Avestra General Information
Avestra (generic name: Risedronic acid / risedronate sodium; brand names include: Avestra / Norsed / Optinate / Osteoclax / Osteonate / Ribastamin / Risofos) belongs to the group of medicines known as bisphosphonates.
Avestra is prescribed for postmenopausal women, both to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen the bones once the disease has begun.
Avestra is used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
Avestra is also used to prevent or treat osteoporosis in men and women resulting from therapy with steroid medications, and it is used in the treatment of Paget's disease, a condition in which patches of bone become softened and enlarged.
Avestra is the only monthly osteoporosis pill approved to help prevent fractures at both the spine and other areas where fractures commonly occur.
Avestra is proven to help reverse bone loss, increase bone strength and help prevent fracture.
Avestra helps protect bones from fracture by helping to block cells that can make bones fragile.
Avestra Recommendations
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Avestra exactly as directed.
Avestra tablets are made in different dosages (amounts). How often you should take your tablet depends upon the dosage that your doctor has prescribed (recommended) for you.
Avestra 5 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken every day in the morning.
Avestra 35 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken once a week in the morning.
Avestra 75 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken in the morning two days in a row every month.
Avestra 150 mg tablets: one tablet should be taken once a month in the morning.
Take Avestra first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. Take Avestra while you are sitting up or standing.
Take Avestra with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take it with any drink other than plain water.
Swallow Avestra whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep it in your mouth to melt or dissolve.
After taking Avestra 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 Avestra.
Avestra Precautions
Tell your doctor before taking Avestra, if:
you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
you have kidney problems;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Avestra Ingredients
Active ingredient: risedronate sodium.