/m2).
11 DESCRIPTION
ACTONEL (risedronate sodium) tablets is a pyridinyl bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and modulates
bone metabolism. Each ACTONEL tablet for oral administration contains the equivalent of 5, 30, 35, 75, or 150 mg of anhydrous
risedronate sodium in the form of the hemi-pentahydrate with small amounts of monohydrate. The empirical formula for risedronate
sodium hemi-pentahydrate is C7H10NO7P2Na •2.5 H2O. The chemical name of risedronate sodium is [1-hydroxy-2-(3-pyridinyl)ethylidene]bis[phosphonic acid] monosodium salt. The
chemical structure of risedronate sodium hemi-pentahydrate is the following:
Risedronate sodium is a fine, white to off-white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and in aqueous solutions,
and essentially insoluble in common organic solvents.
ACTONEL has an affinity for hydroxyapatite crystals in bone and acts as an antiresorptive agent. At the cellular level, ACTONEL
inhibits osteoclasts. The osteoclasts adhere normally to the bone surface, but show evidence of reduced active resorption
(e.g., lack of ruffled border). Histomorphometry in rats, dogs, and minipigs showed that ACTONEL treatment reduces bone turnover
(activation frequency, i.e., the rate at which bone remodeling sites are activated) and bone resorption at remodeling sites.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
ACTONEL treatment decreases the elevated rate of bone turnover that is typically seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis. In clinical
trials, administration of ACTONEL to postmenopausal women resulted in decreases in biochemical markers of bone turnover, including
urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine and urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (markers of bone resorption) and serum
bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (a marker of bone formation). At the 5 mg dose, decreases in deoxypyridinoline/creatinine
were evident within 14 days of treatment. Changes in bone formation markers were observed later than changes in resorption
markers, as expected, due to the coupled nature of bone resorption and bone formation; decreases in bone-specific alkaline
phosphatase of about 20% were evident within 3 months of treatment. Bone turnover markers reached a nadir of about 40% below
baseline values by the sixth month of treatment and remained stable with continued treatment for up to 3 years. Bone turnover
is decreased as early as 14 days and maximally within about 6 months of treatment, with achievement of a new steady-state
that more nearly approximates the rate of bone turnover seen in premenopausal women. In a 1-year study comparing daily versus
weekly oral dosing regimens of ACTONEL for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, ACTONEL 5 mg daily and ACTONEL
35 mg once-a-week decreased urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide by 60% and 61%, respectively. In addition, serum bone-specific
alkaline phosphatase was also reduced by 42% and 41% in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily and ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week groups, respectively.
When postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were treated for 1 year with ACTONEL 5 mg daily or ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive
days per month, urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide was decreased by 54% and 52%, respectively, and serum bone-specific
alkaline phosphatase was reduced by 36% and 35%, respectively. In a 1–year study comparing ACTONEL 5 mg daily versus ACTONEL
150 mg once a month in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide was decreased by
52% and 49%, respectively, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was reduced by 31% and 32%, respectively.
Osteoporosis in Men
In a 2-year study of men with osteoporosis, treatment with ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week resulted in a mean decrease from baseline
compared to placebo of 16% (placebo 20%; ACTONEL 35 mg 37%) for the bone resorption marker urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide,
45% (placebo -6%; ACTONEL 35 mg 39%) for the bone resorption marker serum C-telopeptide, and 27% (placebo -2%; ACTONEL 35
mg 25%) for the bone formation marker serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis with glucocorticoid use occurs as a result of inhibited bone formation and increased bone resorption resulting
in net bone loss. ACTONEL decreases bone resorption without directly inhibiting bone formation.
In two 1-year clinical trials in the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, ACTONEL 5 mg decreased
urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (a marker of bone resorption), and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (a
marker of bone formation) by 50% to 55% and 25% to 30%, respectively, within 3 to 6 months after initiation of therapy.
Paget's Disease
Paget's disease of bone is a chronic, focal skeletal disorder characterized by greatly increased and disordered bone remodeling.
Excessive osteoclastic bone resorption is followed by osteoblastic new bone formation, leading to the replacement of the normal
bone architecture by disorganized, enlarged, and weakened bone structure.
In pagetic patients treated with ACTONEL 30 mg daily for 2 months, bone turnover returned to normal in a majority of patients
as evidenced by significant reductions in serum alkaline phosphatase (a marker of bone formation), and in urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine
and deoxypyridinoline/creatinine (markers of bone resorption).
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Based on simultaneous modeling of serum and urine data, absorption after an oral dose is relatively rapid (tmax ~1 hour) and occurs throughout the upper gastrointestinal tract. The fraction of the dose absorbed is independent of dose
over the range studied (single dose, from 2.5 mg to 30 mg; multiple dose, from 2.5 mg to 5 mg). Steady-state conditions in
the serum are observed within 57 days of daily dosing. Mean absolute oral bioavailability of the 30 mg tablet is 0.63% (90%
CI: 0.54% to 0.75%) and is comparable to a solution. The extent of absorption of a 30 mg dose (three 10 mg tablets) when
administered 0.5 hours before breakfast is reduced by 55% compared to dosing in the fasting state (no food or drink for 10
hours prior to or 4 hours after dosing). Dosing 1 hour prior to breakfast reduces the extent of absorption by 30% compared
to dosing in the fasting state. Dosing either 0.5 hours prior to breakfast or 2 hours after dinner (evening meal) results
in a similar extent of absorption. ACTONEL is effective when administered at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
Distribution
The mean steady-state volume of distribution for risedronate is 13.8 L/kg in humans. Human plasma protein binding of drug
is about 24%. Preclinical studies in rats and dogs dosed intravenously with single doses of [14C] risedronate indicate that approximately 60% of the dose is distributed to bone. The remainder of the dose is excreted in
the urine. After multiple oral dosing in rats, the uptake of risedronate in soft tissues was in the range of 0.001% to 0.01%.
