Manufacturer: Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Salt Composition : Risedronate(150mg)
Gemfos 150mg Tablet is best taken without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Gemfos 150mg Tablet is only part of a program of treatment that may also include changes to your diet and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.
The most common side effects include headache, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. These are usually mild and will disappear after a short time. If they do not go away, tell your doctor. Gemfos 150mg Tablet can cause serious kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated, if you take diuretic medicine (water pills), or if you already have kidney disease. It can also cause low levels of calcium in the blood and pain in the mouth or jaw. These are serious side effects and need urgent medical attention. Tell your doctor straight away.
Gemfos 150mg Tablet is a bisphosphonate. It acts by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause the destruction of bone, thereby strengthening the bones and minimizing the risk of fractures.
The absolute bioavailability of orally administered risedronate is approximately 0.6%, and is independent of formulation. Variability in the pharmacokinetics following oral administration is primarily associated with intrasubject variability in absorption.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Gemfos
Headache
Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Acute upper gastrointestinal inflammation
Deficiency of vitamin D or parathyroid hormone
Hypersensitivity
Low blood calcium level
Pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw
Pregnancy
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
Problems in the past with your food-pipe
Gemfos 150mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Gemfos 150mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Gemfos 150mg Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Use with caution
Below 9years: Contraindicated
Risedronate 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.
Alternagel
Ascorbic acid
Aspirin
Butalbital
Caffeine
Calcium carbonate
Choline salicylate
Deferasirox
Diphenhydramine
Ibuprofen
Do not chew, crush or break it. Gemfos 150mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Gemfos 150mg Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Do not lie down after taking the medicine.
Wait at least 1 hour before taking any other medication or eating or drinking anything.
Take calcium and vitamin D to help build your bones when taking Gemfos 150mg Tablet.
Do not take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Gemfos 150mg Tablet.
Inform your doctor if you experience pain in jaw. This problem may be seen after dental work.
Your doctor will monitor your response to Gemfos 150mg Tablet by testing your bone mineral density (BMD). This is usually done every 1-3 years.
It is important to look after your mouth and teeth while you are taking this medicine. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your dentist about taking Gemfos 150mg Tablet.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Gemfos 150mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
Q. How to take Gemfos 150mg Tablet?
Gemfos 150mg Tablet should be taken in the morning after getting up on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Do not lie down and stay fully upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine. Avoid taking any food or medication just after taking Gemfos 150mg Tablet, maintain a gap of at least 30 minutes. Take this medicine only after consulting the doctor and follow the instructions advised.
Q. Why can you not lie down after taking Gemfos 150mg Tablet?
It is advised not to lie down after taking Gemfos 150mg Tablet as there is a possibility that the medication might come back up into the esophagus (food pipe). As a result, the esophagus may get damaged. Staying upright will help the medicine to settle down quickly in your stomach and prevent side effects like heartburn and pain.
Q. Does Gemfos 150mg Tablet cause hair loss?
Yes, Gemfos 150mg Tablet can cause hair loss, but this is not a common side effect. If you experience hair loss while taking this medication immediately report to your doctor and follow the advice given.
Q. Can Gemfos 150mg Tablet be used in pregnant women?
Gemfos 150mg Tablet should be avoided during pregnancy. There is a lack of data regarding the use of Gemfos 150mg Tablet in pregnant women. You should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medication.
Q. What other lifestyle changes should I make?
To get maximum benefit from Gemfos 150mg Tablet, there are certain lifestyle changes that you must adhere to. Include some calcium or Vitamin D rich foods for bone strength. Try to spend more time in sunlight to get natural vitamin D. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption as they may harm your bones. You can take up an exercise regime such as walking and low-impact aerobics as they are good for your bones. Similarly, you can try strength-training exercises where you use your own body weight which in turn improve bone health.
