Drug Ratings for ACTONELAverage Rating: 1.4 (1356 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 |
Charts & graphs: Reviews Summary for ACTONEL | Top 10 Adverse Effects (reported to FDA)
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ACTONEL | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 1 | Doctor's recommendation | Did not take yet. | My doctor told me I should start taking Actonel as a result of my bone density test. I have a prescription which I have not filled yet. Can anyone tell me anything good about this drug so I can makeup my mind whether I want to take it or not? Does anyone have anything good to say like if it works for them or not? I am really confused and afraid. | F | 56 | 0 days | 6/12/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | fever, joint aches, lethargy, nausea | I have taken actonel twice and, for the last time. Seriously, is this what it feels like after chemotherapy? I have been in bed for two days and I am NOT happy this has interfered with my life. I wish I had been better informed before I took it. | F | 58 | 2 months | 6/8/2009 | 1 | supposed osteoporosis | 4 yrs of low dose, ONE dose monthly dose-Feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck! Intestinal grumblings, flu like symptoms, bloating, coughing, sleep deprivation, took 1st 150mg dose 5-31-09-just forget it-no more of this drug in any dose whatsoever-very anxious to get back to my gardening-how stupid of me to think aging can be changed much-will not contact my MD until routine visit and instead will listen to my own body. Come from strong physical stock, but will learn to be more accepting of the natural aging process. The lowest weekly dose over 4 years has basically done nothing other than cause muscle aches and joint discomfort which can be alleviated by Advil if I can just take the time to take a couple once or twice a week. I am ever so grateful for this site as the comments are all so familiar. What makes us think we can go through life unscathed by aches and pains as we age? I will learn to listen to my body and be more accepting of the inevitable-But I do wish to feel more | F | 68 | 4 years | 6/6/2009 | 3 | osteoporosis | Hot flashes accompanied by sweating, especially in the evenings and when out in the sun. Occasional light heart flutter. Heartburn. Gas. | I am taking this medication after taking Forteo for 2 years which increased my bone density. The hope was that Actonel would continue this good result. However, because of these most unpleasant hot sweats, I am going to consult my doctor about trying another drug. | F | 70 | 2 months | 6/5/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe hip pain, right side. took for 2 1/2 years weekly. Limping, initially flu=like, difficulty getting up and moving. feeling of being poisoned. Maxed out on Ibuprophen, Finally discovered Tramadol.. After 4 yrs, still taking daily, with aspirin and homeopathic remedies. Ordered off of walking by bone doctor who was not in the least bit interested in drug causing problems, OB stated he had grilled drus salesman, taking 4000 daily of D3, of course Calcium, Mag and anything else to treat this condition. Before taking at age 60, was a healthy, happy person, now at 65, ordered off of walking, bicycle helps, constantly dealing with hip pain. | Bad, Bad drug. As are all bisphosphanates. Not adequately tested, Waste product of P&G, still being advertised by Sally Fields. So sorry I was so uninformed at beginning. 30 million women on these drugs. This is one for large class action lawsuit. | F | 65 | 2.5 years | 6/5/2009 | 1 | Bone loss prevention | I took a dose this morning at 6am it is now 10:45 am and I've been to the bathroom every few minutes since 10 am with bad diareah and stomach pain...I may have to leave work too cause it is pretty bad the rumbling in my stomach is crazy | Don't think I'll be taking this again | F | 58 | | 6/4/2009 | 1 | post menopausal | Where do I start? Weight gain (20 pounds in about 5-6 months), muscle weakness, stomach problems, indigestion, now I can't bend my big toe under, constant index finger pain/stiffness/trouble bending, now I'm getting the same thing in my pinkie. I had some diarrhea at first, but now it's constipation that troubles me...I'm seeing my doc soon about all this! | 10 months | 6/4/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Took my first monthly dose about 6AM today. By 2PM had nausea and diarrhea--had to leave work. Now I feel like I have the flu. Went on line to get some info and found this site. I definitely won't be taking this med again. Have already had a wrist fracture, but there has to be something better than this. Don't care what the doctor says. I work in health care and I know how they roll. Will try to say its something else but I know its the Actonel. It was helpful to find women with same experience to support my suspicions. Thank you! | F | 57 | 1 times | 6/3/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis prevention | I originally posted on May 