Metabolism
There is no evidence of systemic metabolism of risedronate.
Elimination
In young healthy subjects, approximately half of the absorbed dose of risedronate was excreted in urine within 24 hours, and
85% of an intravenous dose was recovered in the urine over 28 days. Based on simultaneous modeling of serum and urine data,
mean renal clearance was 105 mL/min (CV = 34%) and mean total clearance was 122 mL/min (CV = 19%), with the difference primarily
reflecting nonrenal clearance or clearance due to adsorption to bone. The renal clearance is not concentration dependent,
and there is a linear relationship between renal clearance and creatinine clearance. Unabsorbed drug is eliminated unchanged
in feces. In osteopenic postmenopausal women, the terminal exponential half-life was 561 hours, mean renal clearance was
52 mL/min (CV=25%), and mean total clearance was 73 mL/min (CV=15%).
Special Populations
Pediatric: Risedronate pharmacokinetics have not been studied in pediatric patients (<18 years of age).
Gender: Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics following oral administration are similar in men and women.
Geriatric: Bioavailability and disposition are similar in elderly (>60 years of age) and younger subjects. No dosage adjustment is
necessary.
Race: Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have not been studied.
Renal Insufficiency: Risedronate is excreted unchanged primarily via the kidney. As compared to persons with normal renal function, the renal
clearance of risedronate was decreased by about 70% in patients with creatinine clearance of approximately 30 mL/min. ACTONEL
is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) because of lack of clinical
experience. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with a creatinine clearance ≥30 mL/min.
Hepatic Insufficiency: No studies have been performed to assess risedronate's safety or efficacy in patients with hepatic impairment. Risedronate
is not metabolized in rat, dog, and human liver preparations. Insignificant amounts (<0.1% of intravenous dose) of drug are
excreted in the bile in rats. Therefore, dosage adjustment is unlikely to be needed in patients with hepatic impairment.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
In a 104-week carcinogenicity study, rats were administered daily oral doses up to 24 mg/kg/day (approximately 7.7 times the
maximum recommended human daily dose of 30 mg based on surface area, mg/m2). There were no significant drug-induced tumor findings in male or female rats. The high dose male group of 24 mg/kg/day
was terminated early in the study (Week 93) due to excessive toxicity, and data from this group were not included in the statistical
evaluation of the study results. In an 80-week carcinogenicity study, mice were administered daily oral doses up to 32 mg/kg/day
(approximately 6.4 times the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). There were no significant drug-induced tumor findings in male or female mice.
Mutagenesis
Risedronate did not exhibit genetic toxicity in the following assays: In vitro bacterial mutagenesis in Salmonella and E. coli (Ames assay), mammalian cell mutagenesis in CHO/HGPRT assay, unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes and an assessment
of chromosomal aberrations in vivo in rat bone marrow. Risedronate was positive in a chromosomal aberration assay in CHO cells at highly cytotoxic concentrations
(>675 mcg/mL, survival of 6% to 7%). When the assay was repeated at doses exhibiting appropriate cell survival (29%), there
was no evidence of chromosomal damage.
Impairment of Fertility
In female rats, ovulation was inhibited at an oral dose of 16 mg/kg/day (approximately 5.2 times the 30 mg/day human dose
based on surface area, mg/m2). Decreased implantation was noted in female rats treated with doses ≥7 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.3 times the 30 mg/day
human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). In male rats, testicular and epididymal atrophy and inflammation were noted at 40 mg/kg/day (approximately 13 times the
30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). Testicular atrophy was also noted in male rats after 13 weeks of treatment at oral doses of 16 mg/kg/day (approximately
5.2 times the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). There was moderate-to-severe spermatid maturation block after 13 weeks in male dogs at an oral dose of 8 mg/kg/day (approximately
8 times the 30 mg/day human dose based on surface area, mg/m2). These findings tended to increase in severity with increased dose and exposure time.
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Risedronate demonstrated potent anti-osteoclast, antiresorptive activity in ovariectomized rats and minipigs. Bone mass and
biomechanical strength were increased dose-dependently at daily oral doses up to 4 and 25 times the human recommended oral
dose of 5 mg based on surface area (mg/m2) for rats and minipigs, respectively. Risedronate treatment maintained the positive correlation between BMD and bone strength
and did not have a negative effect on bone structure or mineralization. In intact dogs, risedronate induced positive bone
balance at the level of the bone remodeling unit at oral doses ranging from 0.35 to 1.4 times the human daily dose of 5 mg
based on surface area (mg/m2).
In dogs treated with an oral dose of 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the human daily dose of 5 mg based on surface area,
mg/m2), risedronate caused a delay in fracture healing of the radius. The observed delay in fracture healing is similar to other
bisphosphonates. This effect did not occur at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.5 times the human daily dose of 5 mg
based on surface area, mg/m2).
