| Key to ratings for actonel: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
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| 1 | osteoporosis | This medicine is horrible. The first time I took it I assumed I had the most awful flu in my life, but the second time I realized it was from the medicine. I had vomiting, fever, chills to the point of shaking, full body aches. This medicine should be taken off the market. | Please warn women not to take this medicine. There must be a better way to protect our bones than to suffer this way. | F | 53 | 2 months | 2/8/2010 | 1 | Osteoperosis | I took my 1st 150mg dose 5:30am, didn't notice any symptoms all day. At 10:20 pm woke with really bad cramp in my right leg, just above my ankle - weird place and I never have leg cramps. 5 mins. later diarrhea and extreme cold sweats - felt like I was fainting - ringing in head - complete loss of control of movement. Not sure how long I was in the bathroom floor, but finally was able to get back to bed - fever/chills and continued pain in leg for hours. I called my Dr. next morning and response was that this should not be side effect of Actonel and to callback next day if I still didn't feel well. I did go to work, but ended up going home and slept most of that day. I didn't have any pain, just really weak and felt weird. The 2nd day I went to work even though I noticed 1st thing heart racing, just feeling like I'm not getting enough oxygen. Ended up going back home and back to bed. So far I have spent the entire weekend, not sure if I am going to have a heart attack. Heart racing and | I normally do not take any prescription drugs - I sure made a mistake with this one. I will look for Calcium/Vitamin D and exercise plan. DO NOT take this drug!! | F | 49 | 4 days | 2/7/2010 | 1 | 0steopenia | severe chills and body aches, could not get warm; took as directed that morning, by the evening I was unusually tired but didn't think much of it until I awoke with the chills and body aches....writhing and moaning, it was horrible...going on the third day, but am still sick, but not as bad. Cannot eat anything, still have a bad headache...still in bed and I am rarely sick. I have never had a reaction like this before to a medicine. | Side effects are horrible, I will be in to see doc. on Monday...I bet they take this one off the market... | F | 51 | 1 times | 2/6/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | As recommended, I put aside a day to take the medicine, expecting some stomach irritation/side effects. I did everything prescribed and after a few hours felt well enough to go to breakfast with husband. Started to feel a little woozy/achy/flu-like by late afternoon. Eventually discomfort was generalized - very achy shoulders/lower back/tail bone/hips and flank. By midnight I was in pain and felt like h@ll. Took 4 Motrin and used heating pads. By the next a.m. my left flank was so painful, could not stand up straight and I felt so badly I went to the doctor. I jumped when he touched my flank, so it was thought that I had a kidney issue, but ALL URINE & BLOOD TESTS WERE NORMAL. Since my symptoms came on so soon after taking Actonel, it was determined I would not take it again. Took percocet for 2 days until pain went away. I have a high pain tolerance level and am not exaggerating side effects. We will have to find another medication ~ or else maybe just rely on Vit D, Viacti | If you feel pain, don't suffer! Unfortunately side effects are sometimes worse than the ailment itself. | F | 43 | 1 days | 2/6/2010 | 2 | Mild osteoporosis | approx. 12 hrs after taking first dose ( 150mg ) Actonel developed flu-like symptoms - chills, fatigue, headache,fever and severe neck, chest and back pain- had difficulty taking a deep breath. 48 hrs later symptoms decreased but still very tired (usually very energetic) and still have muscle aches - not sure I will take a second dose- will discuss with Dr. | F | 62 | 1 days | 2/3/2010 | 1 | Osteoperosis | severe muscle pain, diarrhea, dizziness, neck pain, back pain,chills, trouble swollowing. | This drug is awful. They need to take it off the market. The pain is unbeliveable. | F | 62 | 1 times | 2/2/2010 | 2 | for osteoperosis | aches & pains & bad depressions, has anyone else suffered from depression. I take 1 a month. melon | F | 67 | 5 months | 1/31/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | I recorded some of my side effects earlier, after one dose of Actonel 150mg, a once a month dose. I had no idea more side effects were to follow. I didn't think I could possibly feel worse than I already did with the severe diarrhea and stomach symptoms that encompassed my entire GI tract. | Besides uncontrollable diarrhea, horrible doubling-over GI pain which was constant, new acid reflux and total fatigue, I developed a fever and chills, followed by the inability to move my hands, especially my right hand. My right fingers would not touch the palm of my hand even with painful trying. My ankle hurt and my hands throbbed. After 2 weeks just when I thought most symptoms had disappeared, the diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pains reappeared. I will never take dose #2 and hope I live through the last two weeks of this dose. This drug does not belong on the market. | F | 64 | 1 days | 1/31/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Please note, I entered took meds Sept & Oct-I am Female. | F | 60 | 2 months | 1/27/2010 | 1 | ostopenia | I wrote about my side effects in November. I took Actonel 150 mg in September & October and never was so sick in my life. Joint , muscle, bone pain plus many other symptoms. I have been in PT for 2 months now and am beginning to feel better. Not 100% but better. My day begins with stretching and ends the same way. I go in the sauna at my gym and stretch. I once again have the use of my arms and can hold weight in my hands. I went from being very active and fit to a cripple. Slowly I am getting my life back. I now only take calcium and supplements, We need to get a class action suit going against P&G. They take healthy women and destroy them. i hope we all get our lives back eventually. | M | 60 | 2 months | 1/25/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Took my first monthly dose of 150 mg on Dec 21, 2009. Eight hours later, the chills were uncontrollable. After two days of 103 degree temps, the worst bone and muscle pain imaginable, nausea, extreme headache, I went to the doctor who gave me tamiflu, even though the flu test was negative. I was back to normal in about 4 days. On Jan. 21, 2010, I took the 2nd dose. Eight hours later, the exact same symptoms occured. As soon as I stopped vomiting long enough to look online, I realized the problem was the Actonel. I am feeling some better now, but not normal. My lower back feels like the bones are grating on each other with every move I make. During the past month, I have been to two different doctors for joint swelling and pain, have had about 15 blood tests and have an appointment with a rheumatologist next week. My ankles hurt so badly that I can hardly bear any weight on them. | I will be calling my internist in the morning and giving her a piece of my mind. How can she prescribe a drug and not realize that it is poison? It is unbelievable that the FDA can consider this a safe drug! I took one dose and developed all of these joint problems. I don't want to even think about what is going to happen now that I've taken another dose! I would like to sue the manufacturer! | F | 44 | 2 months | 1/24/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Horrible deep torso pain lasting 5 days, and tapering off by the 5th day, bloat, severe flu-like illness, shaking, wake up clammy, sweatty, and run to the bathroom to vomit 5 or 6 times after sudden nausea. | I can't beleive these pills ever passed inspection, and I wished I had seen this website before taking them. I was taking the 150 mg dose, and thought by the 3rd month the side effects would not be evident, but they got worse. Will never take another one. | F | 44 | 3 months | 1/23/2010 | 1 | Ostopenia | After a while, sever elbow, hand joints, shoulder, knee pain, clinching of jaw, & hoarseness. Have just connected it to Actonel--after 4 months of PT! | At first I had no symptoms. Was not consistently taking medication, then decided I needed to get serious and take it on a regular schedule (35 mg weekly). Early in October of 2009, got what I thought was the flu, in bed for 5 days, energy has never returned. Then developed sever right elbow pain running down to fingers, moved into right shoulder. Had