18th. In answer to the weight gain, I have gained 15 pounds in the past 18months and can't seem to get it off either. I"m due to take Actonel today but am not going to. I see a gastro Dr. on Wed. June 3rd and I want to see what he has to say about all of this. | F | 69 | 18 days | 6/1/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | GERD | F | 57 | 2 years | 6/1/2009 | 1 | Bone density scan | Extreme night sweats that I've never had before, exhaustion and just a feeling of not feeling good. | My doctor is insisting that I take Actonel, but I won't take it again - sorry ! I know my own body. I started the weekly 35 mg, mid March, 2009 and stopped mid May, without telling my MD. I'll tell her next 6 mo. appt. I haven't read about night sweats in these online comments, but I KNOW this is from the Actonel because I've never had to wash my sheets (down to the mattress) every single morning ever before in my life. Who needs this !! Not me. Would someone please write if you've also experienced these night sweats ? I guess all our bodies are different and we experience different reactions, but I will NEVER take this pill again. I've felt exhausted, yukky and achey & now suddenly have a lower back molar that needs a root canal. I don't want it done until I'm sure this medicine is out of my system. | F | 69 | 2 months | 5/28/2009 | 1 | Osteoprolosis | I've got chill, feverish feeling, heart burn, joint pain, diarrhea, muscle pain, gas... and I only took this medicine yesterday. My doctor told me that the Actonel will not give me any trouble, how did he know? | I took once monthly 150 mg. I feel very uncomfortable and decided not taking anymore in the future. Does anyone know how long these side effect syptoms will last!! I am really feeling sorry that i listened to my doctor. | F | 56 | 1 days | 5/23/2009 | 4 | Bone density 4.7 | none | I have taken actonel 35mg weekly with no side effect | M | 60 | 2.5 years | 5/21/2009 | 3 | osteopoenia | i started with the 150 mg --once a month---and was sick for 4 day!!! flu like symptoms...i was soooo sick... called my doctor and told her that i wanted the one a day...5mg. and haven't had any problems...other than weight gain...i have a personal trainer and go to the gym everyday...and have gained weight...people keep telling me that muscle weighs more than fat...and i'm not really overweight...maybe have 10 pounds to lose...but i've gained and can't seem to lose... and am wondering if it's the medication... has anyone else experienced weight gain? | F | 56 | 4 months | 5/21/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | sever pain in my shoulders and upper arms | I told my primary care provider that I saw an ad on TV that said to tell your doctor if you experienced joint pain. She said they weren't related. I was treated by a chiropractor, orthopaedic doctor and physical therapist. Actonel was listed as one of my meds. None of my health care professionals related the Actonel with the pain. Then I googled this site. Thank god! | F | 62 | 5 months | 5/21/2009 | 2 | osteoporosis | Started taking Actonel in October 2008. It's now the middle of May 2009 and in the last few weeks I've developed severe joint pain in my shoulders. Enough to affect my sleep. I'm calling the doctor and will ask for an alternative medicine for my Osteoporosis. My quality of life now sucks.....There's got to be a better drug for folks that have this disease. Male and Female. | Anyone know how long it takes for the Actonel's side effects to subside after quitting the drug? | M | 57 | 8 months | 5/20/2009 | 2 | some bone loss | very painful muscle aches in shoulders and down the arm-fluttering heart palpations. | I took the weekly actonel for about 6 years- then my obgyn suggested I switch to the monthly dosage-I took my first dose on April 9, 2009 and almost immediately developed severe pain in my shoulders and shooting pains down my arm- also had a spike in my blood pressure to prehypertension and experienced heart palapations. It has been over a month since I have had any actonel (didn't even resume my weekly dosage) and still experience some muscle pain and heart flutters- my blood pressure is back to normal. | F | 63 | 1 times | 5/20/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis Prevention | I have some side effects not mentioned, like cough, more than a tickle from sinus', weight gain with no change in eating habits and neck pain that started the 3rd month after taking Actonel. I too have nausea that really gets me down. Other aches and pains that have surfaced. I feel it brings out things that may be lying dormant and festers because of the drug. I don't plan on taking this drug any more as feeling bad all the time is not worth it. I have taken calcium for 25 years and in the past couple of years have taken Vit. D. I will add magnesium as I know it is essential for other vitamins to work. I haven't had another bone scan but will be due one in October. | F | 69 | 18 months | 5/18/2009 | 4 | osteoporosis | No side effects yet. I