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compositionComposition:RISEDRONATE SODIUM-35MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
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Gemfos Tablet is used to treat osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and Paget's disease of bone (soft and weak bones). It contains Risedronate sodium, which makes the bones strong and less likely to break. This medicine may cause side effects like nausea, indigestion, stomach pain/discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation. Before starting this medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any other medicines or have pre-existing medical conditions.

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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
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More about the Product

Composition :

RISEDRONATE SODIUM-35MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Alkem Laboratories Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Gemfos Tablet

Gemfos Tablet is an oral prescription medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. It is also prescribed to prevent bone loss caused by long-term steroid use and to treat Paget's disease of bone, a condition that disrupts normal bone growth. By regulating the bone rebuilding process, this medicine helps maintain bone density and significantly reduces the risk of fractures.

For this medicine to work effectively, you must take it consistently, typically once daily, once weekly, or once monthly, depending on your doctor's recommendation. You must take Gemfos Tablet first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. Incorporating weight-bearing exercises and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are vital lifestyle adjustments that support this treatment.

Most people tolerate this medicine well, but common side effects can include mild stomach upset, heartburn, or bone and joint pain. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe chest pain, painful or difficult swallowing, or severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these serious symptoms.

Do not take this if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, have a history of oesophagus problems, or have low blood calcium levels. Talk to your doctor before starting Gemfos Tablet if you have kidney disease, difficulty swallowing, or are planning dental surgery, as certain serious bone conditions in the jaw have been reported in rare cases.

This medicine can interact with calcium supplements, antacids, and certain pain relievers like ibuprofen, which can reduce its absorption or increase stomach irritation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if this treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.

Uses of Gemfos Tablet

Gemfos Tablet is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. The detailed uses of Gemfos Tablet are as follows:

  • Postmenopausal osteoporosis: It helps slow down bone loss and increases bone thickness, lowering the risk of spine and hip fractures in women after menopause.
  • Osteoporosis in men: It increases bone mass in men with osteoporosis to help prevent painful fractures and maintain skeletal strength.
  • Steroid-induced osteoporosis: It prevents and treats bone loss in individuals who are taking corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) for long periods.
  • Paget's disease of bone: It helps slow down the rapid, abnormal bone breakdown and rebuilding process, reducing bone pain and preventing skeletal deformities.

 

Key Benefits

Gemfos Tablet helps strengthen bones and reduce bone loss, supporting long-term skeletal health. By improving bone strength and density, it helps lower the risk of fractures and promotes better mobility and independence.

  • Reduced Risk of Fractures: By strengthening weak bones, Gemfos Tablet significantly lowers the likelihood of sudden bone breaks in the spine, hips, and wrists, allowing you to stay active and independent.
  • Protection of Bone Density: It stops the gradual thinning of bone tissue, helping you maintain a strong skeletal structure even during long-term steroid therapy or ageing.
  • Support for Pain-Free Movement: For those with Paget's disease, it helps calm abnormal bone activity, leading to less deep bone pain and greater comfort during daily walks and activities.

 