The Schenk rat assay, based on histologic examination of the epiphyses of growing rats after drug treatment, demonstrated
that risedronate did not interfere with bone mineralization even at the highest dose tested (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously),
which was approximately 3500 times the lowest antiresorptive dose in this model (1.5 mcg/kg/day) and approximately 800 times
the human daily dose of 5 mg based on surface area (mg/m2). This indicates that ACTONEL administered at the therapeutic dose is unlikely to induce osteomalacia.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
The fracture efficacy of ACTONEL 5 mg daily in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was demonstrated in 2 large, randomized,
placebo-controlled, double-blind studies that enrolled a total of almost 4000 postmenopausal women under similar protocols.
The Multinational study (VERT MN) (ACTONEL 5 mg, n = 408) was conducted primarily in Europe and Australia; a second study
was conducted in North America (VERT NA) (ACTONEL 5 mg, n = 821). Patients were selected on the basis of radiographic evidence
of previous vertebral fracture, and therefore, had established disease. The average number of prevalent vertebral fractures
per patient at study entry was 4 in VERT MN, and 2.5 in VERT NA, with a broad range of baseline BMD levels. All patients in
these studies received supplemental calcium 1000 mg/day. Patients with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels (approximately 40 nmol/L or less) also received supplemental vitamin D 500 IU/day.
Effect on Vertebral Fractures
Fractures of previously undeformed vertebrae (new fractures) and worsening of pre-existing vertebral fractures were diagnosed
radiographically; some of these fractures were also associated with symptoms (i.e., clinical fractures). Spinal radiographs
were scheduled annually and prospectively planned analyses were based on the time to a patient's first diagnosed fracture.
The primary endpoint for these studies was the incidence of new and worsening vertebral fractures across the period of 0 to
3 years. ACTONEL 5 mg daily significantly reduced the incidence of new and worsening vertebral fractures and of new vertebral
fractures in both VERT NA and VERT MN at all time points (Table 3). The reduction in risk seen in the subgroup of patients who had 2 or more vertebral fractures at study entry was similar
to that seen in the overall study population.
Table 3 The Effect of ACTONEL on the Risk of Vertebral Fractures
Proportion of Patients with Fracture (%)a
a Calculated by Kaplan-Meier methodology.
VERT NA
Placebo n = 678
ACTONEL 5 mg n = 696
Absolute Risk Reduction (%)
Relative Risk Reduction (%)
New and Worsening
0 - 1 Year
7.2
3.9
3.3
49
0 - 2 Years
12.8
8.0
4.8
42
0 - 3 Years
18.5
13.9
4.6
33
New
0 - 1 Year
6.4
2.4
4.0
65
0 - 2 Years
11.7
5.8
5.9
55
0 - 3 Years
16.3
11.3
5.0
41
VERT MN
Placebo n = 346
ACTONEL 5 mg n = 344
Absolute Risk Reduction (%)
Relative Risk Reduction (%)
New and Worsening
0 - 1 Year
15.3
8.2
7.1
50
0 - 2 Years
28.3
13.9
14.4
56
0 - 3 Years
34.0
21.8
12.2
46
New
0 - 1 Year
13.3
5.6
7.7
61
0 - 2 Years
24.7
11.6
13.1
59
0 - 3 Years
29.0
18.1
10.9
49
Effect on Osteoporosis-Related Nonvertebral Fractures
In VERT MN and VERT NA, a prospectively planned efficacy endpoint was defined consisting of all radiographically confirmed
fractures of skeletal sites accepted as associated with osteoporosis. Fractures at these sites were collectively referred
to as osteoporosis-related nonvertebral fractures. ACTONEL 5 mg daily significantly reduced the incidence of nonvertebral
osteoporosis-related fractures over 3 years in VERT NA (8% vs. 5%; relative risk reduction 39%) and reduced the fracture incidence
in VERT MN from 16% to 11%. There was a significant reduction from 11% to 7% when the studies were combined, with a corresponding
36% reduction in relative risk. Figure 1 shows the overall results as well as the results at the individual skeletal sites for the combined studies.
Figure 1 Nonvertebal Osteoporosis-Related Fractures Cumulative Incidence Over 3 Years Combined VERT MN and VERT NA
Effect on Bone Mineral Density
The results of 4 randomized, placebo-controlled trials in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (VERT MN, VERT NA, BMD MN,
BMD NA) demonstrate that ACTONEL 5 mg daily increases BMD at the spine, hip, and wrist compared to the effects seen with placebo.
Table 4 displays the significant increases in BMD seen at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, femoral trochanter, and midshaft radius
in these trials compared to placebo. Thus, overall ACTONEL reverses the loss of BMD, a central factor in the progression of
osteoporosis. In both VERT studies (VERT MN and VERT NA), ACTONEL 5 mg daily produced increases in lumbar spine BMD that were
progressive over the 3 years of treatment, and were statistically significant relative to baseline and to placebo at 6 months
and at all later time points.