nerve conduction test, x-rays--surgery suggested -- I didn't want sugery--4 months in PT. Now pain is in left elbow & hand, along with both knees. Have been trying to figure out what is going on with my "joints" and now hoarseness has started (about 1 month). Also in October 2009 I started clinching my jaw, and wake up every morning with jaw clinched tight--chipped one tooth and had to have it repaired. Did not have this symptom before either. Have also had fatigue for about a year. Have had very bad nights unable to sleep because of pain. Been going on for months. I was never aware of any of the different symonths associated with Actonel except stomach upset and acid reflux. Through the painful nights I kept asking myself, "what is happening to my body, I don't understand this." I will not take another dose, and will call my OBGYN on Monday. For pain I have been using 800 mg Ibuprofen 2 times a day, Tylenol #3 with codine PRN, and muscle relaxers PRN-- PRN equals daily! | F | 53 | 1.5 years | 1/23/2010 | 1 | diagnosed with osteopenia | Severe joint pain!It has been a terrible experience. I can barely go up and down stairs and do my normal daily routine. I had been taking the weekly pill for about 6 months with no problem, then started taking the monthly pill. Within 3 months, on the monthly pill, this has occurred. My knees are hurting and burning, my left shoulder, thighs, and back are also aching. | I would never recommend this pill to anyone. Regular over the counter pain medicine does NOT WORK. How long will this last?? | F | 64 | 10 months | 1/21/2010 | 1 | Ostopenia | Horrible stomach pains, bloating, uncontrollable diarrhea--and this is the 5th day after 150mg of Actonel. I am miserable all over, have a headache, neck ache and my stomach NEVER feels better regardless of what I take to help it. If these side effects last much longer I will be severely dehydrated. Miserable drug and i believe in medicine--I am a registered Pharmacist. | F | 64 | 5 days | 1/20/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | I took for nearly 3 yrs and had significant pain & terrible muscle cramps most of that time. I, nor my doctor connected my problems to the Actonel. I stopped taking 2 1/2 yrs ago but by then I had serious central nervous system problems...like MS or Parkinson's...still undetermined. I had no problems at all before starting the Actonel! I improved in some ways after stopping the Actonel. The drug imbeds in the bone and is constantly re-released into the system for 10 yrs or more!! It's as if you're still taking it. | A lady sent in a comment to this site and said she, too, had taken Actonel about 3 yrs and that she has now been diagnosed with dystonia. I have just been told by my neurologist that I, too, have dystonia...cause still unknown. Dystonia is very uncommon. If you see this, email me. | F | 55 | 30 months | 1/19/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | After one dose of monthly Actonel I have horrific chest pain that goes into my back. It is like a super spasm and it hurts to breath. I know for a fact it is Actonel because I tried to take the daily dose several years back and it did the same thing. After a few days it was gone, I discontinued of course. I have been afraid to try but gave in yesterday,1/18/2010. By 6am this morning,1/19/2010 the pain was there. I don't know how long this will stay in my system. I should have known better after taking Chantix with now life long effects. | Please don't take this medication. You do not want this pain. How can it still be out there with such horrible stories? | F | 54 | 1 days | 1/19/2010 | 1 | make my bones stronger | Leg Cramps& bone loss in my teeth | Will not take this drug again | F | 74 | 6 months | 1/18/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | Took 3rd (may have been 4th) dose Jan.1, 2010. On Monday (Jan. 4th) about 2 am awoke with severe abdominal pain & nausea. I thought I was getting a stomach virus. Hours later when no vomiting or diarrhea started I knew something else was wrong. Started to go to ER but called my family doctor instead. Ended up having a CT scan w/infusion and nuclear medicine scan to rule out gall bladder problem. This of course was not the problem. Scans only showed reflux...have never known reflux alone to cause severe pain. I have never had a stomach problem in the past. The P.A. at my family doctor said my symptoms were not likely to have been caused by Actonel even though I told her I had noticed some stabbing pain in my stomach since beginning the medication. The P.A. still did not advise me to discontinue use. Every month since beginning med. I have had stomach pain, low back pain and overall joint pain. I am a healthy 51 year old with no symptoms from the osteopenia. I am still suff | I feel this is a very dangerous drug and should be taken off the market. It is very scary to think something like this can be on the market. | F | 51 | 4 months | 1/18/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Leg/Foot cramps. Pulsations in muscles in legs and arms. Some jaw pain and a infrequent eye pain. | I have been on Actonel since July 2009. The worse side effects I've noticed are extreme muscle pulsations in my legs, which feels like something jumping around in my leg. The pulsations in my arms are causing my hands to shake. Has anyone had these type of pulsations or shaking? | F | 59 | 6 months | 1/17/2010 | 1 | early signs of OSTEO | extreme joint pain, headache, ringing in the ears, severe stomach pains, back pains, loss of appetite and tiredness. | I started this drug on 1/14/2010...I was given the 150mg dosage. I had 4 kids in a 8 year span and breastfeed each for over a 1 1/2. | F | 39 | 1 months | 1/16/2010 | 1 | doctor prescribed | After researching Osteoporosis medicines, I decided to go on my own and am taking womens vitamins, extra calcium, vitamin D, fish oil and exercise is important. Herbs are a great choice too, (horsetail tea or capsules are great for building bones), and other herbs. | F | 55 | 0 days | 1/15/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | I, myself didn't have apparent side effects after taking weekly Actonel for about 8 months. My brother who is a dentist advised me not to take it as it can cause devestating jaw bone loss with teeth falling out. He will not treat anyone who comes into his office who has taken Actonel or the similar drugs for osteoporosis, but refers them to a specialist. That advice was good enough for me to stop taking it. | I also told a friend about my brothers advice and she stopped taking it as well. Please don't take this drug or others in the same category. | F | 68 | 8 months | 1/15/2010 | 1 | diagnosed with osteopenia | Severe muscle, bone, & joint pain | I was the teacher who submitted an entry back in September of 2009. I took ONE one-mo. Actonel pill back on July 11, 2009, & I am still suffering from pain. I am back to teaching, so the pain is lessening, but I cannot believe that 6 mos. after taking one such pill I am STILL experiencing constant pain! I was just weaned off of Opana, a narcotic pain killer, & am now adjusting to a new pain med., Ultram ER. It is not nearly as effective as the Opana, but at least it is not addictive. I am informing everyone I know about this debilitating drug "reaction", & am happy to report my doctor's office will no longer be offering the one-mo. dose of any osteoporosis medication. | F | 52 | 6 months | 1/14/2010 | 1 | bone density test | i first added my comments nov. 25 after being hospitalized for after effects from one 150 mg dose of actonel. i had every symptom all of you had plus a few you did not. i still do not feel as well as i did before the drug and i am so angry at p and g for their part in this and the doctors that fail to accept the fact that all of the suffering we have had to endure is totally due to this awful drug. my doctor said he had never heard of any negative effects that anyone has suffered because of taking this drug. that is just b.s. how many of your doctors said they were not aware of negative effects? just who is going to take the blame for possibly killing someone someday with actonel? am i right? | keep the comments coming to help others to not take the second dose if the first one made them so sick. tell everyone about this helpful website. | M | 65 | 1 days | 1/9/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | joint pain, muscle pain, vomiting, lite headed, headache | OMG, if it feels like you have been poisoned you probably have! I will not ever take this again. One dose made me so ill I could not get out of bed or eat