Side effects of Gemfos Tablet
Managing back pain as a side effect of medication requires a combination of self-care techniques, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions. Here are the steps:
  • Talk to your doctor about your back pain and potential medication substitutes or dose changes.
  • Try yoga or Pilates and other mild stretching exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen your back muscles.
  • To lessen the tension on your back, sit and stand upright and maintain proper posture.
  • To alleviate discomfort and minimize inflammation, apply heat or cold packs to the afflicted area.
  • Under your doctor's supervision, think about taking over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Make ergonomic adjustments to your workspace and daily activities to reduce strain on your back.
  • To handle tension that could make back pain worse, try stress-reduction methods like deep breathing or meditation.
  • Use pillows and a supportive mattress to keep your spine in the right posture as you sleep.
  • Back discomfort can worsen by bending, twisting, and heavy lifting.
  • Speak with a physical therapist to create a customized training regimen to increase back strength and flexibility.
Here are the steps to manage Joint Pain caused by medication usage:
  • Please inform your doctor about joint pain symptoms, as they may adjust your medication regimen or prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms.
  • Your doctor may prescribe common pain relievers if necessary to treat joint discomfort.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to relieving joint discomfort. Regular exercise, such as low-impact sports like walking, cycling, or swimming, should be combined with a well-balanced diet. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to assist your body in repairing and rebuilding tissue.
  • Applying heat or cold packs to the affected joint can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Please track when joint pain occurs and any factors that may trigger it, and share this information with your doctor to help manage symptoms.
  • If your joint pain is severe or prolonged, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying disorders that may require treatment.
  • Drink water or other clear fluids.
  • To prevent worsening of pain, limit intake of tea, coffee, or alcohol.
  • Include bland foods like rice, toast, crackers, and rice in your diet.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating as it may cause indigestion or heartburn.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food as it may cause indigestion.
Here are the step-by-step strategies to manage the side effects of "indigestion" caused by medication usage:
  • Take medications with food (if recommended): It can help prevent stomach distress and indigestion.
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Divide daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger indigestion, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
  • Stay upright after eating: Sit or stand upright for at least 1-2 hours after eating to prevent stomach acid from flowing into the oesophagus.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks: Avoid drinking carbonated beverages, such as soda or beer, which can worsen indigestion.
  • Manage stress: To alleviate indigestion, engage in stress-reducing activities like deep breathing exercises or meditation.
  • Consult a doctor if needed: If indigestion worsens or persists, consult a healthcare professional to adjust the medication regimen or explore alternative treatments.
Here are the step-by-step strategies to manage the side effects of " Muscle Pain" caused by medication usage:
  • Report to Your Doctor: Inform your doctor about the muscle pain, as they may need to adjust your medication.
  • Stretch Regularly: Gentle stretching can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
  • Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake supports muscle health by removing harmful substances and maintaining proper muscle function.
  • Warm or Cold Compresses: Apply cold or warm compresses to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Rest and Relaxation: Adequate rest helps alleviate muscle strain, while relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can soothe muscle tightness, calm the mind, and promote relief from discomfort.
  • Gentle Exercise: Participate in low-impact activities, such as yoga or short walks, to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate discomfort.
  • Consult a physician: If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, go to the doctor for help and guidance.
Here are the precise steps to cope with diarrhoea caused by medication usage:
  • Inform Your Doctor: Notify your doctor immediately about your diarrhoea symptoms. This allows them to adjust your medication or provide guidance on managing side effects.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost water and electrolytes. Choose water, clear broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages to effectively rehydrate your body.
  • Follow a Bland Diet: Eat easy-to-digest foods to help firm up your stool and settle your stomach. Try incorporating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, and boiled vegetables into your diet.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that can worsen diarrhoea, such as spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, high-fibre foods, and dairy products (especially if you're lactose intolerant).
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid exchanging personal belongings with others.
  • Take Anti-Diarrheal Medications: If your doctor advises, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide might help manage diarrhoea symptoms. Always follow your doctor's directions.
  • Keep track of your diarrhoea symptoms. If they don't get better or worse or are accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood, or dehydration signs (like extreme thirst or dark urine), seek medical help.

Directions for Use

  • Gemfos Tablet should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast, or as advised by the doctor.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration.
  • Swallow Gemfos Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • Stay sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes after taking Gemfos Tablet. Do not lie down during this time.

How Gemfos Tablet Works

Under normal conditions, your body is constantly breaking down old bone and building new bone. In conditions like osteoporosis, the cells that break down bone work faster than the cells that build it. Gemfos Tablet contains risedronate sodium. It is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It works by binding directly to the bone mineral and slowing down the activity of these bone-dissolving cells. This allows the bone-building cells to catch up and strengthen the overall bone structure, making your bones more solid and much less likely to break.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

A person should limit the consumption of alcohol as it can increase the risk of stomach side effects from Gemfos Tablet.

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Pregnancy

Caution

Gemfos Tablet should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Gemfos Tablet may pass in breast milk and harm the nursing baby, so do not take Gemfos Tablet while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Gemfos Tablet does not influence a person's ability to drive.

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Liver

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.

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Kidney

Caution

Gemfos Tablet is not recommended for patients with severe kidney impairment. Consult your doctor if you have kidney disorders.

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Children

Unsafe

Gemfos Tablet should not be given to children or adolescents whose age is less than 18 years.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Please inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing heart problems

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Geriatrics

Safe if prescribed

Gemfos Tablet can be given safely to the elderly if advised by the doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Gemfos Tablet

If you take too much, drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting, and do not lie down. Keeping upright is important to protect your oesophagus.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through foods like yoghurt, leafy greens, and fortified milks, but consume them at least 30 minutes (or ideally a few hours) after taking Gemfos Tablet.
  • Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, or climbing stairs, to naturally stimulate bone strengthening.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both can weaken bones and increase your risk of bone loss and fractures.
  • Modify your home environment to reduce the risk of tripping and falling (such as securing loose rugs, installing bright lighting, and clearing clutter).