have just taken my 3rd weekly dose. From reading the reviews on this site, I feel like bad news travels faster than good. | It would be nice to see some positive results. I am sure they are out there somewhere. | F | 55 | 3 weeks | 5/16/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Burning stomach pain, nausea.......fever flu like symtoms. I took a monthly dose last month for the first time. Went on antibiotics because I thought I had a flu. Now 2nd month I put it together that these symptoms are from the actonel. It has been ten days and I still have low grade fever and stomach pain. I am depressed and lethargic. I am wondering if it is a normal side effect to have these symptoms still after taking it over ten days ago? | Any suggestions? | 2 months | 5/15/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Twelve hours after taking the 150 mg. monthly dose experienced joint pain accompanied by chills. The next day symptoms continued with the addition of fever and no appetite. When I notified my prescriber she did not believe there was any correlation. I went to an urgent care 3 days later with a fever of 102 and swelling of a groin lymph node. I feel these symptoms were way too coincidental. I have taken the weekly dose for 2 years without much problem. This was my second time I used the monthly dose, the first time just experienced nausea for about 3 days. I am 54 and work as a nurse and had to call out sick which is extremely unusual for me. I am almost now afraid to go back on the weekly dose. | F | 54 | 2 years | 5/15/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | achey all over, flu like symptoms, fever, chills, pain like a knife stabbing in my bones, dehibiliting bone pain especially in my left hip, knee and ankle, stomache pain, heartburn. It hase been 13 days now and I am still having a hard time walking and bearing weight on my left leg and foot. Will make you want to kill yourself. Went to ER and they said it was from the Actonel, IV pain meds and narcartic pain meds and still in pain especially when the pain meds begin to wear off I have never had any problems with any joint pain before this. | Do Not take this poison. I'd rather take my chances of breaking a bone. This was my second monthly dose the first month I was in bed for 3 days from the flu like symptoms, but my second dose was much worse side effects. I am still trying to get over it and wondering how long it will take. Wish I had researched this before taking it.....Do NOT TAKE THIS POSION | F | 47 | 2 months | 5/13/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis diagnosis | One dose of the weekly put me to bed for 3 days. Had every side effect except one and that is because it is impossible to have diarhea and constipation at the same time. Add to that 102 degree fever for two days. Never again. | I also agree this is one scary mother of a drug. People must be made of steel to take this stuff successfully. I just bought Osteovalin and that is all I am willing to do. After all, old age has its malodies and there is no way to avoid them entirely. I plan to live my life free of drugs that make me miserable and if I don't live as long, fine. | F | 58 | 1 days | 5/13/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | The day after taking my first once-a-month dose, I experienced intense body pain from neck to my feet. This severe pain incapitated me for 2 days. | Since the pain subsided, I've had major bloating and tenderness in both upper and lower GI tract. | F | 58 | 1 days | 5/12/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Took Actonel 150mg on 11/30/08 (1x monthly dose). Over next few days, developed severe pain in hands,wrists, thumbs, hips, neck and base of skull.This pain eased over the next few weeks. In mid-Dec.2008, developed intense pain base of spine and across both hips at night - difficulty turning over in bed and getting out of bed. Once up and moving, only felt mild soreness in these areas. No previous back issues. No recent injuries.This condition persisted for 4 months until mid-April,2009 when it stopped as insidiously as it had started. I felt that it must have been bone pain because I did not have any difficulty bending over during the day. | I called Procter and Gamble Drug Company within the first few days after taking Actonel and reported my symptoms. I also contacted my primary physician. More recently I have filed a report with the FDA. I am wondering how long people have experienced side effects after taking this drug just once. Currently,I am having a problem with blurred vision in one eye. Objective testing has provided a dx of macula pucker. Is it at all possible this could be another side effect or just coincidence? I have to be skeptical but............. | F | 62 | 1 days | 5/11/2009 | 2 | osteo in spine and hips | Took the 1st of my weekly dose on may 5th at 8am. The next day about 11am, I had chills, aches all over, sensitive skin to the touch and a bit of nausea. Thought it was the sinus infection I've been