or drink. | F | 59 | 1 months | 1/5/2010 | 1 | bone density test | Every bone & joint ached, lost dexterity in hands, chills... but this is only the third day since I took the medicine! | DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. Go walk around the block, have a calcium chew, and stay as far from Actonel as possible! | F | 58 | 1 days | 1/3/2010 | 2 | to compliment Femara | Hip pain, shoulder pain, constant reflux, soft bowels. I have to take it for 5 years since breat ca 2008. I am hopeful that It really will help because I can't stand the thought of taking it and feeling a lot of aches and pains for no reason. | Every Sunday morning when I take it I have such negative feelings about it. I guess I shouldn't but I can't help it. | F | 60 | 1 years | 1/1/2010 | 1 | doctor recommended | By the third day after taking my first dose of Actonel, I had stomach craps and thought I might have an ulcer . Felt like a knife in my stomach. Felt sick to my stomach and had a dull headache with mild diarreha (sp?) . Hope this goes away soon. Will Not take it again. Glad to find this sight. | F | 58 | 7 days | 1/1/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Hip, hand, ankle, feet and knee pain. Now I have developed swollen feet and bruising 1 day after taking actenol, it has now been 12 days since and the problem still exists. Usually after 2 weeks of taking this medication I feel a little better, but then I take it again (once a month 150mg) and it starts all over. | I have been taking this medication for 9 months, the first time I couldn't get out of bed for a week. I stopped taking it the next month and I felt great (like my old self). Doctor advised I should continue taking actenol and I may have to take it for 5 years. It sounds like the hormone therapy syndrome and we all know how that turned out. I do have the greatest Dr. and I am afraid that if I don't take the medication he will no longer see me. I agree this drug should be taken off the market and it may also be necessary to start a class action. The healthcare industry may not be able to prove that these drugs are helpful because they have not been available for very long. | F | 62 | 9 months | 12/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | i was first prescribed boniva monthly by my gyn. the nausea was extreme. was then switched to actonel weekly. no nausea, so i began my regular weekly dosage. after a few months, i now experience back and shoulder pain, as well as piercing pain in my jaw. also reflux and spasms of the esophagus. i thank god that i have a wonderful primary physician who told me to discontinue use of the drug after i described my symptoms. | F | 56 | 3 months | 12/28/2009 | 1 | osteopena | severe jaw pain and bone pain...my gums,teeth and jaw hearts so much... I also have pain in my ankle, toes, legs, fingers | First I took Fosamax, got extremely ill, jaw pain and fever. Stopped for 6 mos. pain stopped, then tried actonel, no side effects for a while,then began again with severe jaw pain and bone pain. I have stopped taking actonel. I hope there is no irreparable damage done to my bones and jaw... | F | 48 | 6 months | 12/26/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis & osteopenia | Took my first monthly dose at 7:45 am 12/15/09 as directed. Things seemed to be going fine until around 3:00 am 12/16/09. I had horrible chills and a really bad stomach ache. I was so cold and my stomach hurt so bad. This morning I have a fever of 100.8 but my stomach has stopped hurting. | After reading the other comments I'm not sure if I'll continue taking Actonel. | F | 61 | 1 days | 12/16/2009 | 3 | osteoporosis both hips | Took it yesterday A.M. for 1st. time. Felt no side affects. During the night I had moderate back pain and some chest pains. It is still a little sore but getting better as the day wears on. | Reading all these negative comments has really scared me. I will definetly keep this in mind next month. I really don't need any additional teeth problems on top of everything else | F | 52 | 1 days | 12/13/2009 | 2 | osteoporosus | Took the drug for the first time Thurs Dec 10, 2009. Today is Sat Dec 12 and I still dont feel well. Have had diarrhea, stomach ache, low grade headache, muscle pain and very bad chills the first 2 days. I am hoping my body will adjust to this medication. We will see next month when I will try again. | F | 62 | 3 days | 12/12/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | ALL side-effects! Headache,GI upset,joint pain, bone pain, diarrhea,stiffness,eye pain,muscle pain | Only took 1 dose 150mg on Sunday,Dec 9,2009. Followed instructions. Took early in AM with a lot of water. Felt fine the first day. All side effects have been happening since. Thank God the explosive diarrhea happened right before I left for work because I had to take another shower. It's been 6 days and I hope this all starts to dissipate. I WILL NOT TAKE ACTONEL AGAIN! | F | 52 | 1 days | 12/12/2009 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Severe joint and muscle pain that resolves when I skip the weekly dose and returns 3 days after taking weekly dose. | Few problems on the drug for about 2 years but no change in my T scores either. Take meds to protect stomach evening before taking my weekly dosage since I have GERD. Pain in joints and muscles is quite bad. Headache is mild but ever present. | F | 61 | 2 years | 12/11/2009 | 5 | Took Actonel 11/0509, 150Mg. for the first time. About 10PM Sat evening started having upper stomach pain. Dull, aching and then becoming sharp. Did not know what was going on. It is now Tuesday and the pains are lessening. The pains brought on nausea but not actually vomitting. One bout of loose bowels. I have read other comments and I kind of fit some, but not most. Both the Primary and Rheumatologist are reluctant to say they are Actonel related. I was fine prior to taking meds and I would like to know when I will fine again? I have no flu like symptoms, no fever, no coughing, so we cannot classify this a virus and neither doctor wants to see me. They said taking the 2nd dose next month will prove if pain is due to Actonel. I will just have to wait and see, but neither doctor gave me an answer as to how to deal with pain and discomfort now. I have been 90% bedridden since Sat at 9 AM. | F | 68 | 1 days | 12/8/2009 | 5 | Low Bone Density | My below information has one piece of incorrection information. I have not taken Actonel for one year, I have only taken one monthly does | F | 51 | 1 days | 12/7/2009 | 1 | Brderline Osteoporosis | Was given (3) 1 mo 150 mg tablets last April by my primary care Dr. but didn't take any until November 1, 2009. Suddenly started aching all over, shooting pains and severe, sharp joint and muscle pain in arms, hands, legs, feet, neck, whole body! I felt like I have aged 20 years in one month! Normally very active, flexible and agile but can barely stand after sitting a short while. Was very confused by all the problems I was having until I read the side effects before taking the Dec. dosage. Am I ever glad I did because a light bulb went off and I instantly knew I had the answer to this rapid deterioration taking place in my body. | I wonder how long it will take to get out of my system? Is there any antidote? Would appreciate any advice available. I'm very angry that a drug with such severe side effects would be approved by the FDA! This is an outrage! I would never recommend Actonel to anyone! | F | 66 | 1 times | 12/7/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Saturday afternoon, 5 hours after my first monthly dose - and yes, I followed the instructions exactly - my back and legs were aching terribly. As one who has had 4 major back surgeries, I dismissed this as "normal for me". At 3 am Sunday morning I had to waken my husband because there was not a joint, muscle, or nerve in my body that wasn't screaming and my stomach ached as though vomiting, diarrhea, or both was on the way. I was having violent chills from a 101.4 temperature. Sunday I was in bed all day as my feet and legs wouldn't hold up my weight (110 lbs), This is Monday and I feel as though I've been run over by a truck but at least today I can walk again. | I fear my physician will want me to try another dosage of this stuff. I can't refer to it as medication because I think medication should make you feel better - not like you're on you way to your grave! | M | 54 | 1 days | 12/7/2009 | 1 | Low Bone Density | I took my one and only dose of 150mg of Actonel on Dec 1st. By that evening I was vomiting, diarrhea, severe joint pain in my legs and