 

Health Queries

I am taking Gemfos for past 3 months. Is osteoporosis completely curable?

Y. Lakshmi Thulasi

Y. Lakshmi Thulasi

Pharm-D (Post baccalaureate)

Although there is no known cure for osteoporosis, it can be controlled with drugs like Gemfos and dietary and activity modifications. These therapies can lessen the risk of fracture, increase bone density, and slow bone loss. It's crucial to see your doctor on a regular basis to track your development.

I have osteoporosis and persistent leg and back pain. Please advise

Y. Lakshmi Thulasi

Y. Lakshmi Thulasi

Pharm-D (Post baccalaureate)

For osteoporosis-related pain, your doctor may recommend pain relief medications, calcium, and vitamin D supplements to strengthen bones. Physical therapy can help with mobility and strengthening muscles around affected areas. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider for personalized pain management and treatment options.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Gemfos Tablet to start to work: The time required for Gemfos Tablet to show its action is unknown.

The time for which the effects of Gemfos Tablet last: The duration of action for Gemfos Tablet is unknown.

What if you forget to take Gemfos Tablet

If you are on a daily dosing schedule, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled the following morning. Do not take two tablets on the same day. If you are on a weekly or monthly dosing schedule and you forget to take your dose on your scheduled morning, take it the next morning after you remember. Then, go back to your regular schedule on your next planned day. Never take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

•Store the tablets at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). •Keep the tablets in their original packaging to protect them from moisture and light.

Drug Warnings

  • Never take Gemfos Tablet with mineral water, coffee, tea, juice, or milk, as these liquids significantly block your body's ability to absorb the medicine.
  • Always sit or stand upright for a full 30 minutes after taking your dose; lying down too early can cause the tablet to splash back into your oesophagus, leading to severe ulcers or irritation.
  • Inform your dentist that you are taking Gemfos Tablet before having any major dental procedures, as there is a small risk of jawbone issues following extractions or implants.
  • If you experience an unusual, dull ache in your thigh, hip, or groin, notify your doctor immediately, as this can be an early sign of a rare bone strain.
  • Ensure your doctor knows if you have low blood calcium levels before starting, as this must be corrected before you can safely take Gemfos Tablet.
     

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

  • Calcium supplements, antacids, and iron supplements: Taking these at the same time as Gemfos Tablet will stop your body from absorbing the medicine. Wait at least 30 minutes after your dose before taking any other oral supplements.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin: Combining these with Gemfos Tablet may increase your risk of stomach irritation and ulcers.

 

 

Risedronic acidIbuprofen
Severe
Risedronic acidDeferasirox
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Risedronic acidIbuprofen
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemfos Tablet:
Taking Gemfos Tablet with ibuprofen can increase the risk of developing kidney problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, and ulcers.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Gemfos Tablet and Ibuprofen can lead to an interaction but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, consult your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, bloating, sudden dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting (especially with blood), loss of appetite, and/or black, tarry stools. Do not discotinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Risedronic acidDeferasirox
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemfos Tablet:
Taking Gemfos Tablet (oral form) with Deferasirox can increase the risk of bleeding and ulcers in the stomach.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Gemfos Tablet with Deferasirox together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, consult your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, bloating, sudden dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting (especially with blood), loss of hunger, or black, tarry stools. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Risedronic acidCimetidine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemfos Tablet:
Taking Gemfos Tablet with Cimetidine can increase the blood levels of Gemfos Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Gemfos Tablet and Cimetidine, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. In case you experience any unusual side effects, consult a doctor. Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Risedronic acidFamotidine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemfos Tablet:
Taking Famotidine with Gemfos Tablet can increase the blood levels of Gemfos Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction between Gemfos Tablet and Famotidine, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. In case you experience any unusual side effects, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
Risedronic acidEtelcalcetide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemfos Tablet:
Taking Etelcalcetide with Gemfos Tablet may decrease calcium levels in the blood.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Gemfos Tablet with Etelcalcetide can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as numbness or tingling around the mouth, muscle pain, fits, mental changes (irritability, depression, psychosis), increased pressure on the brain, and irregular heartbeat. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to a doctor.
Risedronic acidNizatidine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemfos Tablet:
Taking Gemfos Tablet with nizatidine can increase the blood levels of Gemfos Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction between Gemfos Tablet and Nizatidine, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. In case you experience any unusual side effects, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Food, dairy products, and mineral-rich beverages: Eating breakfast, drinking milk, or consuming mineral water too close to your dose will drastically reduce how much medicine your body absorbs, making the treatment ineffective.
     