battling for over 3 weeks. Got home and fever spiked to 102 then went away by about midnight. Took a pill to sleep and felt better the next day. Today only a bit of nausea and minor fatigue. | I'm terribly worried that this will happen again next tuesday on week #2 dose... hoping my body will get used to it. Otherwise, the cure is worse than the disease and I'll find another way! | F | 56 | 5 days | 5/8/2009 | 1 | Osteoperosis treatment | I took Actonel on May 2. At night I was not able to sleep and make it to work the next day. Monday was a day with flu symtoms like chills, body ache, fatigue, urge to vomit. Then starting Tuesday I had diarrhea until today (Thurday evening) and wonder when it will stop. I have taken Pepto Bismol constantly for the last two days. Before, if I had taken this much, I would be constipated for weeks. I also feel lethargic because I can not eat much and have bouts of stomach pain the last two days. I realized accidentally when I saw my 3-months pack of Actonel and then get confirmation when I found this database as first hit on my search. | I would definitely stop the 1 month and go back to the 1 week which I had been for more than a year with no problem. | F | 51 | 5 days | 5/7/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I took my first monthly dose on the 1st of May, 2009. Saturday morning woke with chills and nausea. By mid afternoon I had a 102 fever. Thought I had "swine flu". Scared the bejibbas out of me. It's now 2 days since taking actonel and still have flu symptoms without the fever. Diarrhea, nausea, bad taste in mouth, no appetite, lethargic. I've lost 5 lbs since taking this med. | Quality of life is way more important. I'll take my chances with bone loss and investigate alternative measures. | F | 52 | 1 months | 5/4/2009 | 1 | OSTEOPENIA | Flu like symptoms within 24 hours of taking 150 mg monthly dose. Depression. Now over one week and still suffering severe back, ankle, neck pain, muscle spasms, headache, lack of appetite, lethargy. | Will not take this drug again. | F | 57 | 1 days | 5/4/2009 | 1 | osteopenia/osteoporosis | Uncontrollable diarrhea, feverish flu-like pain throughout body, acid reflux, belching, inability to sleep on sides due to hip and shoulder pain, and most scary of all, heart palpitations! | I took one 150 mg Actonel on 12-10-2008 at my rheumatologist's insistence. He claims "Your pain can't be from Actonel - try Boniva IV". NO WAY, NEVER AGAIN! By 12-20-2008 pain was in right hip and I could barely walk. In March 2009, it moved into lower right side of my back. Today, 5-3-2009, IT'S STILL HURTING! I had a colonscopy when diarrhea continued into January 2009 (Diagnosis: Negative), an upper endoscopy (Diagnosis: Mild GERD - "take Prilosec"). Prilosec depletes bone, so I'M NOT TAKING IT, THANK YOU! On 4-29-2009 another Dr. ordered upper quadrant ultrasound to check for gallstones/kidney stones because I now have kidney/bowel function changes (Diagnosis: Negative). How dare the drug companies call chemicals used in laundry detergents, fertilizer and industrial lubricants safe for humans!!! We're their guinea pigs! TAKE THIS JUNK OFF THE MARKET -- NOW!!! My Cures: Diarrhea controlled by eating coconut macaroon cookies daily. Sounds nuts, but it works! Probably coconut is the reason. GERD: Mix 2 to 5 T. organic apple cider vinegar in water and sip during every meal. Takes few weeks to overcome reflux. Bone Loss: Magnesium AND calcium, taken together, with Vitamin D3. Read "User's Guide to Calcium and Magnesium" by Nan Kathryn Fuchs, PhD. Small 82 page book is best, most concise info I've ever read about calcium and magnesium for osteoporosis. Must take more magnesium than calcium. | F | 80 | 1 days | 5/3/2009 | 1 | diagnosed with osteopenia | Took Actonel for six months and experienced a stiff neck the whole time, but didn't even begin to suspect the cause. Then went on vacation and forgot to take Actonel. SURPRISE! My stiff neck was gone!! Have since heard of another woman who had the same problem. It was very unpleasant. Needless to say, I NEVER want to take it again. | F | 60 | 6 months | 4/30/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | With the monthly dosage, after about 3 hours I experienced nausea, then vomiting like I've never had in my life. As if that weren't enough, diarrhea and all over malaise. This is the first time I've had an adverse reaction to a drug. | I'd rather have broken bones than take this drug. | F | 57 | 1 times | 4/29/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took the first monthly dose and within 12 hours was very, very sick. Symptoms included: fever, SEVERE muscle and joint pain, severe nausea, general flu-like achy feeling, and severe depression. It lasted three days. I seriously contemplated suicide. Then the brain fog cleared, and I was myself once again. I couldn't believe I had felt so desperate. My dr does not believe any of this was due to the actonel, but I do. It was one of the worst periods of my life. Very scary. | I am only 