Medications

Actonel 35 12-Week

Actonel 35 12-Week

Previously Found with Medfinder

Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.

Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay; generic Risedronate is typically Tier 1–2 on most commercial and Medicare Part D plans.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$58–$73 for a 12-tablet (12-week) supply of generic Risedronate 35 mg; as low as $22 per month with discount coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
65
/100
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Post Author

Peter Daggett

Last Updated

March 25, 2026

Actonel 35 12-Week 2026 Availability, Prices, and Tips to Find

What Is Actonel 35 12-Week?

Actonel 35 12-Week is a brand-name bisphosphonate medication containing Risedronate Sodium 35 mg in a convenient 12-tablet pack (a 3-month supply taken once weekly). It is FDA-approved for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, increasing bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and treating and preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Risedronate is also approved for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone. Originally manufactured by Allergan (now AbbVie), generic versions are widely available.

How does Actonel 35 12-Week work?

Risedronate is a pyridinyl bisphosphonate that works by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals on the surface of bone. It specifically inhibits osteoclasts — the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. Risedronate blocks the enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway within osteoclasts, causing these bone-resorbing cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death). This reduces the rate of bone breakdown, allowing bone-building cells (osteoblasts) to maintain and increase bone density over time.

What doses are available for Actonel 35 12-Week?

  • 5 mg tablet — taken daily
  • 30 mg tablet — taken daily for Paget's disease
  • 35 mg tablet — taken once weekly (standard pack or 12-week pack)
  • 35 mg delayed-release tablet (Atelvia) — taken once weekly with breakfast
  • 75 mg tablet — taken on two consecutive days per month
  • 150 mg tablet — taken once monthly

The 12-week pack contains 12 tablets of Risedronate 35 mg, providing a convenient 3-month supply with once-weekly dosing.

How hard is it to find Actonel 35 12-Week in stock?

Actonel 35 12-Week (Risedronate Sodium 35 mg, 12-tablet pack) is moderately easy to find. Generic Risedronate is manufactured by multiple companies and is not on the FDA drug shortage list. However, the specific 12-week packaging may not be stocked at every pharmacy — some locations carry only the standard 4-tablet monthly supply. If your pharmacy doesn't have the 12-week pack, ask them to order it or try a larger chain pharmacy. You can also use Medfinder to locate pharmacies with it in stock near you.

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Who Can Prescribe Actonel 35 12-Week?

Actonel 35 12-Week can be prescribed by a variety of healthcare providers, including:

  • Primary Care / Internal Medicine physicians
  • Endocrinologists (hormone and bone metabolism specialists)
  • Rheumatologists
  • Orthopedic surgeons
  • Geriatricians
  • OB/GYN physicians (for postmenopausal osteoporosis)
  • Family Medicine doctors

Telehealth prescriptions are also available for Risedronate through many online platforms.

Is Actonel 35 12-Week a controlled substance?

No. Actonel 35 12-Week (Risedronate Sodium) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not carry abuse potential and can be prescribed and dispensed without the special restrictions that apply to scheduled medications.

Common Side Effects of Actonel 35 12-Week

  • Back pain
  • Joint pain (arthralgia)
  • Muscle pain (myalgia)
  • Abdominal pain and nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Heartburn and acid reflux
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Dizziness

Serious but rare side effects include osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), atypical femoral fractures, esophageal ulcers or strictures, severe musculoskeletal pain, and hypocalcemia. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience jaw pain, thigh or groin pain, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain.

Alternative Medications to Actonel 35 12-Week

  • Alendronate (Fosamax) — oral bisphosphonate available as weekly or daily tablets; generic available at very low cost and often preferred as first-line therapy
  • Ibandronate (Boniva) — oral bisphosphonate taken as a monthly tablet, or as a quarterly IV injection
  • Zoledronic Acid (Reclast) — IV bisphosphonate given once yearly; a good option for patients who cannot tolerate oral bisphosphonates
  • Denosumab (Prolia) — a RANK ligand inhibitor given as a subcutaneous injection every 6 months; used when bisphosphonates are not appropriate

Drug Interactions with Actonel 35 12-Week

  • Calcium supplements — significantly reduce Risedronate absorption; take at a different time of day
  • Antacids (aluminum, magnesium, or calcium-containing) — reduce absorption; separate by at least 30 minutes
  • Iron supplements — reduce absorption; take separately
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — may reduce efficacy of the delayed-release formulation (Atelvia)
  • NSAIDs and Aspirin — increased risk of GI irritation and ulcers when used together
  • Teriparatide (Forteo) — coadministration with bisphosphonates may reduce its calcium-sparing effect

Food interactions: All food and beverages (except plain water) significantly reduce absorption. Take the immediate-release tablet on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

Final Thoughts on Actonel 35 12-Week

Actonel 35 12-Week offers a convenient 3-month supply of once-weekly Risedronate Sodium for treating and preventing osteoporosis. With generic versions widely available, cash prices are affordable — often under $60 with discount coupons — and most insurance plans cover it at low copays. While the specific 12-week pack may require ordering at some pharmacies, the medication itself is not in shortage. If you're having trouble finding it in stock, Medfinder can help you locate nearby pharmacies that carry it. Talk to your doctor about whether the weekly dosing schedule is right for your bone health needs.

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