Atelvia® is risedronate, which is the same medicine as Actonel. However, Atelvia is an extended-release tablet that is taken immediately after breakfast once weekly.
Tablet Requires Special Dosing Instructions
The dosing instructions for Atelvia are:
Take one tablet immediately following breakfast with at least 4 ounces of plain water once weekly. Remain upright sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes.
If you have difficulty following the fasting instructions for the other oral bisphosphonates or like the convenience of not fasting to take your medicine, Atelvia may be a reasonable option for you.
Equivalent to Actonel
A one-year clinical trial with a 12-month extension showed comparable bone mineral density increases to Actonel. Since this study was only done in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, Atelvia is approved for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The same information for the effectiveness, side effects, and safety of Actonel applies to Atelvia. Refer to the Actonel entry for more details.
Other resources:
Atelvia product website:
http://www.atelvia.com