| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken
and Dosage | | Date Added |
  | | | | F M | | | | |
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| 1 | perscribed by doctor | My mother is 86 and broke her femur bone from being on actonel for four years. She would always complain about how sick she would be after taking the medicine, and how her legs would also be in pain. I would tell her to stop taking actonel, but I guess some people like my mom put all there trust in the doctors and the drug companies. Well after all that has happened my mother has a different outlook about who you can trust in the medical field, and to look up the mediciation side affects that are perscribed for you. We have filed a class action law suit against procter and gambel. | These drugs should be off the market. Please if you or someone you know is taking these type of drugs stop them right away. You do not want to go though what my mother is going though. | F | 86 | 4 days
1X W | | 9/1/2010
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1 | osteoporosis | no side effects until shooting pain in feet and toes 3 weeks ago, stopped actonel, pain in feet disappeared the first week, now I have pain in both arms. Are there any side effects after stopping? Or is this unrelated? | No change in bone density after 2 years (-2.9) | F | 57 | 3 years
35mg 1X W | | 8/30/2010
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| 1 | prescribed by my Doctor | Like everyone else, I suffered from diaherra, chills, upset stomach, achy eyes. This lasted about 3-4 days. I felt better for about 2-3 days then started experiencing back and joint aches. The pain was so bad, I could not sleep and hurt everytime I moved.
After ten days of suffering, my husband took me to the Doctor. From his office he gave me 3 days worth of ZIPSOR. I am to take ZIPSOR twice a day for 3 days. I took the first tablet about seven hours ago and I feel so much better. The pain is still there but not as severe. By the time the ZIPSOR is done, I believe I will feel completely better.
If there is ever a class action lawsuit you can include me.
| If you are suffering from the effects of Actonel, have your doctor or healthcare provider prescribe ZIPSOR. It is really helping me and I think it will help most people suffering from the effect of Actonel.
An additional note: my doctor has taken me completely off of Actonel. I will never take it again.
Hope this help somebody. | F | 51 | 10 days
150 mg 1X M | | 8/27/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | Became wheelchair bound due to inability to eat, jaw pain. | Don't take this! No chemical can make bones stronger. I took this for 4 months, 35 mg once a week, became weaker and ached till I became wheelchair bound. I took actonel 8 years ago. A well known pharmacist and nutritionist who has successfully advised me in the past recommended vitamins and told me the side effects will last at least 10 years. After 8 years I can walk some with a walker. Take vitamins, yogurt, milk, soy, even ice cream! Don't put yourself through this hell. | F | 68 | 4 months
35 1X W | | 8/26/2010
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| 1 | To prevent osteoporosis | 1. Severe chest and back pain. 2. Weight loss. 3. Irregular heartbeat, to the point where my internist said I needed a pacemaker. My pulse was 32 beats per minute. | My physician said this drug was like taking a vitamin. It nearly killed me! My wife and I started to discuss "end of life" issues. I didn't think I was going to make it. It took six weeks for the effects to wear off. NO MORE ACTONEL! | M | 70 | 1 times
35 mg 1X M | | 8/25/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | New bone scan revealed I went from osteopenia to osteoporosis, so subsequent to fractures in both my feet, it was recommended I try Actonel again (I had negative response to Fosamax in the past). Following one year of Actonel in the past, I experienced jaw necrosis and required removal of 4 dental implants. Three years have passed since this problem. With my current less favorable bone scan, I reluctantly decided to try again. Within a couple days, my arthritic left thumb pain now includes the right hand. As well, I have aching knees and joints generally, troubled sleep with increased fatigue, decreased stamina, chills, heartburn in the middle of the night every day, and increasing episodes of DIARRHEA EVERY DAY - 5+ times/day. As soon as I eat, in an hour or less I have to be near a bathroom. This symptom continues during my waking hours. OH, unfortunately, I think I am experiencing additional gum erosion. I am done with Actonel. The treatment is worse than the d | | F | 65 | 45 days
35 mg 1X W | | 8/24/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | | I was about to give in and take Actonel due to my doctor's pleading with me to do something. I have been going natural and now will continue to do that. I am so sorry for all the suffering you are going through and I thank you for taking the time and effort to warn others. I believe we put too much faith in our doctors and not enough in ourselves. I never trust drug companies out to make money with little regard for a real healthy cure for illness. I hope you all feel better and hope for your recovery. Regards and thank you. | F | 71 | 0 days
1X M | | 8/22/2010
| 1 | Have osteopenia | numbness, pain in the face, neck and head pain now arm pain in right arm. | I am going to go off it for a solid month and see if there is any change I can not stand the pain anymore. I've had bone scan, MRI head scan, and other tests for other things as well and also saw a neurologist with no results. They just want to give me pain meds. I also get a neck shot of steroids every three months, this helps the neck pain but not the face pain. I'm at my wits end I swim four days a week and do aquasize and also do machines and life weights, otherwise my body is in excellent shape. | F | 78 | 4 years
35mg 1X W | | 8/22/2010
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| 1 | Osteopenia | I did pretty well until around 10 pm of the day I took it. Then I had violent chills, shaking, fever and aches. I ran a fever all the second day and had bad stomach cramps. Today is the 3rd day and I have diarrhea and a low fever. | I am pissed that doctors prescribe this medication without warning adequately about side effects. My doctor already knew I had similar side effects with Fosamax, yet she started me on the once monthly 150mg dose of Actonel. I think that weight-lifting exercise 3X per week is going to be my pathway to building my bones. But I can tell that I will have to monitor my bone density regularly to see if it's working. I would never recommend this medication to another woman. Why be put out of commission several days per month or worse? How many men do you know who would put up with this? I read another site which recommended a book by Gillian Sanson called "The Myth of Osteoporosis." I am going to read this book for starters. | F | 50 | 1 days
150mg 1X M | | 8/22/2010
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| 1 | | | within a few hrs I began to hurt all over-abt 1 1/2 days later my face got red blotches all over it & then scalled up whic has lasted 5 1/2 mnths so far, I have been back to my primary care dr who prescbd Actonel & then to my dermatologist, have taken massive dosage of Prednisone but the blotches keep coming back, so misserible, now being snt to a dermatologist specialist out of town. I took 1 pill 150mgs & will never take it or any other type of this medication again. My doctor said she had never heard of anyone allergic to Actonel, well she has now. I will gladly join a class action suit if one is filed.I am wondering just how much longer I am going to have to put up this this mess on my face, it also swelled up that my eyes were swelled very bad, I had 1 time that I had trouble breathing.
