Actonel with Calcium and Vancocin HCl

• Generic Name: calcium carbonate / risedronate
• Dosage Forms: tablets
• Other Brand Names: Actonel with Calcium, Actonel and Calcium

Actonel with Calcium (risedronate and calcium) is packaged as two separate medicines: 4 Actonel tablets and 24 calcium tablets. Risedronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Risedronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractise.

Calcium is a mineral that is needed for many functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance.

Actonel is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal and steroid-induced osteoporosis. Actonel is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

Calcium carbonate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

Actonel with Calcium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: vancomycin
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  FIRST-Vancomycin, Vancocin HCl Pulvules, First-Vancomycin 25, First-Vancomycin 50, Firvanq, Vancocin, First-Vancomycin 25, First-Vancomycin 50

Vancomycin injection is used to treat infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used in patients with heart valve disease (eg, rheumatic fever) or prosthetic (artificial) heart valves who are allergic to penicillin. Under certain circumstances, vancomycin is also given with other medicines to prevent endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) in patients who are having dental work done or surgery on the upper respiratory tract (eg, nose or throat).

Vancomycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Vancomycin injection is also used to treat serious infections for which other medicines may not work. However, this medicine may cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks associated with receiving it.

Vancomycin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.