finally ended with a urinary tract infection with mild bleeding. I have a history of UTIs so I never let my symptoms get to this point. It is now Dec 4th and I feel better but not 100%. My doctor concluded that all of these symptons were related to my UTI and only a coincidence, I disagree | F | 51 | 1 years | 12/4/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I took Actonel 150 mg 2x Sept. & Oct. After 1st time about 3 days later while I was at the gym I got terrible pain in my arms. Next day had stiff neck & felt achy with joint, muscle & bone pain. Thought it was the flu. Foolishly took 2nd dose following month. I was never so sick in my life. Joint, muscle, bone pain. Couldn't use shoulders/arms, couldn't sleep, nauseous, dizzy, grey color to my skin. Literally could hardly even walk. Have seen PCP 3x (now anemic) and am in physical therapy. It is almost 5 weeks of no drug & am now able to move a little better. Still have shoulder pain & shooting pain in back of legs, especially when I drive. I went from a very fit 60 y/o to an old woman. Can't do many things I use to. This is poison & should be taken off the market. | Having experienced more pain in the past 3 months than I ever had in my entire life I feel that P&G should be ashamed to have a drug like this on the market. I have been fit my entire life & now am suffering from the side effects of this poison. I just hope as time goes by I will get back to normal. I am taking fish oil, chondroitin & MSM. Trying to stretch out & do light exercise to get my muscles to stretch out & get my strenghth back. Have not & will not ever again take a drug. Is there a class action suit against P&G that anyone is aware of? | F | 60 | 2 times | 12/3/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I broke by wrist in a fall and after a bone density test showed osteopenia was given a sample from my orthopaedic surgeon. I took the first dose on 11/1/09 and on 11/19 was admitted to the hospital with severe chest pain so bad could hardly breath. They could not find anything life threatening after many tests and Ct Scan and Xrays. Kept me overnight and was released next day still having pain in chest even after morphine. Pain subsided after a few days. Orthopaedic Dr swears it wasn't the Actonel that caused it. Took my 2nd dose this morning as directed. Now after reading all these comments and side effects I am afraid of possibly experiencing that severe chest pain again. Primary care Dr seems to think I had an Esophaegeal spasm. But what caused it? Is it the Actonel? | F | 68 | 30 days | 12/2/2009 | 1 | low bone density | See my post of Nov 24 (first time using drug and took 35 mg. dose and experienced severe chills and back pain) | Further to my post of Nov 24, it took a full 5 days before the back pain disappeared. Obviously I won't be taking any more Actonel. I pity the people who took a 150 mg. dose. | M | 61 | 1 days | 12/2/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | 11/20/09 first (only) 150mg dose. Woke up with severe underarm pain 3am 11/21 - subsided through the day but then nausea, burning sensation down entire spine and fatigue slowed me way down. Doing well until early morning on 11/25 - woke in severe pain in right wrist with jolts of pain shooting to my elbow and shoulder, could not turn knob to open door. My right hand folded like a bird claw/clenched and could barely bend fingers. After five hours took extra strength Tylenol at 9am - no relief. By eight in the evening the pain was much more intense and frequent, shots of blinding pain left me in tears. My husband found this site looking for ideas or suggestions - said he was frightened by what he read. I was exhasusted and would fall asleep for 15 or 20 minutes before literally waking up with a shriek - nothing I have ever experienced was this painful. I endured until 3am when my husband begged be again to go to the emergency room. We arrived at 4am and I was immediately given narcotics | I will see my primary care doctor and GYN next week and see what other options they suggest. I am unwilling to risk this type of reaction again. | F | 54 | 8 days | 11/27/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Suddenly, after taking this stuff of 6 mons,my bones fee as if millions of pins are sticking into them. My joints hurt. My esophagus is burning. I have no moisture in my body - skin, throat, mouth, eyes all dry. I have a horrid, salty taste in my mouth and I'm tired all the time. This has been going on for 2 months now. | F | 61 | 6 months | 11/27/2009 | 1 | low bone density left hip | took 150 mg. once monthly actonel and with in hours suffered severe stomach cramps along with unbearable joint, muscle and bone pain for two days over the weekend. my husband researched website for other people who have suffered. monday morning 3 am husband called 911 as i passed out cold in the hallway trying to get to the bathroom to vomit. hit my head on the door jam and was out until ambulance arrived. had to have full body cat scan and treatment for symptoms including complete loss of conscious several times unbearable joint, muscle and bone pain could hardly breath, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramps. released yesterday but still feel headache and fatigue along with stomach and abdominal cramping and arm and had pain. when will this end. will never take this drug again. will join any class action lawsuit available. | do not take this drug | F | 65 | 1 times | 11/25/2009 | 1 | low bone density | Took first and only 35 mg dose yesterday AM. Felt fine until about 12 hours later and then started with severe back pain and chills, along with constipation. Didn't sleep that night as every toss or turn elicited a yelp of pain. Chest hurts and slight pain in right side of neck. I'm writing this at 5:00 PM on day 2 and the symptoms have not subsided. I phoned Dr. this AM but haven't heard back. What I'm most interested in now is how long does this drug take to leave my system and restore me to normality? | I just blew $135 on a three month supply, but will be tossing the rest. I will also contact the fda people to let them know that this is not a good drug. | M | 61 | 1 days | 11/24/2009 | 1 | Oteopenia | I started the Actonel 11/23/09, by the afternoon, I had to go lay down and I fell asleep for 2 hrs - this not normal for me! Then during the night, I started with stomach cramps, which in turn started the severe diarrhea. I can not even hold water, as soon as it reaches my stomach~ I am running to the bathroom. I also have a dull head ache and chills. | F | 49 | 1 days | 11/24/2009 | 2 | Ostopenia | Taken it for 5-6 years, with no side effects. Recently am experiencing recurring Urinary tract infections and now some jaw pain. Plan to stop taking it now, after reading all these reviews.I'll stick with calcium and exercise. | F | 62 | 5 years | 11/23/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Developed necrotic jawbone and had oral surgery this week to extract two teeth with underlying necrotic tissue. Had been on Actonel once/week for only 5 months before I had a tooth abscess with root canal and crown work done. Always had healthy teeth before. Oral surgeon couldn't even perform the surgery until I had been off the drug 5 months waiting for peptide level to increase (otherwise, wouldn't heal). I can do exercises and take calcium and Vitamin D to try to help my osteopenia, but these teeth can never be replaced. Will try dental implants if possible. My jawbone is dying, and I hope this is reversible. | My jaw bone is dying. Nothing is worth the permanent loss of my teeth and jaw bone tissue after taking Actonel for only twelve months. My surgeon said long term effects are even greater for folks who are on it long term, and he labeled long term as three years. | F | 61 | 12 months | 11/21/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Terrible pain in my ribs, back, elbows, and neck. Hurts to breathe. | Had to return from a weekend trip because the pain was so bad. I think this was my first and last dose. | F | 62 | 6 days | 11/21/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | acid reflux, stomach pain, muscle pain, lack of former stamina, exhaustion, lethargy, depression, fatigue, insomnia, lack of strength, dry eyes, feeling very old. | an evil drug-how did this drug pass FDA approval? this is an example of the power and greed of pharmaceudical companies and collusion with physicians. There should be a class action lawsuit for those who suffer from the damage. | M | 62 | 2 weeks | 11/19/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Stomach