Are you at risk?

If you’re a woman past menopause, you’re at higher risk for osteoporosis. But there are other factors that can help determine if you’re susceptible.

Risk factors:

• Being postmenopausal and over 50 years of age
• A family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
• Being thin
• Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
• Smoking and/or drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day
• Use of oral corticosteroid (or steroid) therapy for more than 3 months
• A low lifetime calcium intake and/or low vitamin D
• A low amount of physical activity

For a complete list of osteoporosis risk factors, please talk to your doctor.

Want to know more? Talk to your doctor about getting a bone density scan — a simple screening that measures your bone mass. You can also take our Risk Assessment Quiz to help determine your risk.

Myths about osteoporosis.

Do you know the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to osteoporosis? Find out by answering the questions below.

	Osteoporosis is an inevitable part of aging.
False: Osteoporosis is not inevitable. It’s a preventable disease. Although prevention should be started early after menopause, it’s never too late to start.
	Only old ladies get osteoporosis.
False: Actually, both men and women can be affected by osteoporosis. And because women can lose an average of 10% of their bone mass during the first 5 years after reaching menopause, it’s never too early to ask your doctor if you’re at risk.
	You can tell if you have osteoporosis.
False: Not necessarily. In fact, because bone loss can silently progress, many women are unaware they have osteoporosis even if they have fractures in their spine.
	There’s nothing you can do about osteoporosis.
False: It’s never too late to talk to your doctor about your bone health. There are treatments available such as ACTONEL that may be right for you.

ACTONEL is for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Your doctor may also prescribe ACTONEL to help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Important Safety Information for
ACTONEL^® (risedronate sodium) tablets

You should not take Actonel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, if you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), have kidneys that work poorly, or cannot stand or sit upright for 30 minutes.

Stop taking Actonel and tell your doctor right away if you experience difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Follow dosing instructions carefully to lower the chance of these events occurring.

Side effects may include stomach pain, upset stomach, or back, muscle, bone or joint pain, sometimes severe. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects, or if you have questions about Actonel. Promptly tell your doctor if you develop dental problems, as serious jawbone problems have been reported rarely.

Please see ACTONEL Patient Information.