Table 4 Mean Percent Increase in BMD from Baseline in Patients Taking ACTONEL 5 mg or Placebo at Endpointa
VERT MNb
VERT NAb
BMD MNc
BMD NAc
Placebo n = 323
5 mg n = 323
Placebo n = 599
5 mg n = 606
Placebo n = 161
5 mg n = 148
Placebo n = 191
5 mg n = 193
a The endpoint value is the value at the study's last time point for all patients who had BMD measured at that time; otherwise
the last post-baseline BMD value prior to the study's last time point is used.
b The duration of the studies was 3 years.
c The duration of the studies was 1.5 to 2 years.
* BMD of the midshaft radius was measured in a subset of centers in VERT MN (placebo, n = 222; 5 mg, n = 214) and VERT NA (placebo, n = 310; 5 mg, n = 306).
ND = analysis not done
Lumbar Spine
1.0
6.6
0.8
5.0
0.0
4.0
0.2
4.8
Femoral Neck
-1.4
1.6
-1.0
1.4
-1.1
1.3
0.1
2.4
Femoral Trochanter
-1.9
3.9
-0.5
3.0
-0.6
2.5
1.3
4.0
Midshaft Radius
-1.5*
0.2*
-1.2*
0.1*
ND
ND
ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week (n = 485) was shown to be non-inferior to ACTONEL 5 mg daily (n = 480) in a 1-year, double-blind,
multicenter study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In the primary efficacy analysis of completers, the mean increases
from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 1 year were 4.0% (3.7, 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]) in the 5 mg daily group (n
= 391) and 3.9% (3.6, 4.3; 95% CI) in the 35 mg once-a-week group (n = 387) and the mean difference between 5 mg daily and
35 mg once-a-week was 0.1% (-0.4, 0.6; 95% CI). The results of the intent-to-treat analysis with the last observation carried
forward were consistent with the primary efficacy analysis of completers. The 2 treatment groups were also similar with regard
to BMD increases at other skeletal sites.
In a double-blind, multicenter study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, treatment with ACTONEL 75 mg two consecutive
days per month (n = 616) was shown to be non-inferior to ACTONEL 5 mg daily (n = 613). In the primary efficacy analysis of
completers, the mean increases from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 1 year were 3.6% (3.3, 3.9; 95% CI) in the 5 mg daily
group (n = 527) and 3.4% (3.1, 3.7; 95% CI) in the 75 mg two days per month group (n = 524) with a mean difference between
groups being 0.2% (-0.2, 0.6; 95% CI). The results of the intent-to-treat analysis with the last observation carried forward
were consistent with the primary efficacy analysis of completers. The 2 treatment groups were also similar with regard to
BMD increases at other skeletal sites.
ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month (n = 650) was shown to be non-inferior to ACTONEL 5 mg daily (n = 642) in a 1-year, double-blind,
multicenter study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The primary efficacy analysis was conducted in all randomized
patients with baseline and post-baseline lumbar spine BMD values (modified intent-to-treat population) using last observation
carried forward. The mean increases from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 1 year were 3.4% (3.0, 3.8; 95% CI) in the 5 mg daily
group (n = 561), and 3.5% (3.1, 3.9; 95% CI) in the 150 mg once-a-month group (n = 578) with a mean difference between groups
being -0.1% (-0.5, 0.3; 95% CI). The results of the completers analysis were consistent with the primary efficacy analysis.
The 2 treatment groups were also similar with regard to BMD increases at other skeletal sites.
Histology/Histomorphometry
Bone biopsies from 110 postmenopausal women were obtained at endpoint. Patients had received placebo or daily ACTONEL (2.5
mg or 5 mg) for 2 to 3 years. Histologic evaluation (n = 103) showed no osteomalacia, impaired bone mineralization, or other
adverse effects on bone in ACTONEL-treated women. These findings demonstrate that bone formed during ACTONEL administration
is of normal quality. The histomorphometric parameter mineralizing surface, an index of bone turnover, was assessed based
upon baseline and post-treatment biopsy samples from 21 treated with placebo and 23 patients treated with ACTONEL 5 mg. Mineralizing
surface decreased moderately in ACTONEL-treated patients (median percent change: placebo, -21%; ACTONEL 5 mg, -74%), consistent
with the known effects of treatment on bone turnover.
Effect on Height
In the two 3-year osteoporosis treatment studies, standing height was measured yearly by stadiometer. Both ACTONEL and placebo-treated
groups lost height during the studies. Patients who received ACTONEL had a statistically significantly smaller loss of height
than those who received placebo. In VERT MN, the median annual height change was -2.4 mm/yr in the placebo group compared
to -1.3 mm/yr in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group. In VERT NA, the median annual height change was -1.1 mm/yr in the placebo group
compared to -0.7 mm/yr in the ACTONEL 5 mg daily group.
14.2 Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
ACTONEL 5 mg daily prevented bone loss in a majority of postmenopausal women (age range 42 to 63 years) within 3 years of
menopause in a 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 383 patients (ACTONEL 5 mg, n = 129). All patients in this
study received supplemental calcium 1000 mg/day. Increases in BMD were observed as early as 3 months following initiation
of ACTONEL treatment. ACTONEL 5 mg daily produced significant mean increases in BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and
trochanter compared to placebo at the end of the study (Figure 2). ACTONEL 5 mg daily was also effective in patients with lower baseline lumbar spine BMD (more than 1 SD below the premenopausal
mean) and in those with normal baseline lumbar spine BMD. Bone mineral density at the distal radius decreased in both ACTONEL
and placebo-treated women following 1 year of treatment.
Figure 2 Change in BMD from Baseline 2-Year Prevention Study
ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women (age range 44 to 64 years) without osteoporosis in a
1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 278 patients (ACTONEL 35 mg, n = 136). All patients were supplemented with
1000 mg elemental calcium and 400 IU vitamin D per day. The primary efficacy measure was the percent change in lumbar spine
BMD from baseline after 1 year of treatment using LOCF (last observation carried forward). ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week resulted
in a statistically significant mean difference from placebo in lumbar spine BMD of +2.9% (least square mean for placebo -1.05%;
risedronate +1.83%). ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week also showed a statistically significant mean difference from placebo in BMD
at the total proximal femur of +1.5% (placebo -0.53%; risedronate +1.01%), femoral neck of +1.2% (placebo -1.00%; risedronate
+0.22%), and trochanter of +1.8% (placebo -0.74%; risedronate +1.07%).
Combined Administration with Hormone Replacement Therapy
The effects of combining ACTONEL 5 mg daily with conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg daily (n = 263) were compared to the effects
of conjugated estrogen alone (n = 261) in a 1-year, randomized, double-blind study of women ages 37 to 82 years, who were
on average 14 years postmenopausal. The BMD results for this study are presented in Table 5.
Table 5 Percent Change from Baseline in BMD After 1 Year of Treatment
Estrogen 0.625 mg n = 261
ACTONEL 5 mg + Estrogen 0.625 mg n = 263
Values shown are mean (± SEM) percent change from baseline.
Lumbar Spine
4.6± 0.20
5.2± 0.23
Femoral Neck
1.8± 0.25
2.7± 0.25
Femoral Trochanter
3.2± 0.28
3.7± 0.25
Midshaft Radius
0.4± 0.14
0.7± 0.17
Distal Radius
1.7± 0.24
1.6± 0.28
Histology/Histomorphometry
Bone biopsies from 53 postmenopausal women were obtained at endpoint. Patients had received ACTONEL 5 mg plus estrogen or
estrogen alone once daily for 1 year. Histologic evaluation (n = 47) demonstrated that the bone of patients treated with ACTONEL
plus estrogen was of normal lamellar structure and normal mineralization. The histomorphometric parameter mineralizing surface,
a measure of bone turnover, was assessed based upon baseline and post-treatment biopsy samples from 12 patients treated with
ACTONEL plus estrogen and 12 treated with estrogen alone. Mineralizing surface decreased in both treatment groups (median
percent change: ACTONEL plus estrogen, -79%; estrogen alone, -50%), consistent with the known effects of these agents on
bone turnover.
14.3 Men with Osteoporosis
The effects of ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week on BMD were examined in a 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational
study in 285 men with osteoporosis (ACTONEL, n = 192). The patients had a mean age of 60.6 years (range 36 to 84 years) and
95% were Caucasian. At baseline, mean lumbar spine T-score was -3.2 and mean femoral neck T-score was -2.4. All patients in
the study had either, 1) a BMD T-score ≤-2 at the femoral neck and ≤-1 at the lumbar spine, or 2) a BMD T-score ≤-1 at the
femoral neck and ≤-2.5 at the lumbar spine. All patients were supplemented with calcium 1000 mg/day and vitamin D 400 to 500
IU/day. ACTONEL 35 mg once-a-week produced significant mean increases in BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, trochanter,
and total hip compared to placebo after 2 years of treatment (treatment difference: lumbar spine, 4.5%; femoral neck, 1.1%;
trochanter, 2.2%; total proximal femur, 1.5%).
14.4 Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
Bone Mineral Density
Two 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients who were taking ≥7.5 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent demonstrated
that ACTONEL 5 mg daily was effective in the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women
who were either initiating or continuing glucocorticoid therapy. The efficacy of ACTONEL therapy for glucocorticoid-induced
osteoporosis beyond one year has not been studied.
The prevention study enrolled 228 patients (ACTONEL 5 mg, n = 76) (18 to 85 years of age), each of whom had initiated glucocorticoid
therapy (mean daily dose of prednisone 21 mg) within the previous 3 months (mean duration of use prior to study 1.8 months)
for rheumatic, skin, and pulmonary diseases. The mean lumbar spine BMD was normal at baseline (average T-score -0.7). All
patients in this study received supplemental calcium 500 mg/day. By the third month of treatment, and continuing through the
year-long treatment, the placebo group experienced losses in BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter, while
BMD was maintained or increased in the ACTONEL 5 mg group. At each skeletal site there were statistically significant differences
between the placebo group and the ACTONEL 5 mg group at all timepoints (Months 3, 6, 9, and 12). The treatment differences
increased with continued treatment. Although BMD increased at the distal radius in the ACTONEL 5 mg group compared to the
placebo group, the difference was not statistically significant. The differences between placebo and ACTONEL 5 mg after 1
year were 3.8% at the lumbar spine, 4.1% at the femoral neck, and 4.6% at the trochanter, as shown in Figure 3. The results at these skeletal sites were similar to the overall results when the subgroups of men and postmenopausal women,
but not premenopausal women, were analyzed separately. ACTONEL was effective at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter
regardless of age (<65 vs. ≥65), gender, prior and concomitant glucocorticoid dose, or baseline BMD. Positive treatment effects
were also observed in patients taking glucocorticoids for a broad range of rheumatologic disorders, the most common of which
were rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The treatment study of similar design enrolled 290 patients (ACTONEL 5 mg, n = 100) (19 to 85 years of age) with continuing,
long-term (≥6 months) use of glucocorticoids (mean duration of use prior to study 60 months; mean daily dose of prednisone
15 mg) for rheumatic, skin, and pulmonary diseases. The baseline mean lumbar spine BMD was low (1.63 SD below the young healthy
population mean), with 28% of the patients more than 2.5 SD below the mean. All patients in this study received supplemental
calcium 1000 mg/day and vitamin D 400 IU/day.
