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Atelvia (risedronate) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause.
These insights are based on 105 comments about Atelvia from MyOsteoTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Once-weekly dosing can feel manageable.
Taking it after breakfast may fit easily into a weekly routine.
Bone turnover markers may improve before bone density scores change.
Stomach problems, abdominal pain, and reflux concerns can still happen.
Following dosing instructions matters — Take Atelvia after breakfast, with water, and stay upright.
Long-term treatment can raise concerns about unusual thigh-bone fractures.
Atelvia is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It slows the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. This helps reduce bone loss.
Doctors prescribe Atelvia when a woman has osteoporosis after menopause.
In women with osteoporosis after menopause, risedronate sodium has been shown to reduce spinal fractures and certain fractures in other bones.
Atelvia comes as a delayed-release tablet. Take it in the morning immediately after breakfast. Do not take Atelvia before breakfast or while fasting because this may increase the risk of stomach pain.
Swallow the tablet whole while sitting or standing upright. Take it with at least 4 ounces, or about half a cup, of plain water. Do not chew, cut, or crush the tablet.
After taking Atelvia, stay upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down during this time.
If you do not get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet, your healthcare provider may tell you to take supplements. Take calcium supplements, antacids, magnesium-containing supplements or laxatives, and iron supplements at a different time of day because they can interfere with how your body absorbs Atelvia.
The recommended dose is one 35-milligram delayed-release tablet by mouth once a week.
The best length of treatment is not known. For people who have a low risk of fracture, a healthcare provider may consider stopping Atelvia after three to five years. Fracture risk should be checked again over time.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 105 comments about Atelvia from MyOsteoTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.Members who use Atelvia often talk about balancing treatment benefits, side effects, cost, and follow-up with their osteoporosis specialist. Many members also mention keeping up with bone scans and lab work, exercise, and conversations with their doctor about how the medication is working.
Connect with others who understand life with osteoporosis. Join MyOsteoTeam for free.
In a clinical study of Atelvia for osteoporosis in women after menopause, the most common side effects ranged from about 5 percent to 9 percent. These included:
Atelvia can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Before you start Atelvia, your doctor should check your mouth. Your doctor may also tell you to see your dentist.
Before starting Atelvia, tell your doctor if you are allergic to risedronate or any ingredient in Atelvia.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor if you take:
Also tell your doctor if you:
Do not take Atelvia if you:
If you miss your weekly dose, take one tablet the morning after you remember. Then go back to your regular weekly schedule. Do not take two tablets on the same day.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Stop taking Atelvia if you become pregnant. There are no human data showing whether risedronate passes into breast milk, so you and your doctor should discuss whether Atelvia is appropriate while breastfeeding.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Atelvia for osteoporosis?
In a one-year study of women with osteoporosis after menopause, bone mineral density in the lower spine increased by 3.3 percent with Atelvia taken once a week after breakfast. This was similar to the 3.1 percent increase seen with immediate-release risedronate taken every day.
Separate placebo-controlled studies of immediate-release risedronate also found fewer fractures. Over as long as three years, the relative risk of new or worsening spinal fractures was reduced by 33 percent to 56 percent compared with a placebo (an inactive treatment) at the time points studied. When results from two studies were combined, the relative risk of osteoporosis-related fractures outside the spine was reduced by 36 percent compared with a placebo.
How long does Atelvia take to work for osteoporosis?
Risedronate can begin changing markers of bone breakdown within about 14 days. A marker of bone formation decreased by about 20 percent within three months, and bone turnover markers reached their lowest levels at about six months.
These laboratory changes show that risedronate is affecting bone turnover. However, the study does not say exactly how soon Atelvia begins protecting a person from fractures.
Does Atelvia interact with other medicines?
Yes. Some medicines and supplements can affect how Atelvia works.
Calcium supplements, antacids, magnesium-containing supplements or laxatives, and iron supplements can reduce how much Atelvia your body absorbs. Take them at a different time of day from Atelvia.
Medicines that lower stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, can also affect Atelvia. Taking these medicines with Atelvia is not recommended.
Do not take Atelvia if you are already taking Actonel because both medicines contain the same active ingredient.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take before starting Atelvia.
On MyOsteoTeam, people share their experiences with osteoporosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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