pain and upset. This is pretty much gone by Wednesday after taking it Saturday. Extreme pain in my back and knees. I feel like I can hardly walk. | I am concerned about my bone loss but I will never take Actonel again. It is horrible. I do worry about fracturing a hip or soemthing but it is not worth taking this drug when it means living in extreme pain. | F | 52 | 1 months | 11/18/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Prescribed the 75 Mg dosage. DAY ONE: Took the first day's dose EXACTLY as prescribed. Hit with a vicious headache later that day, but that was managed with Motrin. Later on, at bedtime, felt achy but didn't think too much about it. (I handle pain VERY well, typically) DAY TWO: Woke up with more pain, but it was still bearable. Took my second dose EXACTLY as prescribed. Two hours later, felt like fire burning through my bones, throughout my ribcage and back. About an hour after that, I felt like I'd been literally hit by a steamroller and my bones felt like they were being crushed from the outside. Then, my right shoulder started feeling extremely weak and began to feel like it was dislocated. Within 4 hours of taking Day 2 of my Actonel pill, I could no longer move my upper body without extreme pain, and couldn't walk anymore. Today (two days later), I'm still in awful pain, but it is lessened and I think it will pass within a few days (I desperately hope). This medication is HORRIBLE | F | 40 | 2 days | 11/17/2009 | 1 | osteo/bone thin post meno | next day after first dose woke up with chills, extreme bone and joint pain, fatigue, headache with a low grade fever thought it was the flu but realized that to hurt this bad i should have been running around a 101 or above fever and i only had a degree over normal | i will not be taking a second monthly dose/will pursue other options/do not recommend this drug as the side affects are awful and i am on my second day of missed work...somewhat better at day 2 but still hurt when i try to move | F | 49 | 1 days | 11/17/2009 | 1 | Bone loss | I took 150mg dose on 11/12 2 hours later had alot of stomach upset then vomitted. Felt better and went to work, 11 hours later, then the flu symptoms hit, I could not get off the couch, had fever, body aches & chlls. 24 hrs later fever broke, then nest day the stomach cramps and diarrhea started. This is 4 days later and has not stopped. Hate to go to far from a bathroom. I am very active person, run marathons, cant do anything with this condition. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION | F | 55 | 1 days | 11/16/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I took my first once a month Actonel on November 8,2009. On November 13th I developed SEVERE pain at the base of my thumbs. The pain in my right thumb radiates through my arm and around to my elbow. I am taking ibuprofen as directed but I get no relief. I happened to see an Actonel commercial on tv that said to report any bone, muscle, or joint pain to my Dr. so I began surfing the net for any info on this problem. I also have a low grade fever, chest pain, headache and fatigue. | I was not aware of the side effects of this drug. I am calling the Dr. Monday with the hopes that she can erase this pain. I will not be able to work if the pain does not subside. I am a deli clerk and I slice cuts of meat with a huge machine. I can't lift anything heavy like hams or turkeys and it's extremely painful to twist my arm in any way. | F | 49 | 14 days | 11/14/2009 | 1 | Prescribed by Dr.after Bone Density | AWFUL! Hospitalized because I woke up one morning and every joint hurt and nothing would move, plus my ribs hurt with every breath.Why is this dangerous Drug being so widely promoted?????? I took it for 12 weeks,stopped immediately when I went to my dentist with Jaw pain and he suspected the Actonel. Now 5 weeks later, I'm still limping and get wakened every morning at 5 AM by what I call the "BARBED WIRE BELT"-the ribs hurting with every breath. AND I'm STILL on Prednisone for Pain Control.HOW LONG before I might feel my age again{61} instead of over 100? The thing that hurts me most is that I WORKED for Procter&Gamble and loved it, but I SURE DON"T RECOMMEND THEIR DRUG! | WHY???????????????? is it SO COMMON?? It seems every other woman I meet is either taking it now or WAS taking it until they hit one awful side sffect or another! | F | 61 | 12 weeks | 11/10/2009 | 1 | severe bone loss | Extreme bone pain, diarrhea and feel exhausted since taking it. And that was 2 weeks ago! I feel like I barely make it thru the day at work. It hurts my bones to walk up steps and my stomach gets jittery with everything- even plain tea! Everything aches. | This was my second month of taking Actonel. I told my doctor of the symtoms I was experiencing the first time I took it. He said he had NEVER heard of anyone having a bad reaction to this medicine! I foolishly believed him and took it again this month. I can't believe I didn't take the time to look it up. And I am very upset with my doctor because I have a hard time believing he had never heard of any of the problems associated with Actonel. I am very worried about my bone loss but I will never take this drug again. | F | 55 | 2 months | 11/9/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took 150mg and thought I was fine several hours into it. Then bam these things hit me like a ton of bricks. Severe headache non-stop, stomach pains, vomiting.Within 18 hours I feel like I have the flu. My bones hurt to the core. Jaw hurts and my ears hurt. I have to move my body around every 10 minutes or so because I feel as though bones are crushing.I am miserable! How long will this last. My doctor did warn me of side effects. He was very honest with what I would go thru. | What are we to do? Who wants this violent feeling every month? But I am only 37 and feel like I have no choice. My bone loss is advanced. I broke my hand a month ago my doctor feels strongly this was do to bone loss. I am scared but do not feel so alone since I am reading these other comments. | F | 37 | 1 days | 11/9/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took 150 mg (monthly dose) yesterday and within 6 hours, the diarrhea started and hasn't stopped. Within 12 hours, I started experiencing chest pain, upper back pain and neck pain. It's now 24 hours later, and all those symptoms still exist, as well as difficult breathing, fatigue. | F | 45 | 1 days | 11/5/2009 | 1 | reduced bone density | Severe vomiting and diarrhea | I wonder how often people have this reation. Mine was very severe. It was a monthly dose that I will not take again | F | 55 | 1 days | 11/4/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took 150mg Actonel for 5 months and experienced pain in joints first hip and lower back, then knees, and now I have developed tennis elbow and have pain shooting down my arms that wakes me up at night. I am not going to continue this medication. | Based on what I have read the bone that this drug creates is not good quality and can break spontaneously. Not a risk I am willing to take. | F | 51 | 5 months | 11/2/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Achiness, lower back pain, flu-like symptoms, fatigue. These symptoms appeared the day after taking this medication. | I'm so glad I found this site! I strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to report them to Procter & Gamble at 1-800-836-0658 (product complaints) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1033 or www.fda.gov/medwatch If P&G receives a complaint, they MUST report it to the FDA. If enough of these cases are reported, they will then be taken seriously and acted upon, providing better warnings for their product. | F | 59 | 1 days | 11/2/2009 | 1 | osteoporis | Took 150 mg dose Monday morning as directed. Ok until Tuesday afternoon, then shivering so bad my teeth were chattering, could not get warm, I live in Houston and it was 84 degrees,then sweats and worst headache I have ever experiences but back of head and neck pain. Bone pain all over. First 2 days felt constipated, I never get constipated, then the diahrea started Tuesday night and it is now Friday and has not stoped. Have had several accidents with the diahrea and bathroom is close by. Have not been able to get out of bed since Tuesday. Will not take this medication again. Prescribed by endocronologst to see how I would tolerate as he would like to give me a 1yr IV type. I do not think this will be possible. | F | 66 | 1 days | 10/30/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took one monthly dose of Actonel and within 2 days was