| F | 71 | 1 days
150 1X M | | 8/21/2010
| 2 | osteopenia | Didn't seem to have any side-effects | A bone scan taken five years ago showed osteopenia so my gynecologist placed me on once-weekly Actonel; follow-up bone scan two years later still showed osteopenia so my gynecologist kept me on the Actonel but switched me to the once-monthly pill which was much more convenient. However, I had to switch to the generic Fosamax early this year since I am now required to obtain all maintenance medications from a mail order pharmacy and the generic Fosamax is the only "approved" medication for osteoporosis (i.e., I would have to pay six times more if I elected to continue on the Actonel!). Given that the Actonel really didn't seem that effective, I wonder if the generic Fosamax will be any better. Will have to wait and see if my next bone scan shows any difference. | F | 61 | 4 years
? 1X O | | 8/17/2010
| 1 | | Sore joints ever where. I have to have two teeth pulled now and the oral surgeon will not do it until my blood work comes back clean or low numbers of Actonel in my system. I havent taken it in maybe 4 mos and the count is still to high. Cause of a major infection that can be caused from the actonel and there is no medicine that can cure it I have to wait. OH course I can tak my changes I guess but would rather not. Has anyone else had this problem? | | F | 52 | 2 years
1X W | | 8/17/2010
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| 1 | osteopenia | FIRST MONTH TAKING THIS MEDICINE ONE DAY AFTERWARD, I HAD A BAD FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS CHILLS, BODY ACHES, NAUSEA, AND HORRIBLE STOMACH PROBLEM. DIARRHEA FOR OVER 10 DAYS. I THOUGHT I HAD A BAD FLU AND SOME HOW DID NOT FIND CONNECTION WITH THIS MEDICINE SO ONE MONTH AFTER I TOOK IT AGAIN FOR THE 2ND TIME. I'M GETTING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LAST MONTH AND DEFINITELY I KNOW ITS THE ACTONEL. I'M HAVING A PAINFUL BODY ACHES WITH NAUSEA AND FEVER. ITS A DAY TWO AND IM HAVING A BAD DIARRHEA AGAIN. I WILL NEVER EVER TAKE THIS MEDICINE AGAIN!! | | F | 27 | 2 months
150 1X M | | 8/9/2010
| 1 | prolonged prednisone use | flu like symtems feel like i been hit by a truck every morning ache everywhere latest is inflamed achellies tendons and ankle areas very painful to walk.the stangeness of the symptoms finally made me suspect actonel | its been 10 weeks since last dose ankles coming around a little,usally i always skipped weeks or months so never really noticed anything but this spring i took 3 doses in 11 weeks a week after the 3rd dose is when i really flared up | M | 53 | 2 years
150mg 1X D | | 8/9/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | I don't know where my last entry went, but I want everyone to know that I also experienced severe and extreme side effects from taking the Actonel 150 mg tablet just once. It started with itching on my neck and face, progressed to chills at nights, sweating in the morning, and joint pain (severe) the following night. The next day the side effects where still there but somewhat less. It is three days later and I still feel achy and sick. I will never, ever, take this drug again. There should be a stronger warning and the doctor should advise. Nothing was said to me! | Never, ever, ever take this drug. Find an alternative method to keep yourself in good health. | F | 56 |
150mg 1X D | | 8/7/2010
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History | 1 | Osteopenia | Just had to edit the dosage amount. It is 150 mg not 125 mg as I had posted previously. | | F | 52 | 3 months
150 mg 1X D | | 8/7/2010
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History | 1 | loss of bone density | Experienced extreme heartburn, weakness, back ache, swollen throat and eyes, numbness of big toe, nausea, stomach pains, headache, chills within 48 hours of taking. Looking back, I was sick after the first dose, but didn't make the connection. | I won't be taking this any more! I was supposed to start a year ago, and somehow let it slip thru the cracks. Finally, decided to "get with the program" and have taken it twice. I missed a day of work, and after three days, still have a backache. | F | 57 | 2 months
150 mg 1X M | | 8/5/2010
| 1 | Dr. recommended for osteoporosis | HORRIBLE diarrhea the next day--probably 8 times...and excruciating backaches in upper and middle back and hard time breathing with chest bone pain. Seems it has the OPPOSITE effect of what it is supposed to do: build bone. It feels like my bones are deteriorating. Is this drug a CRUEL JOKE--invented by someone who gets sick pleasure out of knowing the pain it causes?? | | F | 58 | 2 days
1X M | | 7/29/2010
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| 1 | Ostopenia | Could not put it all together until I heard a commercial and actually listened to the side effects. Thought at almost 60 I was getting arthritis. In 2009 my right foot swelled had 6 hair-line fractures. Stabbing pain in both feet at night. Not a cramp a stabbing pain, afraid to go to sleep. Recently both knees are stiff and both joints in hands, thought I was getting the flu or arthritis, But my knees and hands were quick, not like the pain in both feet. I heard that commercial, read the side effects. What was I thinking? All this time just get off the Actonel. My bone density test showed little improvement if any. My mother has more energy at 85 than I do at 59. | Doe anyone know how long it takes to get this out of your system? | F | 5 | 3 years
1X W | | 7/29/2010
| 2 | osteopeinia | While taking it I fractured a thumb and then 3 months later fractured middle finger. Developed mallet finger. Finger imbolized 9 months - had surgery - still have mallet finger and pain. Bone density still decreasing fast. | I am thinking of stopping drug | F | 64 | 3 years
150 mg 1X M | | 7/27/2010
| 1 | Osteopenia | My doctor said that he had never heard of anyone who had suffered side effects but three hours after taking the one pill I had severe stabbing pains in my back and I couldn’t stand or move. Over the next four days the most excruciating pain spread around my body, it felt as if I was being stabbed with a knife. My stomach hurt as if it had glass in it and my body felt like an elephant had trampled on it. On the fifth day, with the aid of crutches I attended the doctors where I was told there would be no long-term affects, I wasn’t even examined, I was told the pain would be gone in two days. Two weeks on my body still has aches and pains, less severe now and my stomach feels sore and hurts a bit. I dread to think what this pill has done to my poor body. | This is a dangerous drug and I have warned as many people as I can about this medication. I do not recommend anyone to take Actonel. It was a terrifying experience but I am just happy to be alive and just hope I can get it completely out of my system and that there are no long-term effects. | F | 60 | 1 days
1X W | | 7/27/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | severe bone, joint and muscle pain, watery diarrhea, weakness fatigue, flu like symptoms and loss of appetite. Abdominal pain and diarrhea still 4 days later.One time dose on 07/23/2010 did so much damage on 07/24/2010 | What's in this medication to cause a person to feel so bad after taking it? Aren't the purpose of taking medications to make you feel better? Never will I take this again! | F | 54 | 1 days
150 mg 1X D | | 7/27/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | Almost from the first day I had severe pain across the tops of my shoulders and my neck. Terrible headaches. The pain increased and soon I had extreme pain left little finger and left big toe. I begn to have pain on the tops of my elbow area and up both arms. The last dose I took on April 30 devastated me. I have a high pain tolerance. With the last dose, I was in horrible pain - like a metal clamp was squeezing the top of my shoulders and neck area. My jaws hurt, my throat felt sore at the top of my esophogus and pain in my breasts. Pain in both hands and both feet. Difficulty walking after sitting for short time. I began to be frightened about my health. My family doctor thought it was side effects and told me to quit taking Actonel immediately. Pain continues. Some days worse than others, but almost always at night. The pain in the left toe and little finger feels like a severe charley horse - that does not go away. It is painful to drive, talk on the phone, or even hold hands wit | I am angry and frustrated as is my husband. We both feel I have had time and health literally stolen from me due to these side effects. I do have an appointment with a specialist as suggested by my family doctor to check and eliminate any other possible problems or causes for this pain. He felt the side effects should have disappeared by this time. After reading some of the blogs on this site, I fear it is only the result of the medication and I have no idea how long they will persists. Many of these descriptions are exactly as I have suffered. Does anyone have a prediction of how long these side effects could linger? | F | 56 | 8 months