RISEDRONATE SODIUM-35MGVitamin B complex foods, Vitamin B12 rich foods
Moderate

Drug-Food Interactions

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RISEDRONATE SODIUM-35MGVitamin B complex foods, Vitamin B12 rich foods
Moderate
Common Foods to Avoid:
Avocado, Beetroot, Cereals, Cheese, Chicken, Black Beans, Eggs, Clams, Chickpea, Whole Grains, Shellfish, Spinach, Salmon, Red Meat, Oysters, Potatoes, Kidney Beans, Mackerel, Milk, Kale, Tuna, Yogurt, Liver, Low-Fat Milk, Trout, Fortified Breakfast Cereal, Fish, Beef

How to manage the interaction:
Products containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, and/or other minerals may decrease the blood levels of Gemfos Tablet. If you are on multivitamins, and prescribed with Gemfos Tablet, inform the doctor.

All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[BONE ENHANCERS]

FAQs

Gemfos Tablet is used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men and Paget's disease of bone.
Gemfos Tablet contains Risedronate sodium, which works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density. Thereby, it makes the bones strong and less likely to break.
People who are allergic to any of its components, are unable to sit or stand for at least 30 minutes, or have low calcium levels should not take Gemfos Tablet.
Gemfos Tablet may increase the risk of jawbone problems (osteonecrosis), especially in persons with pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, cancer, blood cell disorders, chemotherapy, or radiation.
It is advised not to breastfeed while taking Gemfos Tablet as this medicine can pass into breastmilk. Consult with your doctor about any risk.
A person should take extra care of their dental hygiene while taking Gemfos Tablet, and if they are going for any dental work (especially surgery), they should tell the dentist ahead of time that they are taking this medicine.
Persons aged above 35 years, have low estrogen levels, females reaching menopause, consume too much alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine, and lack calcium and vitamin D, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Gemfos Tablet is a part of a complete program that includes modifications in diet, regular exercise, bone mineral density testing, and intake of calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow the doctor's guidelines very closely.
Foods, medicines and vitamin supplements may affect the absorption of Gemfos Tablet. Therefore, to maintain the effectiveness of Gemfos Tablet, it should be taken with plain water only.
Gemfos Tablet may cause diarrhoea as a side effect. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult the doctor if the diarrhoea persists or worsens.
Take Gemfos Tablet without food on an empty stomach with one glass of water at least half an hour before breakfast, and remain in a sitting or standing position for about 30 minutes. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Lying down after taking Gemfos Tablet may cause the medication to return to the oesophagus. Therefore, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take Gemfos Tablet. Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after taking Gemfos Tablet.
Gemfos Tablet may cause hair loss in some people. Consult the doctor if you notice hair loss or thinning of hair during treatment with Gemfos Tablet.
Gemfos Tablet should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant.
Keep your teeth clean and have a dental check-up every 6 months, as Gemfos Tablet may affect your jawbone.
Gemfos Tablet may cause side effects like nausea, indigestion, stomach pain/discomfort, headache, diarrhoea and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Mild stomach upset can happen, but if you develop new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away. These can be warning signs of oesophageal irritation. Talk to your doctor to see if your dosage or method of taking it needs to be adjusted.
No, you should not take calcium or vitamin D supplements at the exact same time. Calcium binds to Gemfos Tablet in your stomach, preventing your body from absorbing the medication. Always wait at least 30 minutes, or preferably a few hours, after taking Gemfos Tablet before taking any other supplements or vitamins. Talk to your pharmacist to help schedule your doses.
You must swallow the tablet whole. Chewing, crushing, or sucking on the tablet can release the medication in your mouth or throat, which can cause severe irritation, mouth sores, or damage to your oesophagus. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative options.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Alkem Laboratories Limited, Devashish Building, Alkem House, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013.
Other Info - GEM0009
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