Risedronate (Actonel) Receives FDA Approval for the Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis

On April 14, 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of risedronate for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women for the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Patients treated with risedronate demonstrated significantly reduced risk of vertebral fracture following one year of therapy. Additionally, the FDA concluded that these patients are not at increased risk for any cancer specifically or overall.