150 mg. 1X M | | 7/25/2010
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| 1 | osteoperosis | back and neck pain, leg cramps, weight gain (15 lbs), sore knuckles, jaw pain (feels like tmj). | I reported these symptoms to my doctor. He has taken me off of Actonel for 2 months, then a follow-up. I will no longer take this medication and do not think that I will take another medication for this disease. I will only take calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and eat right. The pain that I have experienced is like none I've every known before! | F | 44 | 5 months
150mg 1X M | | 7/16/2010
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| 1 | Dr put me on it for osteoporosis | severe legs cramps, nausea, throwing up, diarrhea, headache. | I did fine on this drug the first months on it, but the last 3 months it is like I have a virus after taking it. | F | 50 | 7 months
150 1X M | | 7/14/2010
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| 1 | Ostopenia | Chills so bad my teeth are chattering; I feel like I've been beaten with a baseball bat; my back is killing me; my chest hurts; my head hurts; I can barely get to the bathroom and back. | I took the 150 mg Actonel yesterday morning. Last night I started chilling and just could not get warm. By morning, I was feeling tired with a head ache. I went to work and had to leave early because of back pain, leg pain, chest pain, headache, stomach burning and hurting...I wish I had read about this medication before taking it. My doctor seemed to think I had to have it after my bone density scan. I hate this medication. I will call him in the morning and tell him I'm not taking it ever again. I will also have to miss work if I'm not feeling better in the morning!! | F | 48 |
150 1X M | | 7/14/2010
| 2 | Osteopenia, then Osteoporosis | Mild discomfort in my stomach, difficulty swallowing, some other achiness throughout my body that I could not attribute to the actonel due to other meds I was taking for other conditions. | While on Actonel along with calcium supplements for osteopenia, not only was there no improvement, but an overall worsening. Two years later, my new diagnosis was osteoporosis. When I learned that, despite my normal level of calcium, it was not being absorbed due to a huge vitamin D deficiency. I was then placed on a higher dosage of vitamin D in addition to my daily vitamins, but was asked to remain on Actonel. Another year later, my bone density did not improve, but remained steady, and my vitamin D level improved only slightly. My new endo then placed me on a megadose of vitamin D, but asked that I continue the Actonel. The next lab test I had for another purpose indicated that my vitamin D level had greatly increased, so I took it upon myself to stop the Actonel. My last bone density test indicated a moderate overall improvement. I also no longer have the discomfort I was having during the years on Actonel. My conclusion: Actonel was useless as a treatment for osteoporosis and did have some negative side effects. | F | 57 | 3 years
30mg 1X W | | 7/11/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | Severe bone, joint, & muscle pain; stiffness | Today (7-11-2009) is my one-year anniversary of taking the 150 mg dose of Actonel. This is my third entry on this site (first was in Sept. of 2009, I believe.) The problems are still there, but it is now just on my left side & the pain is much more manageable. I started going to a PT through my pain clinic a few months ago & found out that all the muscles in my pelvic region are shot. Rebuilding their strength will take a while. (The therapist told me she hopes I will be doing much better in a year!) This experience with Actonel has been devastating, & I'm thankful to have survived! I have contacted both the FDA & Proctor & Gamble, & I have told countless people about my experience. My doctor's office no longer will perscribe the 1-month dosage of Actonel to anyone. I still do not have my old life back, but I'm feeling hopeful again, which is a good thing. | F | 53 | 1 days
150 mg 1X M | | 7/11/2010
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| 1 | Osteoporosis | I wished I had read these comments prior to taking Actonel. My first dose was Friday morning. That night I went to get out of bed to go to the bathroom and could not move without assistance. I felt as though I had been in a wreck. Every bone in my body hurt and my chest felt like someone had beaten me. On top of this, I already suffer from degenerative back disease and spinal stenosis. I do not need the additional pain created by Actonel. I'm already on pain medication which does little or no good for the pain I'm experiencing from Actonel. I'm almost afraid to go to bed tonight for fear it will get worse. I think I'd almost rather have a broken hip than suffer the side effects of Actonel. | I would not recommend this medication to anyone. The doctors don't tell you how painful the side effects can be. They gloss over it. NO TO ACTONEL. I will never use this drug again. | F | 65 | 1 days
150 1X M | | 7/10/2010
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| 2 | Osteopenia | Never suspected that my Charley Horses could have been a side effect. Bone and muscle pain is a side effect. Two weeks ago, I suffered bloating and the feeling of trapped gas; stomach pain and rib cage pain. Then, I felt like the pain was going all the way to my heart - "trapped". I threw up numerous times, even going into dry heaves, watery diarrehea, weakness and fatigue. I think that my system has simply told me it has had enough of this drug. Took my last pill this past Tuesday morning. Noticed that the gas pains were heightened, and I had heartburn. | I will be seeing my doctor soon. I no longer wish to take Actonel. I cannot help but wonder how severe my side effects would have been if I were prescribed (I was offered the option) the 150 MG/once a month Actonel. | F | 61 | 5 years
35 MG 1X W | | 7/8/2010
| 1 | osteoprosis | I took once-a-month actonel in the morning following the directions exactly. I went to a business lunch and started feeling like I had indigestion which I rarely have. I came back to work and felt so full even though I had hardly eaten my lunch. I was on my way to get my haircut and realized that I felt horrible. I went home and took a nap, woke up feeling worse and had my husband cancel our dinner plans. He called the pharmacist who said yes it was the actonel. I went back to bed and it just got worse. I had severe crippling bone and joint pain all up and down my arms, legs and feet! I was in so much pain. Then the nausea and diarrhea set in and flu symptoms. It was crazy! | I was in the bed for two and half days and didn’t feel normal for about a week. The pharmacist did tell me to drink milk or take Mylanta b/c the calcium would help the actenol absorb better and quicker. The pharmacist assured me that once it was absorbed, I would be fine. All I kept thinking was it was in me for a month! I cannot believe this drug is on the market. Since my experience, I have talked to several others who have had the same experience. It is kind of a feast or famine thing—either it agrees with you or it doesn’t. I called the nurse at my doctor’s office and she said she had two other patients that had a bad reaction. Of course, I will not be taking it again. | F | 48 |
once a mon 1X M | | 7/8/2010
| 3 | Osteopenia | | Fosomax bothered my stomach with first dose. No problems with Actonel 1x/week. First two years my Osteopenia stayed the same (-1.7). Now tested at year 4 and have full-fledged Osteoporosis (-2.9). Went through most of menopause in the last two years so that could have caused the change. I was hoping it would stop the bone loss though. | F | 50 | 4 years
1X W | | 7/5/2010
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| 1 | newly diagnosed osteoporosis | I had severe heartburn within an hour of taking my first pill. The next morning I had aching hips and jaw. Two weeks later I started running a 103 degree temperature for 4 days. I was tested for a variety of ills; all negative. The fever subsided, but one week later, I started running a 101 degree temperature. This time I mentioned Actonel to my GP and asked if there could be a link. He said yes and told me not to take my July dosage. He recommends Evista. I will have missed 10 days of work. | I do not recommend Actonel and will not continue with it. I'm just wondering how long it will take to get it out of my system. | F | 64 | 1 months
150 mg 1X M | | 7/4/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | severe crippling bone/joint pain. made me bedridden for days. nerve pain, like tightening. diarrhea.flu symptoms immediately for about a week. 3 months later, still have severe pain it just bounces around to different joints including toes. loss of appetite. fatigue | DONT TAKE THIS DRUG- IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I'D ADVISE EVERYONE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FDA AND THEIR DOCTOR UNDER ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT ON THIS DRUG. | F | 51 | 1 times
150 1X M | | 7/3/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | I took the monthly Actonel one time. Within 48 hours,I was bedridden with nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The doctor prescribed an anti nausea medication, but the dizziness lasted for several days. I started on the 35mg tab, first taking it once a month, then every three weeks, then every two weeks. Just took it after a week and have been nauseated and dizzy for two days and had to leave work. Very frustrating. I do believe that the drug companies are not hearing about all the side effects that these drugs cause. | I am so frustrated and mistrusting of the drug companies. I think that they down play the side effects. I encourage all women to call their doctors and report their problems with this medication. The doctors should be the ones getting back to the drug companies with their patient's complaints. | F | 64 | 1 days
150 1X M | | 7/1/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | Took my first (and last!) tablet 3+ months ago. After 4 days rib cage felt as if a truck drove over it. Heartburn, 2 migraines every 24 hours, diarrhea, nausea and problems with urination. Dr. told me it has to get out of my system and it will take 3 months. I STILL have the rib cage/muscle ache but do not have to take painkillers anymore. Heartburn, nausea and diarrhea still there occasionally. I will never take this kind of medication again, I rather die of a broken hip! The last 3+ month have been the worst of my life, and I have a high pain tolerance but this has been awful. | I recommend everybody DO NOT TAKE THIS or any of the other bisphosphonate medications that are around! They all have the same side effects. | F | 69 | 1 months
150mg 1X M | | 6/30/2010
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| 1 | osteopenia | Two years ago, I took Actonel for osteopenia. My knees swelled and hurt terribly after the second dose. I went to a bone specialist after taking the second dose, and he drained excess fluid from knees and gave me a shot of cortisone in each knee. I recovered but would never take this medication again. I understand the reaction I had is rare. My doctors are now recommending I try Evista, which I have agreed to try. I have studied this site for information on Evista reactions so I am well prepared this time. | | F | 61 | 2 weeks
1X W | | 6/28/2010
| 1 | bone density | Severe joint pain on left side, back, ribs, arms.... couldn't get out bed.... Had to take 600mg of Ibuprofin and topical rubs for 3 days | | F | 52 | 1 days
1X M | | 6/28/2010
| 1 | Osteopenia | I am trying to reply to the 59 year old female request for input posted 6/1/2010 using the email indicated with her entry but there is no way to send my message. Your site is requiring a specific address. I want to communicate with her. I, too, have tremors and I know someone who also does...very Parkinson's like! This needs to get out. Please help me reach her. | | F | 56 | 30 months
1X W | | 6/27/2010
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| 1 | Osteoporosis | I'm a 19 year old guy. 12 hours after taking my first 150mg dose, I experienced severe chest and back pain. I went to the ER, got some pain meds, and he sent me home with motrin and vicanin. This morning I couldn't even get up without help and I'm on the painkillers. Ask your doctor to start off on a lower dose to make sure you don't react. Maybe it'll get out of your system faster | | M | 19 | 1 days
150 MG 1X M | | 6/24/2010
| 1 | Osteoporsis | Took as directed. Slight stomach ache. 12 hours later, lower back and both sides of hips pain, chills, aches, no appetite. Called doctor (OB/GYN who perscribed it) he stated he'd never heard of those side affects. Day 5 after I took it and still not 100%. He stated that I should take it one more time and let him know how next month is. Spoke to the pharmacist; she had severe pain in both feet for 6 months that finally went away. She is still taking the drug and has had improved scans since taking it. | My Mother has had 3 hip replacements/revisions and a shoulder replacement. Runs in our family. I'm thin so I knew that I would need to start doing something but is the "cure" worse than the disease? Vascilating on whether I'll take it one more time or not. | F | 52 | 1 months
150 MG 1X M | | 6/23/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | Took dose as directed. Twelve hours later developed severe stomach pain and diarrhea. Diarrhea and chills with dull headache throughout the next 48 hours. Black tarry stools and severe abdominal pain. Missed work. Will not take again. | | F | 50 | 1 times
1X M | | 6/23/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | The first day I took Actonel, I experienced diarrhea in the evening. It also seemed that my eyes became more sensitive to light. The second week, the symptoms became a little worse. Week three was a nightmare. The day after I took the pill, my ribs and back (on the left side only) became sore to the point that clothing touching them felt like needles poking me. My lower stomach felt bloated, as if my intestinal tract were swollen. Diarrhea started again, along with sharp pains. Later that week, a blistery rash appeared on the lower left side of my stomach and it did not itch but hurt and felt irritated. I did NOT take this evil drug a 4th time or I am certain I wouldn't have lived to ever have a bone fracture. I called my Doctor, who had the nurse call to tell me not to take the drug (brilliant) and that the pain should go away in 10 days, after the Actonel leaves my system. It has already been 9 days, so I can't imagine I will wake up feeling fine tomorrow. Any stories on h | DON'T TAKE IT!!! | F | 56 | 3 weeks
1X W | | 6/22/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | So glad to find this site. I thought I was dying. Extreme joint and body aches, dizziness, severe diarhea. Started 12 hours after first(and only) dose. This drug is scary. Do not take it. | Warning, do not take it even if doctor downplays side effects. They are real and severe. | F | 52 | 1 days
150mg 1X M | | 6/21/2010
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| 1 | Slight Osteroperosis | Nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue | I took my first, once a month pill, at 8:00 a.m. I didn't eat till about ten. I felt fine all day until bedtime. I developed tremors and chills. My muscles tightened, I became nauseated, and my joints hurt. All night long I fought throwing up. Finally, in the morning I had to. I was so sore and in pain my husband had to help me out of bed and into the chair by the bathroom. I slept a lot the next day...felt like I'd been hit with a bat all over. Kidneys hurt, jaw hurt, teeth hurt, hips hurt, shoulders and back in agony. My husband put his hand on my forehead to see if I had a fever and said he could take my pulse there. This is day three and now I feel better...by "better" I mean like I have the flu. I have sucked on ice chips, and can finally take an Ibuprophen, which seems to help the muscle pain. I sure hope this goes away soon. Needless to say, I won't be taking this (in any form)again. | M | 59 | 1 days
150 mg. 1X D | | 6/13/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | Severe chest pains 10 hours after taking the tablet. Could not fall asleep that night until I took Extra Strength Tylenol. Next two days experienced muscle aches as well as joint and bone pains. Finally went to see my doctor. (Advised me that everything is ok and that it's only a chest wall pain I had...) Did not comment whether or not Actonel could have been the cause of it. | | F | 62 | 1 times
150mg 1X M | | 6/13/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | I took one 150mg actonel caplet (one/month)as directed and within 12 hours was experiencing muscle aches, joint and bone pain. Pain increased that night- tossed and turned. The next morning I could hardly get out of bed. By night two I was barely able to walk. Crawled into bed and took Aleve. At 4:00AM I realized that the only thing I had done differently was Actonel. Nothing else in my routine had changed. Day three was miserable. Called family doc and she was very off-hand. Suggested I try it again in another month. NO WAY. Night three was the worst yet. Day four showed some improvement. By day five I was almost out of pain - could stop taking NAIDS. | Only took once and will never take again. This drug needs to be pulled of the market. DO NOT TAKE drugs of this class (risedronate sodium) Write your letters of complaint to both Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Cincinatti, OH 45202 and Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc, North Norwich, NY 13814. Insist on compensation for your injury. Money is the only language that Big Pharma understands. | F | 56 | 1 days
150 mg 1X M | | 6/10/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | Tried Fosamax last year and had immediate swallowing problems as well as bad bone pain within a day. Then 2 days later got Bells Palsy (paralisis of the left side of my face). My doctor waited a year, and we tried Actonel. I took it in her office, staying there for 4 hours without incident. Thought everything was going to be good with this treatment. Within 12 hours the full body bone pain began along with nausia and swelling in my fingers, eyes and lips. It has been 2 weeks since I took the pill. Living off pain meds and Biofreeze so I can move and sleep. Just wish I knew when this would run its course. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon next week to ensure there is no permanant damage. | My 87 year old mother takes the weekly dosage and has had no problems. For me this is POISON! | F | 63 | 1 months
150 mg 1X M | | 6/9/2010
| 1 | BUILD BONE DENSITY | scratchy throat, ache in shoulder bones, left little finger stiff and sore,
tail bone ache, generally sore all over | stopped taking this medication
and wonder how it ever got approved | M | 75 | 1 weeks
50MG 1X W | | 6/9/2010
| 1 | osteoperosis | I followed instructions and took one pill 7 am. By 11am I had the worst stomache ache of my life. By 2 am the next morning I had explosive diahrea, by 3am vomitting and diahrea. Then aches like I had been beaten and extreme dry mouth that has lasted for a week so far. I still have a stomache and am afraid to eat anything. No wonder weight loss is a side effect. Not the medication for me! | Prescribing this drug is totally irrresponsible. I'd join a class action suit for sure! | F | 50 | 1 days
150 mg 1X M | | 6/6/2010
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| 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | TOOK AS DIRECTED. NAUSEA RIGHT AWAY. DRANK GINGER ALE--FELT BETTER A FEW HOURS LATER NAUSEA AND MIGRAINE HEADACHE. THREW UP SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE NIGHT. VERY ACHY AND WEAK TEMPERATURE. STAYED IN BED FROM WED. THRU SAT. BECAUSE OF THE NAUSEA WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD BE A HEART ATTACK. CALLED THE DR., SHE DIDN'T TALK TO ME. HER INEPT STAFF ASKED IF I WANTED NEXIUM, I REFUSED. SAID I FELT AWFUL THOUGHT THE DR. WOULD CALL--THE NEXT DAY HER OFFICE CALLED BACK TO SEE IF I FELT BETTER. I SAID--NOT REALLY. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL THEY COULD DO IS OFFER ME RECLAST. I REFUSED AND SAID THAT AFTER A MONTH I WOULD GO BACK ON EVISTA THAT I HAD BEEN ON FOR 10 YEARS. I WOULD NEVER TAKE ACTONEL AGAIN. PEOPLE SHOULD BE WARNED THAT IT CAN HAVE SUCH DEVASTATING SYPTOMS. | | F | 67 | 1 days
150 MG 1X M | | 6/5/2010
| 1 | No | I have not yet taken Actionel but I was on Fosamax for 3 years. 2 years into Fosamax I developed Lichen Planus. They do not know the cause of it so as a last resort I stopped taking fosamax (much to my Drs dismay) and the lichen planus stopped. While I was on fosamax my osteo never improved. I stayed off fosamax and on calcium, vitamin D3 supplements and exercise, and after 18 months my osteo numbers were stable. I might add that 13 months after stopping fosamax the lichen planus returned on my scalp. I still blame the fosamax for knocking my immune system out of wack. Has any experienced Lichen Planus after taking these types of drugs? | Now my doctor has prescribed Actonel. After my experience with fosamax and reading about your experiences with Actonel there is no way I'm going back on these types of meds. I'll stick with the calcium, Vit D3 supplements and exercise. | M | 64 | 0 days
150 mg 1X M | | 6/5/2010
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| 1 | osteopenia | This drug has been a nightmare for me. Took drug as directed, following a.m. awoke to severe pain in back, left side, could not bend, would cry out in pain. Next day severe pain back, headache, back of neck, swelling in arm, hand and fingers. Next day, arm/ hand fingers so swollen and could not move fingers. Went to E.R with so much pain, given injections for pain. Only relieved about half of pain. X-rays and blood work done. Had pain in my chest, I thought I was having a heart attack. Was told it was Actonel reaction. Given prednisone. Next day, had a doctor visit. More blood work and horrible pain, given another injection for pain. I had the following: acid reflux, pain in neck, back pain, back of neck pain, headaches, leg pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, bone pain; face pain ( all teeth hurt also) swelling. | I took the actonel April 3rd and it is now June 3rd. and I was at the doctor's yesterday with problems. I have also been to a neurologist and another appointment next week. Yesterday, I also had more blood work done. This pill should be taken off the market. I believe there should be a class action lawsuit. | F | 68 | 1 days
150 1X M | | 6/3/2010
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| 1 | to improve bone density | severe weakness, can not walk, get up, my husband has to help me walk, and help with all the things like cooking,house work. every joint aches, the few places that I had arthritis became extremely swollen and painfull, leg and foot cramps, no appetite, the nightly regurgitation while in bed painfull and burns,I can not sleep on my stomache because of this. | I took fosax last June and experience this problems but to a lesser decree and immediately stopped. Then in March was prescibed Boneval and everything came back so in April the doctor prescribed Actonel and all hell broke loose, No one said these three drugs are the same!!!Now in June still battling the side effects of this drug. At 81 I feel robbed of some of the life I have left. Never, ever take any of these drugs | F | 81 | 1 days
1X M | | 6/3/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | Although I have had severe leg and foot cramps, along with other symptoms, my biggest concern is having hand tremors. Is there anyone else having this reaction? | If anyone is experiencing tremors, PLEASE let me know by writing on this site, or by emailing me directly. I am going crazy wondering what is going on with my body. Thank you. | F | 59 | 7 months
150 1X M | | 6/1/2010
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| 2 | Osteoporosis | I did not notice side effects immediately after taking but am experiencing possible reactions closer to the time for taking the next monthly dose. These reactions include tingling in the extremities and general aches particularly in my legs and back. My eyesight has also not been good though I do admit to having a cataract. I'm wondering if anyone is noticing these reactions closer to the time of taking the next dose. | Considering the way I'm feeling now and after reading all other comments, I will not refill my prescription. | F | 66 | 3 months
150 mg 1X M | | 5/29/2010
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| 1 | Osteoporosis | I am a very active thin small women that exercises many times a week. My doctor did a bone density test and advised me that I had osteoporosis and that I need to take Actonel. I was not on medication at all until this evil drug. I took it as prescribed 8 days ago and have been deathly sick since then. I have had fever, flu symptoms, total body aches in every joint, severe diarrhea, coughing and chest pains. Now my left arm is totally immobile with very severe pain. This is a non ending nightmare and I have gone through most of the side effect and am hoping that it ends in less that the 30 days. BEWARE because the Dr's staff told me to go to my primary and that I probably only have a virus when I had the fever and diarrhea. Of course the primary took blood tests so we are still waiting but I know there's no virus only horrible side effects from Actonel. | PLEASE, IF YOU READ THIS DO NOT NOW OR EVER TAKE ACTONEL.
IF ANYONE IS DOING A CLASS ACTION SUIT PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
THIS DRUG SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET. | F | 56 | 8 days
150 MG 1X M | | 5/29/2010
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| 1 | Osteopenia | Less than 22 hours after taking Actonel, I was awakened by severe back spasms making it nearly impossible to breathe. At my weekly Chiropractor appt. that day, I was in such bad shape that they took my blood pressure and temperature. Both were very low. My temperature had dropped to 96.2. My back muscles were sticking out through my clothes. They didn't relax for over a week. The horrible stomach pains were unlike any I had ever felt... hard to describe. By the 2nd day, I had strange blister-like sores popping up on my fingers on both hands. The blood pressure and temperature drops were very frightening. | After twice describing in detail the side effects I experienced, my dr. finally suggested giving the drug 6 weeks to get out of my system and then looking at other possibilities. The experience was so horrible, I can't imagine having the nerve to try anything else. Surely the treatment was worse than the disease! | F | 51 | 1 days
? 1X M | | 5/28/2010
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| 3 | osteoporosis | I have developed mild arthritis in my left knee, with a severe inflammation which resulted in a cortisone shot. I have always excrercized reularly and am not overweight with no history of arthritis in my family | was looking to hear from others wiht ths same problem. Don't know if its from actonel have to do more research and consult my primary. | F | 56 | 4 years
35t mg 1X W | | 5/18/2010
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| 1 | Osteoporosis | ALL OF THE ABOVE INCLUDING TEMP OF 104.5 - MISSED WORK 4 DAYS. GLAD I FOUND THIS WEBSITE AS MY DOCTOR SAID TEMP WAS NOT A SIDE EFFECT AND PERSCRIBED CIPRO. AND NOW I HAVE TO TAKE IRON. THIS DRUG HAS ROBBED DAYS OF MY LIFE AND NOW DUMPING MORE DRUGS INTO MY BODY. DO NOT TAKE THIS POISON. | THIS DRUG SHOULD BE BANNED AND WE SHOULD FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT | F | 55 | 1 days
150mg 1X M | | 5/18/2010
| 1 | Borderline osteoporosis | I took actonel exactly as prescribed this morning. When I tried to eat, approx. 2 1/2 hrs. later, I had horrible heartburn, which I seldom have, and extreme difficulty swallowing. I was sweating and thought I was having a massive heart attack. I'm not an alarmist, but I told my husband to call 911 and that I was dying. Paramedics came and checked my heart which was ok. They convinced me to get to the hospital ASAP. Before going and during the ride to the hospital, we all could hear a gutteral noise that I was making and my esophagus felt like it was being burned and I couldn't swallow. Gradually, I felt some relief and was discharged from the emergency room with orders to see the dr. who prescribed actonel tomorrow. | I had read the insert for actonel and highlighted parts of it in yellow. My husband got it as soon as the paramedics came and they didn't seem surprised at my difficulties. I feel fortunate to be alive and will NEVER take any of these horrible pills again. | F | 71 | 3 weeks
35mg 1X W | | 5/18/2010
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| 1 | bad bone density test | my whole body feels like i've been hit by a truck. My shoulders hurt bad during the night so i can't turn myself in bed. My hands are numb and tingling all the time. | I was in great shape before this drug, what is going on with the drug companies are they so greedy they force us to buy all this poison! I'm researching natural cures and sticking with them. | F | 55 | 2 months
1X M | | 5/17/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | I took it as prescribed on 5/14 at 6:00 a.m. By 6:00 p.m. I started having pains in my chest, but it felt like muscle pain and only when I moved certain ways. By midnight, I couldn't even lay down comfortably and tried to sleep sitting up on the couch. I went to back to the doctor the next day and explained my symptoms. They said it was probably muscle strain since I had done some yard work and jogging a few days before. I've never had that problem before. I wanted to believe this, but after doing some research, I know that it's this drug. I can't believe they would prescribe this to me. After talking to a few friends, I found out that a lot of people get very sick from taking this drug. | I will NEVER take this again. I'm looking at www.saveourbones.com to find a natural treatment. I wish I had done more research before taking it at all. I hate that they can prescribe this awful drug! | F | 52 | 1 times
150mg 1X M | | 5/17/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | By nighttime after taking my first dose, I had pain between my shoulder, midline and neck. Then through the night, I was nauseated. Upon waking the next day, I felt as though a sledgehammer hit me in every major joint in my body--hips, knees, elbows, wrists. Then came the diarrhea. Two days later, I am still having joint pain and severe headache. I didn't check side effects until the day after I took medicine. | I will not take this drug again. I have a call into my doctor to see if I can purge this stuff out of my body. (I talked to my sister 2,500 miles away and she said she had the same reaction and had to go on prednisone to get rid of the joint aches--I hope I don't have to do that). I can barely make it through work today. | F | 62 | 1 days
150 1X M | | 5/17/2010
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| 1 | Osteopenia | It took me till the second dose of Actonel to figure out that I was not dying and the terrible pain and flu-like symptoms I was having were side effects of Actonel. Stabbing pains in my shoulders and back, cramping in my stomach, nausea and generalized inability to move without pain. My ears get a pulsating noise that wakes me up at night. My whole upper body, ribs, back and chest ache and I took May's dose 2 and a half weeks ago. | I will never take another one!!!! Does anyone have an antidote??? | F | 63 | 2 months
1X M | | 5/16/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | I took one dose of this medication exactly as prescribed on 4/15/10 to try to minimize any side effects. Within 10 hours I experienced extreme flu-like symptoms. Could not get out of bed the next morning to go to work (I never miss work), and was in bed for 3 days. Felt like I was hit by a train - nothing seemed to ease the headache and body aches. Finally, after about a week, it got better, but I still now have intermittent joint pain and swelling in hands, legs, shoulders, back. My left index finger has been swollen and sore for over a week. I am a very healthy and active person and have never had these ongoing symptoms before. I also immediately began having hot flashes and missed my monthly cycle which makes me wonder if it is related to Actonel. | I talked to my doctor and they told me not to take Actonel again and they would put me on Boniva. I am equally worried about taking it and will probably try to be consistent with taking calcium and vitamin D vs. prescribed "nightmares". I also hope the side effects eventually go away so my life can get back to normal. This is ridiculous!!!! | F | 52 | 1 months
150mg 1X M | | 5/12/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | Took this evil drug for the first time yesterday morning. By afternoon, I developed severe back pain. I cannot bend down and it pains to even walk. I am missing an important appointment this afternoon. Just thinking about getting in and out of my car is painful. I am going to be more diligent about taking my calcium & vit D3. I have always been healthy, eat right & exercise. I will not take this drug or any "bone building" drug. To be honest, I think all drugs are harmful. | | F | 60 | 1 days
35 1X W | | 5/11/2010
| 1 | osteopaena | Here we go. After years taking Fosamax, and many bad side effects, I went off it for several years. I had a bone density scan, and my doctor's office called to say I now had osteoporosis. I NEVER trust what they say, and always ask for the actual diagnostic report, to read it myself. Well now, I had osteopaena, not osteoporosis, in fact, nothing had changed since my last bone density scan. THEY LIED TO ME! But, I am older, so I thought I should get a jump on it and try Actonel. When I take it, I have a feeling like something is bubbling in my stomach, trying to get up my throat, and I salivate like a crazy dog! After taking Actonel, I just don't feel right for a day or two, so, I'll probably not take it, especially when I see the problems I've seen on this website. What an ugly drug, which is worse, suffering bone loss or the discomfort and reduction of quality of life this drug brings? A no brainer, I'm probably not going to take it long term. Reclast is an option but | | F | 57 | 2 months
150MG 1X M | | 5/10/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | I started with loose bowels. Next day had fever and chills and couldn't get warm. Sharp pains in stomach worse then cramps. Gas, Eyes were tired and I was weak. Since it is only 36 hours I am praying that these symptoms don't persist. | Took on Sat May8,2010 in morning and began having loose bowel movements, nothing to alarming. By 4:00 pm following day, full blown fever and chills and weakness. Couldn't even get out of bed to get a drink. Finally went to bathroom and got a drink at 9:00pm. It is the next morning now and am very weak and almost afraid to get up and get going. I am hoping that symptoms don't continue in the coming month. It's hard to be well one day, since we really don't feel osteoporosis and take a pill for it and feel so bad, I just can't believe that this is the right course to go in fighting osteoporosis even though I believe that mine is directly linked to genetics I will not be taking another dose. I wish I had seen this page before taking Actonel, because I wouldn't have taken it. I am sending this link to my doctor. | F | 55 | 1 months
150 mg 1X M | | 5/10/2010
| 1 | borderline osteoporosis | | I was told by my Dr. today to begin taking Actonel as I am borderline osteoporosis. I'm 61 years old and in fairly good health. Take Citracal with Vit D 2-3 times a day already and will continue this and try to exercise more. After reading these reviews I am not going to start taking the Actonel, no way! Thank you so much and I'm glad I found this website! For all of you that have gotten ill from this med., I wish you better health very soon. | F | 61 | 0 days
35 mg 1X W | | 5/7/2010
| 2 | osteopenia | Debilitating foot and leg cramps. I don't know if this is what is causing them, I am trying to find out. The cramps are becoming cripiling. It mostly happens at night, and my muscles are so sore I can hardly walk for days. | The cramps are getting worse. Quinine has always helped and now I cant get them. I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow. My Chiropractor wants me to do a 2 week detox without any meds and then start back one at a time until we see what may be causing this. | F | 68 | 4 years
35mg 1X W | | 5/6/2010
| 1 | Osteosporosis | Reply to DEVA:
Hello Deva, I'm sorry to hear that your mom is having so much pain. When I experienced the pain it was sharp and the episode lasted for 1-2 days the max. although it would come back all of the sudden in a few days, and then it will not hurt again. When I had this pain I took Ibuprofen 800 mg with food. Since I stopped taking Actonel, I had pain but not with the strenght that I felt it while taking the drug, or as often. I sincerely recommend that she exercises as much as she can and eats healthy and stays away from these kind of drugs. I am going to have my Dr run a test called NTX which measures the collagen level in the bones which I read in the blog someone else is doing to monitor her bone health. I'm taking 600mg daily calcium w/vitamin D and extra 1000mg daily Vitamin D as well. I hope she feels better soon. Hope sharing my experience has been of help to her. Thanks, | | F | 57 | 10 months
150 mg 1X M | | 5/6/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | The first month I never even considered that the severe headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, stiff neck, sore throat, fever, chills, back pain, jaw discomfort, muscle cramps, tremors, extreme fatigue, numbness, and sore ears and eyes should be attributed to medicine my doctor prescribed for me with no warning. Going through this a second time is unforgivable. I’m through with Actonel and the doctor. A combination of symptoms like these are not reasonable or humane. | This product should be banned and the manufacturers forced to take it.
| F | 61 | 2 months
150mg 1X M | | 5/5/2010
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| 1 | bone loss | I took my first May 1, 2010 (Sat.), Sunday passed me by don't remember much, black diarrhea, pain all over, cold sweats, weak. May 5th, feeling much better. WILL NOT TAKE AGAIN!!!. Caltrate D twice a day is the plan now. | I felt like it flushed all the iron out of my body. | F | 52 | 1 days
150MG 1X M | | 5/5/2010
| 3 | osteoporosis | I took my monthly dose yesterday, then felt like i had the flu today. Will see how long it lasts but docotr said my arm was so bad it would fracture if i fell so I'm going to continue and see what happens with my bone density scan. | Calcium is important, but I'm not sure calcium and exercise are enough as i am a heavy exerciser and still have osteoporosis. I'm willing to risk feeling bad for a day or two to be able to stay active (tennis, running etc.) and not risk fractures. | F | 56 | 3 months
1X M | | 5/3/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | 16 hours after first dose yesterday I felt light headed and nauseous, then started feeling achy all over, chills and rapid heart rate. Went to bed, but felt too achy to sleep well. Got up to go to the bathroom and nearly passed out. Now I'm sitting very still at the computer, afraid to walk around. My mouth is dry and throat is scratchy and I have a cough. I will be calling my doctor to tell her I will not be taking Actonel or anything like it ever again. | | F | 65 | 1 days
170 mg 1X M | | 5/2/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | Extreme pain, chills, weakness, fatigue. Slow improvement, but pain/weakness/fatigue comes in cycles. I took the one dose on 9/2/2009 and I am still having the waves of pain/weakness/fatigue. I might improve for a month, and then suddenly just unloading groceries wipes me out. I have been reading that there is a possible cross reaction or sensitivity with aspirin and sulfa drugs, too. If you experience any kind of muscle pain, unusual bone pain, eye pain or vision problems, STOP taking these drugs immediately. Don't let the Dr. scare you into taking a toxic substance that doesn't benefit at all.
QUESTION: has anyone found a good workout or other solution to the muscle fatigue and neck pain? I can't exercise and I am putting on weight. | I took Fosamax before for about 4 years and stopped taking it because I was taking all these other drugs in response to the reactions I was having to Fosamax (GERD, night cramps). I know from my own experiences and yearly bone scans that targeted exercise along with diet and the right supplements can ADD bone density. At the very least, taking calcium/vitamin D complex vitamin at the right doses every day will stop the bone loss. | F | 50 | 1 days
175 1X M | | 4/29/2010
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| 1 | ostoeporosis | Oh, my God. The headaches have set in that so many other people on this page have noticed. I took this drug about a week ago, and it is still horribly affecting me. The effects of this drug are nothing short of torture. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF DAYS, AND CAN TAKE OFF WORK FOR THAT AMOUNT OF TIME. Worst drug I ever took. Never again! | Horrendous. | F | 54 | 1 days
1X M | | 4/28/2010
| 1 | white anglo saxon female, age 63 | Did not associate mild flu like symptoms with first week's dosage until NOW as: took my 2nd week's dosage this morning at 9:00 am. It is now 4:00 pm and I can barely sit at this computer. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION unless you want instaneous FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS. Began with horrid taste in mouth with slight dizziness, fatique; escalating to nausea, dirrahea, chills. | DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. Sorry but it has to be said....... symptoms are worse than food poisioning. I am hoping they will quickly fade. | F | 63 | 2 weeks
35 mg 1X W | | 4/27/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | Muscle aches, joint and bone pain, especially in the knees, shoulders, elbows, & hips. Swelling in legs & ankles, cough, headache, nausaeu, and general feeling like crap. | FDA needs to pull this horrible drug off the market and I think doctors need to be more truthful about side effects and leave it up to the person if they want to risk the side effects or the disease. This is one medicine when the side effects are worse than the disease!!! | F | 52 | 6 months
150 mg 1X M | | 4/25/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | I took this drug yesterday morning, and by last night thought I was going to die. It the next night and I still feel horrendous.DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!!!!
Sore throat, pain, upset stomach, dizziness, extreme fatigue, headache, nasal pain, pain in legs, back and hands, shaking. I am still in bed. I had to take off work. NO drug company should torture people like this. I told my doctor I refuse to take it again. I could not imagine torturing myself with this drug every month or once a week. I would rather die. | DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For ANY REASON!!!!! Death is preferable to the side effects of this drug. No drug company should be so greedy. | F | 54 | 1 days
1X M | | 4/24/2010
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| 4 | Osteoporosis | None so far. | For all the ladies who are not continuing with Actonel, all I can say is good luck. I tried 1500 mgs of calcium a day plus vitamin D and I went from osteopenia to osteoporosis in 8 months. So I hope you have better luck than me. I will stick with actonel until I have my next bone density test to see if it is helping me. | F | 56 | 365 days
35 mg 1X W | | 4/23/2010
| 1 | Foll. compress fracture in spine | Fatigue, leg and foot cramps, general unwell feeling | | F | 65 | 3 months
1X W | | 4/23/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | 12 hours after taking actonel I experienced severe pain in my neck, chest, arms, hands, hip and knee. Day 2 still have extreme pain in my chest and hands. | Will not take a second dose. Doctors should be more aware of these symptoms. Taking actonel has been a horribly painful mistake. I would like an answer as to how long this drug stays in your system. | F | 51 | 1 days
150 MG 1X M | | 4/22/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | refused to take - dissatisfied with the comments is enough for me! | THANK YOU ALL!!! My doctor wants me to take Actonel because THE INSURANCE co will not pay for FOSAMAX Brand name (had side effects w/generics) as of 1/2010. Thanx to all of these comments, I'm going ALL Natural!!! Thanx again! | F | 60 |
1X D | | 4/22/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | Severe muscle spasms in legs and some in arms. My whole body keeps "tensing up" making my hands shake. It has become somewhat difficult to write. Left knee gives out while walking, making it hard to go up and down stairs. Excruciating foot/toe cramps. | I took seven monthly doses and was so concerned about what this was doing to my otherwise healthy body that I called my doctor and she told me to stop taking it. I've been off for a couple of months now and still experiencing symtoms. Hope all this goes away and I get back to being normal and healthy! | F | 59 | 7 months
150 1X M | | 4/21/2010
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| 1 | early signs of osteoporosis | First month slight flu like symtoms. 2nd month the day after I took the pill, extreme fatigue, body aches, chills, headache. 2 days later I stated experiencing heartburn which I have never had before. This has lasted for 3 days now. I will not be taking this medication again. | | F | 53 | 2 months
150 mg 1X M | | 4/19/2010
| 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | FIRST TIME: THE FLU LASTED ABOUT TWO DAYS
SEONCD TIME: NAUSEA, THE RUNS, AND THE FEELING THAT SOMEONE HIT ME WITH A TRUCK. I HAD TO GO BACK TO WORK AFTER TWO DAYS AND CAN STILL BARELY WALK AND GET AROUND. | USE WITH CAUTION - I AM SO LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE - PROBABLY GOING NATURAL TO STRENGTHEN BONES | F | 46 | 2 months
150 MG 1X M | | 4/19/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe shoulder pain. Numbness/tingling in 2 fingers. Pain in shoulders is excruciating. It's affecting my work, I can barely move the computer mouse. | | F | 40 | 7 months
150mg 1X M | | 4/15/2010
| 1 | diagnosed osteopina | Just got my prescription today. Asked doctor about side effects. She downplayed them, mentioning joint pain. This was a huge red flag for me, as I am already on meds for chronic back pain. Found this site...Thank God! I'm dealing with enough stuff. Don't need more pain. I will look for other alternatives.I feel terrible about the suffering I'm reading here. Cannot believe no one is doing anything about it. I pray for you ladies to get well. | | F | 58 |
35 mg 1X W | | 4/15/2010
| 1 | Pagets disease | My mom was prescribed the medication and refused to take it as she indictaed that it made her stomach very upset. She also said that her appetite disappeared after taking Actonel. She adamantley refuses to take it. After reading all other stories about Actonel, now I am a believer. My mum has never refused to take any other medicine and her Actonel is only a weekly dose. | | F | 82 |
35Mg 1X W | | 4/14/2010
| 1 | Osteopina | Severe muscle and joint pain, flu like symptoms, tired | I just figured it out, took me a while, but just took monthly dose and severe joint pain, tired, feel like I have the flu. I get swelling in my ankles and feet. This is horrible, I thought I was getting some sort of arthritis. I am so upset because I just took another montly dose and now it will take months for this to get out of my system. This is a disgrace, I don't believe this drug was properly tested. I can barely stand up after sitting at my desk, it is like my joints are locked together, the pain is acute. | F | 52 | 1 years
150G 1X M | | 4/13/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | Horrible acid reflux, esophagus burning and a general ill feeling with weakness.Also had some knee pain, but it disappeared after stopping the drug. I've been off the drug for 2 months and the acid reflux is still occurring. I've been taking prevacid, but will need to go to doc for something more effective. How long does this stay in your system!!?? | | F | 52 | 2 months
150mg 1X M | | 4/11/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | Chest pain, back pain, leg cramps. | One day after taking Actonel, I had severe chest pain and back pain. I will never take this drug again! There are many other ways to fight osteoporisis than taking what appears to be poison! | F | 62 | 1 days
150mg 1X M | | 4/9/2010
| 1 | for bone loss | I had severe weakness, cold chills, with fever. I felt like i was dying from the flu. I went into work and my boss said what is wrong with you, your face shows pain. I said I felt so weak, absolutely no appeatite on this drug. I had severe leg pain in the night. I am very outgoing and entergetic. This drug criples you. After feeling near dead, I decided to let this therapy go and get it out of my system. | I have tried this drug on three occasions and it always does the same thing. The Chills start, the aches in the body, fever and night sweats. You have absolutely no energy and feel worse than you have ever felt. That means this drug could do some serious damage to other tissue and organs. It is not a natural element for our body to assorb. I am going seek out natural means
to improve my bone density. If someone has a suggestion, I would welcome it. | F | 55 | 7 days
5 MG 1X D | | 4/8/2010
| 1 | Osteosporosis | Started taking 150mg once/month in June/09. Experienced muscle and hip pain, leg cramping. 2d month -5th month severe joint pain woke me up at night plus deep stomach pain;6 mo insomnia and pain in my jaw and leg cramping, 7-9 months insomnia, during day sudden pain behind leg joint to the point of limping. The 10th mo.has been the worse: next day woke up w/soreness in throat and tongue along w/flu like symptoms and night sweat. A group of my tongue's taste buds in the center of it arose turning whitish (not a sore) as well as towards the trachea. It hurt to clean my tongue when brushing my teeth. This kind of calmed for about 3-4 days (but it did not disappear) after the first 2 weeks and arose again. I also had lots of stomach piercing pain. I went to my PCP and he certainly did not know what it was and gave me a referral to see an Oral surgeon. It took so long to get the appmt that today, 1-month and 4 days after having taken Actonel, my tongue is finally getting back to normal. The | PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE. THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY DOES NOT EVEN HAVE TELEPHONE NUMBER TO CALL IF YOU WANT TO VERIFY IF WHAT YOU ARE FEELING ARE SIDE EFFECTS THAT OTHERS HAVE REPORTED. IN THE MEANTIME, YOU WORRY, CAN'T SLEEP, WASTE TIME AND MONEY GOING TO SEE DOCTORS THAT CAN'T HELP YOU... PLEASE LETS GET TOGETHER FOR A CLASS ACTION SUE. IT'S ONLY FAIR TO US AND TO THE ONES THAT DON'T KNOW. ALL OF THESE MEDICATIONS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS HAVE THE SAME SIDE EFFECTS, DON'T TAKE ANY. EXERCISE AND EAT WELL TO STAY HEALTHY. | F | 57 | 10 months
150mg 1X M | | 4/7/2010
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| 1 | osteopenia | first month felt great the day that I took Actonel then next day had severe flu-like symptoms - was in bed all day with temp, vomiting and severe stomach pain
second month - no vomiting but very fatigued and tremendous muscle and joint pain -gastric upset | | F | 53 | 2 times
150 mg 1X M | | 4/7/2010
| 2 | osteoporosis | After the 1st dosage,taken at 7am, I experienced flu-like symptoms within about 20-24 hrs. They went away by mid afternoon, so about 8-12 hrs after the onset. The next few months I was fine. About three months ago, I began getting these flu-like symptoms again. I awoke in the middle of the night, my skin hurt, I had chills and weakness. Two months ago the flu symptoms were similar but somewhat milder; however now I felt had mild diarrhea and nausea. Each time the symptoms subsided in early afternoon. This last month I took it, the symptoms in the middle of the night were very strong. Chills, skin hurting, diarrhea, then vomitting. I also spiked a 100 deg. fever. Symptoms finally went away by early evening but I was weakened by the experience. My diaphragm muscles also hurt me for another 24-48 hrs, but this may have been from vomitting. I'm not sure. | I will not take this anymore. I feel like I am poisoning myself. My original plan with my doctor was to take actonel for two years, and then go on evista. Now he is suggesting that I stop taking the actonel (he's assuming I'd have the same side effects with Boniva or Fosamax) and begin the evista next month. Evista has to be taken daily and may cause hot flashes, so I am disappointed that the actonel did not agree with me. I know some people that do well with it. No one knows why some are successful and others are not. | F | 59 | 8 months
150 1X M | | 4/6/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | i took 1 dose of actonel the first night i was awake all night and had chills so bad my teeth were chattering my ribs hurt so bad i thought they were broken the next day i spent in bed w/ heating pad&icepacks i also had a fever which i never get even w/ the flu i also have had diarrea since i took the actonel i have lost 4 lbs in three day's which i can't afford to do the pain has gotten much better thank goodness i will never take this drug again i know people who have taken the once a wk. pill & haven't had problem's not sure if i'll try that one | I DON'T THINK THE MONTHLY SHOULD BE GIVEN ESPECIALLY THIN PEOPLE IT'S TOO STRONG I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO TAKE THE YEARLY ONE GLAD I FOUND THIS WEBSITE WAS VERY HELPFUL | F | 67 | 1 months
150 mg. 1X M | | 4/5/2010
| 1 | For My Bones | I only took once, that night I woke up vomiting and was so cold!! I have never experienced the chills I went thru. Next day all my bones ached, the following day I was experiencing pain when I would take deep breaths or cough. It's been 4 days, feeling better. | Not sure if it is because it is a monthly dosage, that it may be too strong for people. Gonna go tell my Doctor today of what I went through | F | 52 | 1 days
1X M | | 4/5/2010
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