experiencing severe upper back, shoulder and neck pain, as well as pain in my left elbow. After one month, I returned to my normal Fosomax dose of once a week, which I had been taking for about 3 years. At the end of the month of Fosomax, the pain was no better and so I stopped taking it. It has now been 3 months since my last dose and I still have the same pain. | No one should risk taking this drug as the side effects are too varied and long lasting. It is very discouraging to read of people having this joint and muscle pain for 6 months and longer. Amazing that doctors appear to know nothing about it! | F | 58 | 3 years | 10/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia/border line osteoporosis | One dose of 150 mg monthly Actonel. Still experiencing side effects. Although I have previously had spinal fusions, I have never had BURNING NERVE PAIN (pheripheral neuropathy) in feet and forearms and hands before taking Actonel. I am hoping the nerve pain resolves itself and that the dose of this so called medication is out of my system soon. I have increased my Vitamin D and calcium. I cannot begin to tell you how this has affected me. My feet and body are so sensitive that even large athletic shoes begin to be hot and tight. My flats feel like they are on swollen feet and although I have had swelling it still feels like they are swollen when not. Also I experience claminess full body even though I watch my hormones. I have pain in bones, joints, and muscles and will never take a dose of this drug again. Everything aches. I also have noticed jaw pain like I am aware of my back teeth. I am fearful of long term side effects. | Is your risk factor better if your increase green vegetables, vitamin D and calcium and possibly Vitamin B complex and B12. I believe so | F | 59 | 2 months | 10/27/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I wish I'd have found this site earlier. I'd rate this drug a 0. Within a few hours of my very first (and only) dose of monthly Actonel I began to ache. The aching got progressively worse to the point where I could hardly breathe, also had exhaustion. Uncontrollable diarrhea and nausea followed. My family doctor sent me to the ER due to dehydration. I was admitted and spent 3 days in the hospital. I was off work over a week. Never again will I take this drug. | I'd never recommend this drug. Did the FDA really test Actonel or did the drug company do it's own testing? | 62 | 1 days | 10/26/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | severe muscle pain. diagnosis of dystonia by neurologist. Orthopedic surgeon thought muscle pain was caused by bone spur which I had surgically removed along with a fusion for worn out disc. Internist/rheumatologist said it was fibromyalgia. | do not take. No muscle pain before actonel | F | 60 | 3 years | 10/26/2009 | 1 | fractured leg | I took Actonel this morning in a manner consistent with my physician's instructions. My physician actually recommended that I wait until the weekend to start taking the medication because of the likelihood of side effects. As of 3PM central, I am now feeling extremely fluish and gaseous. I do not think that I have ever experienced such side effects from a medication. | I don't know how long these side effects will continue. The length of the side effects, coupled with the results from taking it, will impact my rating. As of now, though, I feel dissatisfied. | M | 40 | 1 days | 10/24/2009 | 1 | reduce bone loss | Severe flu like symptoms. I ached all over, bones...joints...muscles...head, even my eyelids. Chills, vertigo, fever. This my 4th day...tomorrow I may be functional again. I tried Fosamax last month with fewer, but worse side effects. My shoulder and neck muscles hurt so bad that I had to take Vicodin to sleep. | When I talked to the PA in my doctor's office about these symptoms, she said that I had to be wrong because side affects were rare with this drug. She must not have read the info that comes in the package, because it clearly states that flu symptoms are Common. I won't be taking this drug again. I don't trust the pharmaceutical companies to do enough research on a drug before approving it. They should not have approved this drug. | M | 66 | 2 months | 10/23/2009 | 1 | Start of osteoporosis | Nausea, headache, acid reflux | I have severe heartburn every night for 3 weeks, which coincided with my first monthly dose of Actonel. I haven't slept properly since then. I realized Actonel is the cause when I stumbled on this site whilst looking for sudden causes of severe heartburn. I won't be taking a second dose and I'm going back to my doctor to ask him to research drugs properly before prescribing them. Like others on this site I hope this will go away but I have no idea how long - or if it will. DON'T TAKEN ACTONEL - IT'S DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OF THE MARKET! | F | 53 | 1 months | 10/23/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | dr. prescribed 150 mg once monthly and said that this drug is usually tolerated very well. I took my first dose and the following day woke up with stomach pains which led to uncontrollable diarrhea..which continued throughout the day. Soon after that I felt very weak and tired and could not stand up. Got into bed with severe chills and could not warm up at all I live in FLorida....I had nothing to eat except some tea because I did not want to become dehydrated. After each cup of tea...right back into bathroom. I also thought that perhaps I had food poisoning but after reading all the posts convinced me that the ACTONEL is the cause. I do take calcium with vitamin d and hopefully that will be sufficient. The side effects that are printed with the med goes over them very lightly and does not have all these that we all are talking about. | DO NOT TAKE ACTONEL!!! | F | 73 | 1 days | 10/23/2009 | 1 | ostopenia | heart palpations,high blood pressure,nerviousness,panic attacks,name it i experienced it .I took it for 7 weeks,i will never forget it .Had to go to emerg twice bp 170/110,my bp was always low 110/70. my face was flushed very cold feet had to go to bed to get warm at 2:00 pm.ITs been a year now ,just recently the effects have faded not as severe now. Jane | F | 62 | 7 weeks | 10/22/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I have been getting violently ill once a month for the past few months with projectile vomiting and diarrhea, then I would get so cold I would have to pile blankets on. Each time I would lose 5 pounds (after I had worked hard to gain 5 pounds). I blamed it on food poisoning, the flu, etc. On October 9th, I took my Actonel at 3am. At 6am I started vomiting and knew the diarrhea would follow. It did one hour later. I felt as though I had been poisoned. I had no control of my bowels and couldn’t even keep a drink of water to stay down. Then, I started having dry heaves. I considered calling 911, as I was concerned about dehydration. I looked at my calendar as I had marked down the day to take the Actonel and realized every day I had taken it was the day I got sick. Each time, it has lasted longer with this last time being 3 days of not being able to keep anything down and not being able to eat anything until the 5th day. This time I lost 10 pounds. | F | 72 | 5 months | 10/21/2009 | 1 | I've taken it for two months as REQUIRED by my insurance company. I have had joint pain, chills, diarrhea, stomach upset, burping, gas and cramping. The Actinel site lists "short term" flu symptoms. No way. Last month they lasted for several days and this month, I am still fighting fatigue and other symptoms after 3 days/ I have missed work each time and this past month missed my daughter's senior homecoming dance, theater tickets have gone wasted. This is a high priced cure. | F | 56 | 2 months | 10/19/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Gastric reflux | I took Actonel once per week for 8 months, following the instructions to the letter. I developed severe stomach pain and reflux, and my doctor stopped Actonel and prescribed Prilosec for 1 month and restricted my diet. Two years after stopping Actonel, I still have episodes of moderate to severe heartburn, which I never had before taking Actonel. I still take Prilosec when I cannot tolerate the heartburn. Unfortunately, I researched this drug only after I became ill, and was surprised to learn its contents and history. I now take a multivitamin for women over 50 and recommended doses of calcium with D. I'll take my chances with my bones, as women have for decades before Actonel and like drugs. And from what I've