46, but was recently diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis. I will not try actonel again. | F | 46 | 1 days | 4/27/2009 | 2 | Osteopenia | after experiencing no side effects for more than two years on 35 mg weekly, I suddenly have crepdius in the cervical spine and the joints all over my body are cracking. I don't know if this is the Actonel but it is unusual in that this condition appeared suddenly -as if obvernight. It's annoying -not painful but it's also obvious enough that a yoga teacher commented on it | A friend of mine's mother experienced the severe muscle pain after one dose which has not gone away. I am suddenly worried that we are all part of an imadvisable experiment | F | 55 | 2.5 years | 4/25/2009 | 4 | bone loss due to Femara | bone pain . Have taken Atonel now for 4 years. had more problems with the weekly dose but tolerating daily dose without problems | F | 58 | 4 years | 4/24/2009 | 1 | OSTEOPENIA | TOOK THE ONCE A MONTH DRUG ON APRIL 19TH. FELT FINE THAT DAY. THE NEXT DAY MY WHOLE BODY WAS ACHING IN PLACES I WAS NEVER AWARE OF BEFORE. I COULD BARELY MOVE AND ALTHOUGH ONLY 53 FELT AS IF I WERE 80 YEARS OLD. MY CHEST HURT TO THE TOUCH AS IF I HAD CRACKED RIBS, AND MY BACK HURT. MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I WAS POST- MENOPAUSAL, AND I HAVE NOT HAD MY PERIOD IN 11 MONTHS. BUT ON TUESDAY, 2 DAYS AFTER TAKING DRUG I GOT MY PERIOD. I HAVE NOT READ OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE, BUT I THINK IT STRANGE TO HAPPEN AT THIS TIME. TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE. THE MUSCLE ACHES HAVE GOTTEN A LITTLE BETTER, BUT CHEST STILL HURTS. LAST NIGHT 4 DAYS AFTER TAKING THIS I WOKE UP FEELING LIKE THERE WAS A BURNING HOLE IN MY LOWER STOMACH. MY DOCTOR IS SENDING ME FOR BLOOD WORK AND FEELS THE DRUG HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MY PERIOD (WHICH I DON'T KNOW IF IT DOES OR NOT) AND HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO STOP TAKING THE DRUG. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THIS OUT OF THE SYSTEM SO I CAN BE NORMAL AGAIN. | JUDGING FROM THIS WEBSITE, I AM NOT ALONE WITH THESE SIDEEFFECTS. DOCTOR SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL BEFORE PRESCRIBING THIS MEDICINE AND MAKE YOU AWARE OF THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS. | F | 53 | 1 days | 4/24/2009 | 3 | Osteopenia/Osteoperosis | My oncologist prescribed the Actonel 35mg weekly following a density scan that showed decreased levels. Gave me 1 month supply of weekly pills. No side effects felt that I can identify with this drug over the Femara I am also taking. I have not really paid attention to it, except some minor pain in my knees when bending down to call the dog. Been breast cancer survivor for 4 years. On Femara for 3. The information in this site may scare me away from this drug! | Seems like most of the negative reports on this site are for those people on the higher doses. Are the weekly doses as effective as the monthly? Seem to be a lot less side effects with the lower dose. This makes me sorry that I have been drinking soda all these years! They are bone depleting it turns out just like the anti-cancer drugs and chemo can be! Bummer! There are several books out there for bone maintenance/building without drugs or hormones. Will have to check them out! | F | 47 | 4 weeks | 4/21/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Same as most of the other adverse reports: chest pain, hip pain, leg, arm, wrists, shoulders all added almost one more pain area each day from the 1st day I took Monthly dose. It has been 10 days and I can't wait to get it out of my system. I cope with the intense and debilitating pain with Ibuprofin- 12/ day throughout the day so I can at least move. If I wasn't taking this, I'd be creaking around and need a cane it seems. Really bad pain when the ibuprofin wears off. The stomach issues are nothing compared to the body pain! No more for me- just this one dose. Thanks for all the postings and I wish I had read through all this earlier. I just took the meds. my dr. prescribed once my bone density indicated o-penia-- it's genetic. I'll look for something else now! | F | 48 | 10 days | 4/19/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I was on Boniva for 2 1/2 years and it didn't change my test results so the doctor put me on Actonel. After 6 months I started feeling severe chest pressure, shortness of breath, back and leg pain, difficulty swallowing, burning sensation in my chest and stomach, dryness in my eyes and my teeth started feeling loose. I went to the doctor and he claimed my symptoms were not caused by the Actonel but by my multivitamins and told me to take a pain killer like Aleve or Motrin and to continue taking the Actonel. He got very mean when I told him I had already stopped taking Actonel and tried to scare me into taking it again(I guess now I know why there are always representatives from the Pharmaceutical companies in his waiting room). It has been 