After 1 year of treatment, the BMD of the placebo group was within ±1% of baseline levels at the lumbar spine, femoral neck,
and trochanter. ACTONEL 5 mg increased BMD at the lumbar spine (2.9%), femoral neck (1.8%), and trochanter (2.4%). The differences
between ACTONEL and placebo were 2.7% at the lumbar spine, 1.9% at the femoral neck, and 1.6% at the trochanter as shown in
Figure 4. The differences were statistically significant for the lumbar spine and femoral neck, but not at the femoral trochanter.
ACTONEL was similarly effective on lumbar spine BMD regardless of age (<65 vs. ≥65), gender, or pre-study glucocorticoid dose.
Positive treatment effects were also observed in patients taking glucocorticoids for a broad range of rheumatologic disorders,
the most common of which were rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
Figure 3 Change in BMD from Baseline Patients Recently Initiating Glucocorticoid Therapy
Figure 4 Change in BMD from Baseline Patients on Long-Term Glucocorticoid Therapy
Vertebral Fractures
In the prevention study of patients initiating glucocorticoids, the incidence of vertebral fractures at 1 year was reduced
from 17% in the placebo group to 6% in the ACTONEL group. In the treatment study of patients continuing glucocorticoids, the
incidence of vertebral fractures was reduced from 15% in the placebo group to 5% in the ACTONEL group (Figure 5). The statistically significant reduction in vertebral fracture incidence in the analysis of the combined studies corresponded
to an absolute risk reduction of 11% and a relative risk reduction of 70%. All vertebral fractures were diagnosed radiographically;
some of these fractures also were associated with symptoms (i.e., clinical fractures).
Figure 5 Incidence of Vertebral Fractures in Patients Initiating or Continuing Glucocorticoid Therapy
Histology/Histomorphometry
Bone biopsies from 40 patients on glucocorticoid therapy were obtained at endpoint. Patients had received placebo or daily
ACTONEL (2.5 mg or 5 mg) for 1 year. Histologic evaluation (n = 33) showed that bone formed during treatment with ACTONEL
was of normal lamellar structure and normal mineralization, with no bone or marrow abnormalities observed. The histomorphometric
parameter mineralizing surface, a measure of bone turnover, was assessed based upon baseline and post-treatment biopsy samples
from 10 patients treated with ACTONEL 5 mg. Mineralizing surface decreased 24% (median percent change) in these patients.
Only a small number of placebo-treated patients had both baseline and post-treatment biopsy samples, precluding a meaningful
quantitative assessment.
14.5 Treatment of Paget's Disease
The efficacy of ACTONEL was demonstrated in 2 clinical studies involving 120 men and 65 women. In a double-blind, active-controlled
study of patients with moderate-to-severe Paget's disease (serum alkaline phosphatase levels of at least 2 times the upper
limit of normal), patients were treated with ACTONEL 30 mg daily for 2 months or Didronel® (etidronate disodium) 400 mg daily for 6 months. At Day 180, 77% (43/56) of ACTONEL-treated patients achieved normalization
of serum alkaline phosphatase levels, compared to 10.5% (6/57) of patients treated with Didronel (p<0.001). At Day 540, 16
months after discontinuation of therapy, 53% (17/32) of ACTONEL-treated patients and 14% (4/29) of Didronel-treated patients
with available data remained in biochemical remission.
During the first 180 days of the active-controlled study, 85% (51/60) of ACTONEL-treated patients demonstrated a ≥75% reduction
from baseline in serum alkaline phosphatase excess (difference between measured level and midpoint of the normal range) with
2 months of treatment compared to 20% (12/60) in the Didronel-treated group with 6 months of treatment (p<0.001). Changes
in serum alkaline phosphatase excess over time (shown in Figure 6) were significant following only 30 days of treatment, with a 36% reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase excess at that
time compared to only a 6% reduction seen with Didronel treatment at the same time point (p<0.01).
Figure 6 Mean Percent Change from Baseline in Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Excess by Visit
Response to ACTONEL therapy was similar in patients with mild to very severe Paget's disease. Table 6 shows the mean percent reduction from baseline at Day 180 in excess serum alkaline phosphatase in patients with mild, moderate,
or severe disease.
Table 6 Mean Percent Reduction from Baseline at Day 180 in Total Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Excess by Disease Severity
ACTONEL 30 mg
DIDRONEL 400 mg
Subgroup: Baseline Disease Severity (AP)
n
Baseline Serum AP (U/L)*
Mean % Reduction
n
Baseline Serum AP (U/L)*
Mean % Reduction
*Values shown are mean± SEM; ULN = upper limit of normal.