read, bisphosphonates may preserve bone density, but do not make them any less brittle and breakable. Do your own research. | F | 55 | 8 months | 10/18/2009 | 1 | osteopenia & quick bone deteriation | From the first day of the first week I took it, I had the muscle pain in my left arm, and always had the nausea and light-headedness each week after I took it. As time progressed, my whole left side had pain...ankle, knee, hip..then on my last day of the 3 months, it hit my jaw and teeth. Incredible pain. Visited the dentist twice, but he couldn't find anything. Lived on pain killers for 4 weeks, and gradually the pain subsided and it's now been 7 weeks since my last pill. It's taken that long to get this drug out of my system. My teeth are still not 100%, they no longer 'line up' on the left side, but I can finally start chewing on that side again. I didn't realize how dragged out I had become over the period when I was taking this. This week was the first time I could now sleep on my left side again, after almost 5 months. | I've heard of people taking this with no side effects, but this drug almost killed me. I would have lived with the muscle pain, but when it hit the teeth it was the worst pain I've ever had in my life. I'm now trying to do better with natural solutions, but have always been very active and healthy. Started taking vitamin K1, which is supposed to help bones as well. I haven't told my Dr yet that I've stopped the drug, but you couldn't pay me to take this. I'll just take my chances. | F | 52 | 3 months | 10/17/2009 | 2 | osteoporosis | changes in teeth and jaw bones, spacing in teeth, after one year I had hip and bones pain that ended after I stopeed taking it. I had terrible pain in my leg bones and after I stopped taking Actonel, within two weeks it stopped. I'd been taking it about two and a half years. | Stomach upset, acid indigestion increased and I never had this before | F | 55 | 2 years | 10/14/2009 | 1 | the worst pain all over. i feel like like my bones are going to burst, the worst muscle pain chest pain.shoulders neck this is the most awful pain how long it will last i wish i knew this has been going on for 3 months | DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG | F | 45 | 3 months | 10/13/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I was hesitant about taking the Actonel. The prescription was written for me in July and I waited until October to try it. Yesterday, I took the weekly pill for the first time at 8:30am. Then, like many others on the site, I began to experience the terrible side effects. That night, I woke up at 4am with flu-like symptoms: chills (apartment was very warm), strong aching in my bones and joints (hips, legs, arms, shoulders, and hands), gas, and stomach cramps. When I finally got out of bed at 10am after barely sleeping since 4am, I had diarrhea. At first, I thought that it must have been the flu, but I rarely get sick. So, I googled until I found this site. Everything made sense. Unfortunately, I had to go into work. I'm still feeling sharp pains and general aches all over my body as well as a dull headache. I would taken the day off if I weren't taken two days of vacation at the end of the week. | As others have said, the cure is not worth the cost of the side effects. I don't plan on taking this drug, again. Will just take calcium/vitamin D pills and exercise. | F | 35 | 1 days | 10/13/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | flu syntoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness. lethargic, fever, chills, anxiety | Following my post on 10/11, I'm on day three of the syntoms. The fever and chills have subsided as well as the neck, back, shoulder, sternum, ear pain. Now I am experiencing anxiety, depression, eye irritation. Sleeplessness continues and the lethargy. I too ask how severe is my osteoporosis and how easy the doctors prescribe the medications. Since my 30s I have taken a daily supplement caltrate with vit. D. For the past year, I have added fish oil, vit. E. I exercise regularly...I am very upset that I ever put this drug in my body and cannot wait for it to cycle out. I also rang the doctor who presecribed the medication and thought I was simply fighting off the flu...this doctor was unaware of these syntoms and sounded doubtful that there is indeed a connection. | F | 50 | 1 days | 10/12/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | At the time of taking it I feel like I could easily vomit, although I took it as instructed. I am having several headaches a week which I never had before. My eyes are red, very sensitive, and water excessively. | I hate taking drugs. I need to ask "how bad was my bone density"? Why did i not ask this before starting a dangerous drug. (I am a nurse, still working, and know better) I exercise and I am healthy, I take calcium and Vit. D. My Dr. wanted me to take the one IV that lasts a year! Thankfully i was smart NOT to follow that advice. Reading this site - actonel is over and out for me. | F | 65 | 2 months | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Tiredness, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, extreme chills, fever, vomiting, bone pain, musle pain, sleeplessness, lack of appetite | Results from a bone density scan revealed a level of osteoporosis; resulting in the recommendation to take actonel. Following the instructions, I took my first monthly tablet of 150mg in the early morning. Later in the evening, began the uncontrollable chills, fever and the strangest and very frightening flu-like symptoms. In addition, neck, ear, shoulder, sternum pain. Difficulty breathing, vomiting, equilabrium problem, inability to sleep, anxiety. This lasted 2 days. I would also like to add, my primary care physician prescribed the actonel (actually gave me samples). First, I would recommend seeing a specialist if diagnosed with osteoporosis--and get a second opinion. Next, I would not recommend actonel. The published side-effects address the most common ones and not these extreme ones. | F | 50 | 1 days | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Very bothersome leg pain at night. | I'm writing for my mother who was taking Actonel for osteoporosis. She took it for a number of months but was very unhappy with it. She would wake up at night due to leg pain and have to walk the floor and stomp on her leg to get it feeling right again. She insisted her docotor take her off of Actonel, which he did. She stopped the drug in December of 2008 and was then diagnosed with lymphoma, which ended her life in July of 2009. | F | 85 | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Took this drug for 3 months late last year. I had researched the side effects, so when I experienced a burning sensation and tiredness, I knew it was from 150mg Actonel. The burning got bad the 3rd dose. No more for me, I decided. Then on 10/4/09 gave it another try. The burning was there. This time I felt other effects. I spent 3 days with chills, the worst cramps I've ever had, and diarrhea. My energy level is not where I want it to be. Right now I'm thinking the cure is worse than the disease. | F | 53 | 10/10/2009 | 1 | perscribed by doctor | Am taking vitamins, herbs (horsetail tea,etc.) extra calcium, fish oil is good also. Also weight building exercises, if possible. Caltrate and Oscal is good. | F | 55 | 0 days | 10/9/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | In September I started the 4 daily pills of Actonel (35 mg each) for the first four days of the month--no problems. In October, took 1 pill (150 mg)on Saturday. By Monday, beginning of stomach cramps and had to miss work that day. Tuesday, continued cramps. Wednesday, standing in Walgreens, a rush of diarrhea that I could not control. Had to take a shower in my clothes. 