2 weeks since I stopped the Actonel and the bone and back pain have decreased but I still have the burning pain in my chest and stomach. I am currently looking for a new doctor since clearly my current one was trying to kill me by trying to force me | Please stay away from Actonel, it will destroy your life. That "medicine" should be off the market. | F | 39 | 6 months | 4/18/2009 | 1 | Pre Osteoporosis | Took first pill yesterday, at 4 am woke up to vomitting like I've never had before in my life. Lasted until 9 am. Am experiencing the worst leg cramps/pains/spasams. Hurt all over and feel awful. Am a 46 mother of a 4 year old and a 9 year old ~ how long will it take for this to get out of my system and will the symptoms get worse? Should I even bother to go to my doctor? | F | 46 | 1 days | 4/17/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I have taken actonel for 4 months in a row. Each month I've had the same symptoms. No side effects on day 1-3 after taking. Day 4-8, extreme fatique. Unable to accomplish basic daily living. Day 8, I awake with a right temporal headache, that is severe. It is accompanied by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and projectile vomiting. I feel like I'm going to die. My mother had chemotherapy, and this seems similar, but with a delayed reaction. The first month I took this, my jaw, spine and big toe ached so much I could not walk for 8 days. The jaw pain lasted month then went away. I feel like the medicine may be doing something positve, as I feel like I'm standing straighter and possibly my hallux rigidus is not getting worse. Joint pains are going away. I wont't take medicine again, because of side effects. I am a 58 yr old female with 11% bone loss and family history of osteoporosis. | F | 58 | 4 months | 4/15/2009 | 4 | Osteopenia/Osteoporosis | I've not noticed any side effects from Actonel, 35 mg weekly, and my bone density has improved. | After breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation threw me into menopause, my oncologist checked my bone density and prescribed Actonel. Now due to an insurance change, I just received a 3-month supply of generic Fosamax, 70mg weekly, that I do not want. Altho they are the same class of drug, the side effects of Fosamax sound more severe than Actonel from the online research that I've done. | F | 60 | 6 years | 4/14/2009 | 1 | dr. took me off Ogen -cancer causin | took 12 pills in12 weeks...bone and joint pain in all my body. Couldn't get out of bed. Falling when skiing I'm a runner cross country skier. Had strong legs. Very healthy before. Now lost tooth fillings, losing eye sight, pain in legs, tired all all the time, have GERD, used to walk 5 km per day, and bike 40 km twice per week. Worst things coughing all the time, non Worse thing productive cough, tickle in throat, have trouble swallowing. No taste, losing weight. Never been fat. This is a year after I took myself off Actonel. Does this ever leave my system. I just seem to get worse daily. Wasn't really having problems with my bone density. New, young Dr. thought Ogen would give me cancer. I had been on it for 14 years and had no problems (very small dose). No cancer in my family. This coughing is wearing me down. Afraid to go to Dr. now. Don't know what to do. Now not on Ogen - just hope calcium, Vit D. help me. Magnesium seems to go right though my system. What | Now lost toth fillings, losing eyesight, pain in legs, tired all the time, have GERD,used to walk 5kmper day, bike 40 km plus every week Worst thing have a constant,non productive cough, tickle in throat, have troble swallowing,no taste , losing weight. Never been fat. Had the strongest legs, ran, skied. Very healthy before Actonel. This is a year after taking Actonel. Does this POISON ever leave my system? Wasn't really having bone problems, new, young Dr. said Ogen would "Give you CANCER" - I had been on Ogen (1/2 dise fir 14 years - no problems) no cancer in family. All women lived to over 90. This coughing is wearing me down. Afraid to go to Dr. Taking Calcim, VitD, magnesium seems to go through my system. No energy. What to do??? | F | 78 | 12 weeks | 4/13/2009 | 5 | osteoporosis t-score -(minus) 4.8 | no side effect so far | 2 years I was on weekly dose 35mg and now changed to monthly dose- 2 month ago, last DEXA scan showed little improvement in spine, from -4,8 to -4.7 | F | 55 | 2.5 days | 4/11/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | My teeth became brittle and several of them broke. My dentist asked me "What are you doing differently???" I had to have extensive dental surgery to repair my broken teeth. Knowing about the necrosis of the jaw which all of the bisphosphonates can cause for some women, my doctor and I decided to switch to Evista. Since going off of Actonel, I have had no further breakage. I'm lucky I discontinued this drug before my jaw bones began to disintegrate and I became disfigured. | F | 52 | 7 months | 4/11/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Dr. gave me samples of this med to take for four weeks, leading up to monthly dose. After taking 35MG weekly actonel four times (weekly), within two days suffered diarrhea, sick stomach, tinnitis, headache; extreme tiredness. So sick at times I couldn't hardly get out of my chair. Only after a great deal of thinking, I decided to try ONE pill of the monthly actonel. Within two days I was sicker than ever with all of the above symptoms and more, plus an itchy rash across my upper torso. I decided not to take anymore of this med. | Because of many of the side effects of the actonel, I decided to see my gastroenterologist. He performed an endoscopy and discovered Barrett's Esophagus, a possible pre-cancerous condition. I have been taking Nexium for about five years. We thought my GERD was controlled. Apparently not. I believe a side effect of meds like Nexium can cause bone loss; hence, we must take Osteo meds, which cause more gastro distress! Vicious circle. Now my rheumatologist wants me to take BONIVA IV. Will have to discuss consequences of that with my gastro and internal doctors. Must decide if I want to break my bones or hasten cancer to the esophagus! Maybe I'll just sit back and .... | F | 65 | | 4/11/2009 | 1 | moderate osteoporisis | Density scan 9/08 revealed moderate bone loss. 9/05 scan normal. Chose weekly Actonel and took for 3 months. Experienced pain and acid stomach for several days after each pill. Several months into taking the drug, my body felt as tho the blood was surging thru it. 1/09 experienced heart flutter/racing during the night. It would stop when I got up. Called dr and advised I was stopping because of flutter. I had two very small flutters during the next week. I am now back to normal- no pain, GERD or heart flutters after being off the drug for 2.5 months. It took around 2 months for the GERD to go away. | I have chosen to become more diligent about taking calicum thru supplement or food. Also make sure I'm getting enough Vitamin D. Given a treadmill so have increased walking. Did some reasearch and after checking with my dr, plan to take Genistein as Citracal now has a calcium supplement with Genistein added. My gut feeling is that this drug will be found to do more harm than good. I'm not willing to gamble on it and I don't want to use up my good days feeling badly. | F | 60 | 3 months | 4/6/2009 | 2 | bone density | I have experienced heart flutterings and several severe episodes of my heart skipping a beat for several days in a row. Normally we are not aware of our heart but when you sit down and all you can feel is your heart skipping beats - you know something isn't right. I have been to the doctor and worn the 24 hour heart monitor but didn't experience a problem that day. After searching the web I came across another website with patient feedback that clearly stated people who had the same symptoms I have been having. On this website I could only find one other person who really indicated having irregular heart beats. I did have some hip problems a few months ago but that seems to have subsided. I have now stopped the actenol and hope my heart will normalize again. It is too frightening when something is affecting your heart. | F | 61 | 8 months | 4/5/2009 | 1 | osti-panine | Took 1 month pill one time. nausea as theday went on. During the night chills like the flu, severe diahrea, passed out in the bathroom. head ache for three days, stiff neck, jaw pain, back ache, pains down my legs. called my doctors nurse she says sounds like you had the flu. NOT and no return call and it's been three months. I'm will keep taking my calcium D and hope for the best. | F | 52 | 1 times | 4/5/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | 18 months after I started taking Actonel I was diagnosed with cataracts (both eyes). There was no sign of a problem in my checkups prior to taking Actonel and I was only 55 years old. 2 1/2 years after taking Actonel, I had arthroscopic surgery for osteonecrosis of the knee. I have no other risk factors -- just Actonel. There is NO doubt in my mind that Actonel caused these conditions. | Someone needs to do something about this drug!!! | F | 56 | 2.5 years | 4/5/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Extreme Pain in Bones and Joints, , Leg, Lower Back and Neck Pain, Headache, Severe Diarrhea and Cramping I never even got cramps when I had my period), Even hurts when I walk... | I had already taken the weekly Actonel for approximately 2 years with very little side effects...I would not recommend the 150 mg. pill. Has anyone gone back on the weekly Actonel successfully, after stopping the monthly pill. I'm so disappointed that I didn't research the side effects more. This is not like me! I do not like to take medicine, but even with exercise, walking, and activities, I still have bone loss. Any suggestions, PLEASE! | F | 57 | 3 days | 4/5/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I take the once a month dose and this is my fourth dose. The first dose made me feel like I was coming down with something like the flu, but it was very mild. The next two doses, I felt fine. This fourth dose has put me in bed with flu like symptoms, shoulder pain, leg pain, headache, my eyes hurt, my chest hurts when I cough. I have had no upset stomach, though. | F | 54 | 4 months | 4/1/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | 11 weeks of actonel in 2003, had severe symptoms, not in literature at that time. Heart attack like symptoms, severe UTract pain. Stopped the drug, symptoms quit immediately. Two weeks later had a stroke, and am now blind in one eye. At 55 had absolutely NO risk factors for a stroke - in 2007 the FDA actually announced a link to atrial fibrillation & strokes - DO NOT take any osteoporosis drug. They are life threatening | I could have died from the stroke I had, instead I am left permanently disabled! | F | 59 | | 4/1/2009 | 1 | bone loss | I took the weekly Actonel with no problems. Then my doctor gave me a sample of the monthly dose and I have had horrible pain in my jaws that began almost immediately after the first (and last dose).It's been a month since I tokk the monthly dose and the pain is still intense. I've been on heavy duty painkillers that help temporarily. I went to the dentist and had an xray in case my self-diagnosis was wrong, but no problem with infected teeth. He agreed with me that my teeth were loose, and my gums had been fine when I last went to the periodontist five months ago. My periodontist told me that a woman's jaw had collapsed when he was doing a procedure; she was on Foxomax. My dentist said he will not do an extraction on any woman on this type of drug. | F | 74 | | 3/31/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I have so much pain in my right elbow that I can hardly pick up anything with that arm. I've only taken ONE Actenol! I have experienced the pain in other places as well as tightness in the chest (told my husband to just tell the paramedics about the pain when they arrived!!!), but the elbow is the worst. | Why is this med still on the market with so many people complaining of bone/joint pain?! I'm not sure I will take another dose. | 55 | 1 times | 3/30/2009 | 1 | osteoporsis,osteopena | acid reflex,sever pain in my low back, chest,hip, thigh, bad flu like sysptoms,very weak and shakey. This was the 150 mg dose. | I will never take this medicine again. i took this around 8:45 am by 3 Pm I was in so much pain in my stomach I wanted to cry. By night my knees and back was in severe pain. Next day I could not sit up without crying.This is third day I am very weak still hurting very badly.I would never recommend this medication to anyone. It should nto be on the market. | F | 47 | 3 days | 3/30/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Horrible, felt like I was dying. | F | 77 | 3 days | 3/29/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Chills, fatigue, sever muscle pain in hands and legs, sever headaches. At first it seemed ike the flu, but on the third day I couldn't open or close my hands very easily and leg pain made climbing stairs so hard. It has been so difficult to move and maintain a normal life. I will not take this drug again. The risk and pain out weighs any benefit. | F | 51 | 6 days | 3/24/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | My doctor prescribed the monthly pill. I had all of the flu, joint pain and stomach problems described by user after user in the first 3-4 weeks. Just about the time these symptoms began to clear up I started having some blurring in my right eye and then circular lights--i.e. the starting symptoms of ocular migraines. Given that I have only had one episode of migraine headaches about 10 years ago, I have to wonder if what I am experiencing now is related to the Actonel. I continue to have headaches and some jaw pain. | I would agree with most of the other people who have responded. This is a terrible drug. You couldn't pay me to take a second dose--monthly, weekly or daily! | F | 57 | 60 days | 3/21/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | After a year on weekly Actonel, with no side effects, took first monthly last Sunday, 3/15. Within hours developed itchy, flat rash that moved from trunk/neck, to arms, thighs. Woke up next day with bad ache both wrists, especially between thumb and index finger, both hands. Over next few days, pain started in back of neck, still can't turn head more than 45 degrees either way, stiffness and achiness spread to, got worse and remain in wrists, base of fingers, knees, ankles, neck and lower back/left hip, where I have pain anyway from sciatica. Intermittent nausea, extreme tiredness, lethargy and feelings of altered sensation, with some depression, anxiety, fear feelings. Also significant swelling of hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Feel 90 years old and don't want to move or do anything. Finally called prescriber who said don't take again. Never had any reaction to any drug or anything before. | F | 53 | 5 days | 3/20/2009 |