>2, <3x ULN
32
271.6± 5.3
-88.1
22
277.9± 7.45
-44.6
≥3, <7x ULN
14
475.3± 28.8
-87.5
25
480.5± 26.44
-35.0
≥7x ULN
8
1336.5± 134.19
-81.8
6
1331.5± 167.58
-47.2
Response to ACTONEL therapy was similar between patients who had previously received anti-pagetic therapy and those who had
not. In the active-controlled study, 4 patients previously non-responsive to 1 or more courses of anti-pagetic therapy (calcitonin,
Didronel) responded to treatment with ACTONEL 30 mg daily (defined by at least a 30% change from baseline). Each of these
patients achieved at least 90% reduction from baseline in serum alkaline phosphatase excess, with 3 patients achieving normalization
of serum alkaline phosphatase levels.
Histomorphometry of the bone was studied in 14 patients with bone biopsies: 9 patients had biopsies from pagetic bone lesions
and 5 patients from non-pagetic bone. Bone biopsy results in non-pagetic bone did not reveal osteomalacia, impairment of bone
remodeling, or induction of a significant decline in bone turnover in patients treated with ACTONEL.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
ACTONEL is available as follows: 5 mg film-coated, oval, yellow tablets with RSN on 1 face and 5 mg on the other. NDC 0149-0471-01 bottle of 30 NDC 0149-0471-03 bottle of 2000
30 mg film-coated, oval, white tablets with RSN on 1 face and 30 mg on the other. NDC 0149-0470-01 bottle of 30
35 mg film-coated, oval, orange tablets with RSN on 1 face and 35 mg on the other. NDC 0149-0472-01 dose pack of 4 NDC 0149-0472-04 dose pack of 12
75 mg film-coated, oval, pink tablets with RSN on 1 face and 75 mg on the other. NDC 0149-0477-01 dose pack of 2
150 mg film-coated, oval, blue tablets with RSN on 1 face and 150 mg on the other. NDC 0149-0478-01 dose pack of 1 NDC 0149-0478-03 dose pack of 3
Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP].
The patient should be informed to pay particular attention to the dosing instructions as clinical benefits may be compromised
by failure to take the drug according to instructions. Specifically, ACTONEL should be taken at least 30 minutes before the
first food or drink of the day other than water.
To facilitate delivery to the stomach, and thus reduce the potential for esophageal irritation, patients should take ACTONEL
while in an upright position (sitting or standing) with a full glass of plain water (6 to 8 oz). Patients should not lie down
for 30 minutes after taking the medication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Patients should not chew or suck on the tablet because of a potential for oropharyngeal irritation.
Patients should be instructed that if they develop symptoms of esophageal disease (such as difficulty or pain upon swallowing,
retrosternal pain or severe persistent or worsening heartburn) they should consult their physician before continuing ACTONEL.
Patients should be instructed that if they miss a dose of ACTONEL 35 mg once a week, they should take 1 tablet on the morning
after they remember and return to taking 1 tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on their chosen day. Patients should
not take 2 tablets on the same day.
If one or both tablets of ACTONEL 75 mg on two consecutive days per month are missed, and the next month's scheduled doses
are more than 7 days away, the patient should be instructed as follows:
If both tablets are missed, take one ACTONEL 75 mg tablet in the morning after the day it is remembered and then the other
tablet on the next consecutive morning.
If only one ACTONEL 75 mg tablet is missed, take the missed tablet in the morning after the day it is remembered.
Patients should then return to taking their ACTONEL 75 mg on two consecutive days per month as originally scheduled. Patients
should not take more than two 75 mg tablets within 7 days.
If one or both tablets of ACTONEL 75 mg on two consecutive days per month are missed, and the next month's scheduled doses
are within 7 days, patients should wait until their next month's scheduled doses and then continue taking ACTONEL 75 mg on
two consecutive days per month as originally scheduled.
If the dose of ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month is missed, and the next month's scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, the patient
should be instructed to take the missed tablet in the morning after the day it is remembered. Patients should then return
to taking their ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month as originally scheduled. Patients should not take more than one 150 mg tablet
within 7 days.
If the dose of ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month is missed, and the next month's scheduled dose is within 7 days, patients should
wait until their next month's scheduled dose and then continue taking ACTONEL 150 mg once-a-month as originally scheduled.
Patients should receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Calcium supplements or calcium-, aluminum-, and magnesium-containing medications may interfere with the absorption of ACTONEL
and should be taken at a different time of the day, as with food.
Weight-bearing exercise should be considered along with the modification of certain behavioral factors, such as excessive
cigarette smoking, and/or alcohol consumption, if these factors exist.
Physicians should instruct their patients to read the Patient Information before starting therapy with ACTONEL 5 mg, 35 mg,
75 mg, or 150 mg and to re-read it each time the prescription is renewed.
Patients should be reminded to give all of their health care providers an accurate medication history. Instruct patients to
tell all of their health care providers that they are taking ACTONEL. Patients should be instructed that any time they have
a medical problem they think may be from ACTONEL, they should talk to their doctor.
Covered under one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,583,122; 5,994,329; 6,015,801; 6,096,342; 6,165,513; 6,410,520; 6,432,932;
6,465,443; and 6,562,974.
Mfg. by: Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cincinnati, OH 45202, or Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc. North Norwich, NY 13814
Read this information carefully before you start to use your medicine. Read the information you get every time you get more
medicine. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider
about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions or are not sure about something, ask your healthcare
provider or pharmacist.
What is the most important information I should know about ACTONEL?
ACTONEL may cause problems in your stomach and esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach), such as trouble
swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn (esophagitis), and ulcers. You might feel pain in your bones, joints, or muscles (See “What
are the Possible Side Effects of ACTONEL?”).
You must follow the instructions exactly for ACTONEL to work and to lower the chance of serious side effects. (See “How should
I take ACTONEL?”).
What is ACTONEL?
ACTONEL is a prescription medicine used:
to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
to prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women that is caused by treatment with steroid medicines such as prednisone.
to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women. The treatment for Paget's disease is very different than for osteoporosis
and uses a different dose of ACTONEL. This leaflet does not cover using ACTONEL for Paget's disease. If you have Paget's
disease, ask your healthcare provider how to use ACTONEL.
ACTONEL may reverse bone loss by stopping more loss of bone and increasing bone strength in most people who take it, even
though they won't be able to see or feel a difference. ACTONEL helps lower the risk of breaking bones (fractures). Your
healthcare provider may measure the thickness (density) of your bones or do other tests to check your progress.
Who should not take ACTONEL?
Do not take ACTONEL if you:
have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
cannot sit or stand up for 30 minutes
have kidneys that work poorly
have an allergy to ACTONEL. The active ingredient in ACTONEL is risedronate sodium. (See the end of this leaflet for a list
of all the ingredients in ACTONEL.)
Tell your doctor before using ACTONEL if:
you are pregnant or may become pregnant. We do not know if ACTONEL can harm your unborn child.
you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. We do not know if ACTONEL can pass through your milk and if it can harm your
baby.
you have kidney problems. ACTONEL may not be right for you.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal
supplements. ACTONEL can interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all the medicines you take. Show it to all your healthcare providers,
including your dentist and pharmacist, each time you get a new medicine.
How should I take ACTONEL?
The following instructions apply to all patients taking ACTONEL:
Take ACTONEL exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Take ACTONEL first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water.
Take ACTONEL while you are sitting up or standing.
Take ACTONEL with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take it with any other drink besides plain water.
Swallow ACTONEL whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep it in your mouth to melt or dissolve.
After taking ACTONEL you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE:
lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk.
eating or drinking anything except plain water.
taking vitamins, calcium, or antacids. Take vitamins, calcium, and antacids at a different time of the day from when you
take ACTONEL.
Keep taking ACTONEL for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
For ACTONEL to treat your osteoporosis or keep you from getting osteoporosis, you have to take it exactly as prescribed.
If you miss a dose of ACTONEL, call your healthcare provider for instructions.
If you take more than your prescribed dose of ACTONEL, call your healthcare provider right away.
Your healthcare provider may tell you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and to exercise.
What is my ACTONEL schedule?
ACTONEL tablets are made in 4 different dosages (amounts). How often you should take your tablet depends upon the dosage
that your doctor has prescribed (recommended) for you.
5 mg tablets are yellow. One tablet should be taken every day in the morning.
35 mg tablets are orange. One tablet should be taken once a week in the morning.
75 mg tablets are pink. One tablet should be taken in the morning two days in a row every month.
150 mg tablets are blue. One tablet should be taken once a month in the morning.
If you miss your dose in the morning, do not take it later in the day. You should call your healthcare provider for instructions.
What should I avoid while taking ACTONEL?
Do not eat or drink anything except water before you take ACTONEL and for at least 30 minutes after you take it. See “How
should I take ACTONEL?”.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take ACTONEL.
Foods and some vitamin supplements and medicines can stop your body from absorbing (using) ACTONEL. Therefore, do not take
anything other than plain water at or near the time you take ACTONEL.
What are the possible side effects of ACTONEL?
Stop taking ACTONEL and tell your healthcare provider right away if:
swallowing is difficult or painful
you have chest pain
you have very bad heartburn or it doesn't get better
Possible serious side effects may include:
esophagus or stomach problems, including ulcers, pain, or trouble swallowing. Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain
or discomfort in your stomach or esophagus.
low calcium and other mineral disturbances. If you already have one (or more) of these problems, it should be corrected before
taking ACTONEL.
pain in bones, joints or muscles, sometimes severe. Pain may start as soon as one day or up to several months after starting
ACTONEL.
jaw-bone problems in some people, which may include infection and slower healing after teeth are pulled. Tell your healthcare
providers, including your dentist, right away if you have these symptoms.
Common side effects include the following:
back and joint pain
upset stomach and abdominal (stomach area) pain
short-lasting, mild flu-like symptoms, which are reported with the monthly doses and usually get better after the first dose.
Other possible side effects may include:
Allergic and severe skin reactions. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction including: rash (with or without blisters),
hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Eye inflammation. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any eye pain, redness, or if your eyes become more sensitive to light.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store ACTONEL?
Store ACTONEL between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Keep ACTONEL and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about ACTONEL:
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use ACTONEL
for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ACTONEL to other people, even if they have the same symptoms
you have. It may harm them.
What if I have other questions about ACTONEL?
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ACTONEL for osteoporosis. If you have more questions about ACTONEL,
ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can give you information written for healthcare professionals. For more
information, call 1-877-ACTONEL (toll-free) or visit our web site at www.actonel.com.
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