30 minutes later, same thing while sitting in my living room. By Thursday at 3 a.m. I was having extreme cramps with accompanying diarrhea non-stop until 5 a.m. Missed work Thursday. Today, return to work with cramps that have not stopped since Monday. Pain in my knees and elbows. I called my doc, said must have a bug that's going around which is what they told me last year when I tried taking Boniva and that almost killed me. I'm done with Actonel and Boniva. | F | 62 | 2 months | 10/9/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | After taking the first dose, five hours later onset of headache, followed by bone pain in almost every bone, fatigue. Two days later I still had the same symptoms with the addition of lower abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The diarrhea only lasted 3-4 hours but the cramps lasted another two days. Since that time these symptoms have improved but now I am exhausted by noon and having trouble with my eyes focusing and feeling half sick the rest of the day. I consulted my doctor and he said not to take another monthly dose. He didn't feel anyone should have to live with those symptoms. I am hoping they will go away during the next two weeks. It has been two weeks since that first dose. I don't like the reviews I am reading. Some of these poor patients seem to have their symptoms a long time. It makes it very hard to function at work when you feel so bad. | The only side effect that I was informed about was stomach upset. My stomach is the only part of my body that did not hurt! | F | 57 | 15 days | 10/1/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I am 62 now. I took Actonel weekly for almost 2 years. I would wake up exhausted as though I never slept...tired all day. Worst of all, I had a slight retinal bleed and went to an eye specialist. Then more recently I was diagnosed with a macular pucker (a wrinkle on the retina) that blurred my vision. My eyes became extremely sensitive to sunlight and even INDOOR lighting so I stopped taking Actonel. My eyesight has greatly improved, and no more sensitivity to light! My vision has returned to NORMAL! I'd rather break a bone than go blind!! I recently met a younger woman who is having the same problems. Stop taking actonel now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | F | 62 | 2 years | 9/30/2009 | 1 | Bone Loss | I took the medication in the morning as directed (once a month )for the first time, after one hour I had a headache and felt very tired until late evening at about 9pm I got severe chills, neck pain, lower back pain, in addition all my joints were hurting, I experienced the same as a previous comment which was that I was freezing cold and could not get out of bed. My husband also had to wrap me in blankets and heating pads to warm me up, this lasted about 2 hours. I couldnt get out of bed because I was so disoriented. All night I was breaking out in cold sweats and had extreme pain throughout my body. thought maybe I had caught the flu but when I took flu medicine and It didnt do anything, my husband read the side effects and we realized that it was the medicine. Was in bed for 3 days. Maybe we all should bill Proctor & Gamble for Wages Lost for not being able to go to work and pain and suffering??? I called my doctor and she was going to check to see what other alternative I shoul | Do not take this medicine "Actenol",, the side effects are not worth it. Best to take the oscal 500+vit D and I will look for a more natural alternative to work with the Oscal instead of the Actenol. | F | 51 | 1 days | 9/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia in the hips | Extreme pain in my legs, especially left leg. I am unable to bend or stand straight my muscles are so tight. My back and arms are sore as well but tolerable. My hips hurt at night. I wake up from the pain everytime I turn in bed. I have a hard time standing when I get up in the morning. Simple things like putting on a pair of socks is very difficult. | I've stop taking actonel about 10 days ago. I was on a weekly dose. Has anyone felt this bad? How long will it take for the pain to go away?? | F | 35 | 2 months | 9/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Started Actonel in Nov 2007 and stopped after reading newspaper article about pain in muscles and joints (which I experienced in hands) Re-started Actonel in Mar 2008 since still concerned about bone loss and was being treated for carpel tunnel syndrome. But now have pain in hands and feet(big toe is painful all the time). I thought I might have fibromyalgia since I have pain everywhere: front of my left lower leg, mear left ankle, both arms below the elbow,hip... But now I'm convinced it is from the Actonel and will stop the weekly doses right away. | Should have discontinued actonel a year ago. Going to trust what my body is telling me. | F | 55 | 1.5 years | 9/28/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | Started Fosamax about 7 years ago and got severe knee joint pain and general stiffness in my knees and hips. Switched to Actonel, which helped with the severe knee pain only. I figured the stiffness was about just getting older (had a complete/total hysterectomy at 42, which apparently speeds up the process). The Dr. didn't tell me the stiffness could be drug related, just the knee pain. Also, I had incomplete bowel movements (needed two trips to the bathroom in the morning - colonoscopy showed all is normal internally) on Actonel and had developed regurg, which both parents had w/o such meds so I never thought twice about a causal relationship. I stopped taking the Actonel about 5 years ago for no other reason than I wanted to stop, but all of those symptoms persisted. Again, I thought it was just about getting older and not the meds I took five years ago. Question: does Actonel really have a 10-year half life? (Please email me with any info.) Currently, I am back on Actonel b | It's time to stop poisoning my body. Calcium, Vit D and exercise are the way to go for me. | F | 48 | 3 months | 9/26/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | I switched from weekly Actonel to monthly Actonel for convenience. I was taking the monthly dose for approx, 6-7 months. The last few months I was experiencing SEVERE stomach pains & heartburn. Being a nurse it only took me a few months to figure out that the Actonel was causin this. Although, the 1st month it happened I thought I had food poisoning. | The stomach pains were so gruelling @ times that it took my breath away. I notice these symptoms aprrox 12 hrs after takin the pill. I am stopping the pill, ya, givin my gut a rest and will try the weekly Actonel in a few months. If I experience any ill side effects I will have to find sum ting else for my bone health. I am hopin that I can tolerate some kind of bone building med in the near future cuz it is so important to protect ur "skeleton"!!!! | F | 36 | 6 years | 9/25/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I took the pill for first time on a Saturday morning. That night I woke up with extreme pain in my chest, left arm, and shoulder. The next morning when I woke up I felt like I had the worst case of Flu. Every bone in my body hurt for 2 days. Later that week I started having trouble getting my pills down. I felt like my food was getting stuck in my esophegus. After a couple of weeks with no relief, went to my Dr. and had to have a EGD. Now I have a hiatal hernia and Gerd. Still having trouble getting pills down. Will never take it again. | I would not recommend Actonel to anyone. I wish my Dr. would have gone over the side affects with me. She just thinks I'm allergic to it. | F | 58 | 1 days | 9/24/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Flu like symptoms, terrible indigestion, burping and stiff neck and back pain. Very lethargic and weight gain, bloated feeling. In bed for several days each of the 3 months I took the actonel and couldn't believe I could catch the flu so often. I would wrap myself in 2 blankets due to the chills and I live in Miami!! I was taking the once per week tablet and followed the directions regarding water only and no eating or laying down for 30 minutes. Doctor only had told me about the osteonecrosis as a side effect so I am very dissapointed in her. | Thought I was going crazy until I found this site. Had flu like symptoms for approx. one week each month I took the drug. Finally googled "actonel and flu" and found this site. Stopped taking the medication just this week and found the neck and back pain disappeared immediately and most of the stomach pain and indigestion has subsided.Hope the weight comes off and the burning and indigestion go away as well. I will find alternative means to manage my osteoporosis. Calcium and Vitamin D for me. | F | 53 | 3 months | 9/24/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Within about 4 hours after first dose of the 150mg/month pill, I had an upset stomach that later in the day turned in to severe abdominal pain, bloating, couldn't burp to get the air out, my entire body hurt.I attributed the pain in my muscles to the bloating- so severe i wanted to have a tube put down my throat to let the air out. It has been 3 days now. I still have the nausea and upset stomach, weak from very little food. Will never take the drug again | will never take the drug again | F | 43 | 4 days | 9/23/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |