DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently saw a television ad for Atelvia, a new osteoporosis treatment. Since I’ve never heard of it before, can you tell me anything about this product?
DEAR READER: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Atelvia (risedronate sodium) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is essentially a delayed-release form of Actonel. It is available in pill form that should not be crushed or chewed and is to be taken once a week with at least a half cup of plain water immediately following breakfast. A person may stand or sit but should not lie down for 30 minutes following ingestion. If antacids or calcium supplements are taken routinely, they should be consumed at a different time of day than the Atelvia.
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