Drug Ratings for ACTONELAverage Rating: 1.4 (1356 Ratings)
Compare ACTONEL with similar:
|
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 | osteoporosis | After the first pill, I woke the next morning with terrible pain in my left hip radiating down the left thigh so severe I couldn't sit or stand without excrutiating pain. It's been 5 days now and though the pain sometimes subsides after taking Motrin 400 every 4 hours -it comes back with a vengence each day. I always check the side effects of any new drug I've started after I have pain or something unusual happeningto my body. I'm sure my doctor will poo-poo it when I tell him it's due to my Actonel but I will never take it again. My poor 82 yr old mother is also having terrible hip and leg pain and she's been taking it for 6 months now. I'm going to tell her I suspect the Actonel and see if we can try Fosamax instead. | This drug should not be given to anybody | F | 62 | 5 days | 3/19/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | After taking Actonel, I have experienced all the side effects that I have been reading here. Fever, chills, severe not mild flu-like symptons, chest hurt, toes ached, felt like I was 80 yrs old. I can relate to all the comments posted here. | I will not be taking actonel ever again. I expressed my concern about this medication to my doctor/nurse and they seemed to think that I had the flu that has been going around. NOT! I am going to try calcium and exercise. Don't know if it will work but it will definitely be better than taking this evil medication. | F | 52 | 1 months | 3/19/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Started taking Actonel 4 years ago. Bad side effects started so gradually, I didn't connect them to Actonel. They got stronger and more frequent slowly over the years. My side effects were: headaches (20-24 days a month), stomach problems, ringing (buzzing) in the ear, extreme rectum itch, hip pain when trying to turn over in bed and general feeling of unwellness. Doctor treated headaches with medication and said I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome (stomach). I stopped taking Actonel and everything cleared up, except my stomach. It's much better and I'm hoping it, too, will clear up in time. DO NOT TAKE ACTONEL IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS!! | I've started a Facebook page called Actonel for Osteoporosis - Rate It - Pro's or Cons? I hope to hear from others who take or have taken Actonel. | F | 55 | 4 years | 3/18/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | extreme joint pain, headaches, leg and foot cramps, GERD-like symptoms. | First, I want to thank all of you who posted their comments about actonel at this site. I thought I was a nut case about my theory of feeling so poorly when I took actonel. I also went to CDC and did more research. Anyway, 1st month I took actonel I had some joint pain that went away in about 3 days. 2nd month, some pain and stomach upset. Thought I could suck it up if that was the worst of it. After taking med for 3rd time, I developed excruciating joint pain - particularly in shoulder where I'd never had pain before. And the charlie horses and foot cramps were terrible and relentless -- whether walking, sitting or sleeping. After 4 days of suffering, I called the doctor who prescribed actonel asking if there was anything I could do to at least minimize these side effects that seemed to be increasing in intensity. He returned my call 24 hrs later. In the meantime, I couldn't wait and went to see another doctor. He explained that absorption is extremely important when taking calcium and if absorption is lacking, that's what causes the arthritic symptoms. He explained the importance of magnesium in aiding absorption and that research (which he showed me) supports this. Thought it was at least worth a try. In short time, the joint pain, leg and foot cramps, GERD-like symptoms and headaches went away. I know everyone responds differently to meds, but I have decided to take my chances and simply continue with 1,200 mg calcium + D and magnesium!! | F | 58 | 3 months | 3/17/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I took the monthly pill and my whole body ached for 3 weeks straight. I had severe bone and joint pain. I was fatigued and weak. It was awful. I want to warn everyone to try the lowest dose possible to see if you can tolerate it - you do not want to go through a month of feeling miserable. | If you have experienced severe side effects please report it to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1 800 FDA-1088. They need to know of these problems. From what everyone (over 600 entries) has written it appears to be significant enough that they need to take a 2nd look. They won't if it is not reported. | F | 51 | 1 days | 3/17/2009 | 5 | Osteopenia | No adverse side effects | My hair has become thicker since starting Actonel many years ago. When other women my age start losing hair, I am gaining mine. | F | 56 | 8 years | 3/16/2009 | 4 | Osteopenia | Mild acid reflux. | I tried Actonel after orginally taking Boniva one time. The side effects from Boniva were horrendous, so I was hesitant to take the same class of medicine in fear of having similiar side effects. I was pleasantly surprised, because I had few side effects from Actonel. The purpose of my rating is to encourage people who had side effects from another medicine in this class to try another medicine. It may not give you the same side effects. | F | 51 | 1 days | 3/15/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Actonel is the work of the devil. 3/1/09 took my first dose of the once a month pill. Within 12 hours I experienced severe joint pain and went to the ER; gave me percoset and prednisone, and all that got me was terrible heartburn. How long does this take to get out of your system? Am miserable... | STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRUG AT ALL COSTS! There must be a more natural way to build bones. Will never take again. | F | 55 | 14 days | 3/15/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Neck pain, fatigue, weakness, shoulder pain, bloating, unexplained rash burping a lot, heart palpatations and now severe stomach cramps/pain. I take the once a week 35 mg and for the past month I realized I was coming in to work late Tuesdays or Wednesday because I felt so bad. Have had the cramps, gas etc since yesterday afternoon and it hasn't back off at all. | F | 58 | 2 months | 3/10/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Took my 1st 150mg monthly dose and immediately started having pain and weakness in my knees and hips. Then achy flu like pain in my neck and shoulders. I'm in pretty good shape and work out a lot so this is ridiculous. I was hoping that this was just temporary and would go away with time but from reading what others have to say I think I should stop. My reading was 2.1. | I'm afraid to continue use. I'd like to see if anyone has a suggestion for something else that works but is easier on the body. Hopefully it doesn't cause permanent damage. | F | 54 | 10 days | 3/9/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took once weekly Actonel and a couple days later started having an annoying pain in upper abdomen. Immediately began severe diarrhea and stomach cramps. Started belching uncontrollably. Dr.did upper GI series and I had developed ulcer and esophogeal irritation. Continued with diarrhea and could not eat anything without cramping. Lost 20lbs immediately. | I took Actonel for 8 months. I took myself off medicine against drs orders. Could not continue with stomach upset, diarrhea and constant belching. Dr.gave prevacid,nexium,prilosec, you name it and I still had GI issues. It has been 3yrs since taking drug and I still have constant uncontrollable belching and I have never had any GI problems before taking medicine and did not take any other medicine. STAY AWAY from Actonel! It may kill you before the bone loss does. | F | 58 | 3 years | 3/9/2009 | 1 | Bone Density test. | After a bone density test showed slight loss my Dr. recommended Actonel. I have taken Actonel for about five years. For the last few years I have suffered muscle cramps and bone pain. I have severe stiffness and pain in my hips and knees. I can no longer exercise due to the pain. I am 56 and feel and move about worse than most 80 years old that I know! Thanks to this site I will be stopping the Actonel. Are there any data on how long it takes for this drug and the side effect to leave your body? | M | 56 | 5 years | 3/8/2009 | 3 | full blown osteoporosis | I took Fosamax for a couple years and my doctor suggested trying Actonel as he said it was gentler on the system. I took the weekly pill and had no problems except found it was a nuisance to take weekly as you had to wait 30 minutes before coffee. Then my new doctor suggested monthly Boniva, which I have been taking for 8 months, but it does give me indigestion so I will probably go back to Actonel weekly. I agree with some other comments that the monthly dose might just probably be too strong. I have improved somewhat in my bone density since I started taking the drug. However I do wish there were some natural, healthy alternatives to taking pharmaceuticals. | I would recommend trying different brands and doses if you do not have any major symptoms. If you ever saw a model of what the bone looks like with full blown osteoporosis, it is very scary. | F | 56 | 5 years | 3/5/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis -3.6 bone density | I was talking the once a month pills. After the first dose, I had severe bones/joint/muscle pain, the pain got better after a few weeks. Within 2 days of taking 2nd dose, I was crippled and had to use cane to move around. No pain meds helped with the pain and I quit this drug | Report adverse reactions to the feds using medwatch.com | F | 45 | 2 months | 3/5/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Took the first 150 mg Actonel once-a-month pill on 3/1/09 and by the next day, started experiencing pain in lower & upper back, hips, in the bone part of my legs, severe cramping in legs & arms, neck pain, etc and got worse within another day. I also had a fever on the second day with a lot of aching all over my body - the fever only lasted one day. I am on my 4th day now since taking Actonel, and the bone & joint & muscle pain is there almost all the time, worse at night. I have heard it can take months even if you stop the medication, for the symptoms to subside. I don't know if all this pain is worth it. | I would certainly advise anyone else on this medication & these symptoms, to contact their doctor right away. | F | 61 | 4 days | 3/4/2009 | 1 | Taking low dose of Predisone for RA | Jaw snapping when eating , severe pain in the back of the neck, ringing in the ears, stomach upset, trouble swallowing. A certifiable nightmare. | I am wondering how long this drug stays in the body. I have anemia (genetic type- Thalesemia minor B). I missed seeing the warning about Anemia on the drug disclosure. I am taking a bone scan of the Jaw next week. Hopefully not too much damage has been done. | F | 64 | 3 months | 3/4/2009 | 1 | I was taking Prednisone for R.A. | Took one dose of Actonel as prescribed. Awoke that night around 2 a.m. with severe chest pains and pain in front of upper arms.Got up and sat for around 2hours and was able to return to bed .Felt o.k. for a couple more days ,then started getting hot flashes and feeling tight in the chest. By the weekend was feeling quite unwell.On the Saturday had to go home from work as I was still feeling quite sick.Now the fun began! What followed was about 8 hours of non stop vomiting and diarrhoea.No warning with the diarrhoea,just running right out of you.Worse than prepping for a colonoscopy. I managed 1 day back to work, but I will try to see my Dr today .No appetite and nauseous all the time, also one loose stool again.terrified to go to work in case it starts again. | I will never take anything like this again .I think it is quite toxic ,can`t understand why more about these side effects are not known.I asked my specialist and 2 pharmacists and they were adamant that Actonel was not the cause of these symptoms.Well ,I beg to differ, maybe they should try a couple of doses and get a feel for it themselves.I was astounded by the comments on this website, quite an eye opener. | F | 61 | 1 days | 3/3/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis, osteopenia | After 3rd monthly dose started to have gastric upset with gas, and diarrhea. lived on immodium for the past month. Have never had a problem with stomach or GI problems. I am sure the Actonel is the problem. | Would not recommend this drug. I will not continue taking this. Have heard of an alternative called Osteo-valin. Will check that out and let the doctor have the rest of my meds!! | F | 66 | 3 months | 3/3/2009 | 2 | osteopenia and post menopausal | I have been on Actonel, once a week, continuously for 10 yrs. while missing doses here and there. I have mainly experienced moderate to severe hip joint pain on and off at night and sometimes during the day. On occasion, I have had episodic, excruciating lower back pain which can only be described as feeling like kidney stones (which it never was). These episodes lasted, for no explainable reason and no prior history, for days or a week or infrequently longer with no pain pills bringing relief. I am now going to experiment with removing myself from Actonel and see if these conditions improve. I had chalked it up to aging until reading all the descriptions below, reading up on the medication and trying to find some answers for unexplained joint pain. Thank you to everyone who has shared their symptoms, as I have been suspecting these conditions were not normal and had no explainable medical diagnosis. All gyn's seem to think there are no side effects and put all men | Thank you to everyone - I really feel helped and cannot believe I did not explore this issue before. All this cramping has to stop for a better quality of life now rather than later. | F | 60 | 10 days | 3/1/2009 | 5 | Osteoporosis | Hip Pain radiating into thigh | Due to taking Protonix for several years, my bones had thinned so that my left wrist broke easily in 2004, and I was put on Actonel 35mg once a week. Immediately my hair quit falling out, the food ceased being caught between my teeth, and a few other symptoms cleared up. In May, 2007, three and a half years into Actonel therapy, I rammed my foot against an immovable object and it didn't hurt my foot, but excruciating pain occurred in my hip. So bad was it that I wasn't sure I would be able to walk. Chiropractic manipulation didn't help. The pain radiated into my thigh so that it made sitting painful. Sometime around Oct. 2008, I heard about Fosamax sometimes causing jaw joint problems. I thought joint..maybe my hip joint is from the Actonel, so I ceased taking it. Slowly the pain started leaving and took about 6 weeks to disappear. In Feb. 2009, I started noticing some of my symptoms that cleard with the Actonel, and since I had a three month supply, I started taking the Actonel | F | 76 | 4 years | 2/28/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | i took actonel about three years ago and stopped after 3 months because of pain in back and leg cramps. then my gyn encouraged me to take it again about a year later. the back pain and abdominal pain came back right away, but after taking it about six months, i suddenly remembered this is the same back pain i was having the first time. it is an unusual pain, different than any typical back pain i have. i also have a piercing pain in my abdomen and tightness in my chest. i become bloated and gassy, yet it is very hard to get the gas to pass. the last episode that i had before stopping, i also had severe nausea and i thought i might have to go to the emergency room because the nausea and other pains would not subside. otc pain relievers don't help at all. the peculiar thing about my side effects is that they only happen at night. the pain will wake me up and i cannot sleep until it subsides or goes away, which can take hours. i happen to have some left-over pain pills from another pain-r | i would never recommend that anyone take this horrible drug. it should be taken off the market. i am intrigued by the women that don't have any side effects. i wonder how they escape it. | F | 56 | 6 months | 2/28/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I took my first once a month dose of Actonel on 2/25/09. On 2/26/09 I suddenly at lunch time got flu like symptoms and had to go home from work. Terrible body aches specially in the lower back area. Driving home I thought I was going to pass out. Today 2/27 same flu like symptoms. I am wondering how long it will take to get this out of my body. I'm a working girl and can't afford to take off but this has me flat on my back in bed. | 57 | 1 days | 2/27/2009 | 4 | Osteoporosis | No side effects. | My bone density scan showed I was in the High Risk category so my doctor put me on Didrocal. I only had one side effect and that was leg cramps at night. My bone density improved by 10% and I took it for 3 years then my doctor switched me to Actonel. I have been taking Actonel for 5 years. My bone density has improved again and I've had no side effects. My last bone density scan showed me as being in the Moderate Risk category. However, I'm worried that I've been on this type of medication for 8 years which I feel is too long. My doctor has now prescribed a different drug called Protos and I'm not sure whether I should take it or not. | F | 65 | 5 years | 2/26/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Joint and muscle pain (severe)in arms and legs; severe back pain; muscle cramps in legs; hair loss; irregular heart beats (fluttering feeling). | I tried for two years to take Actonel at my doctor's insistence. I finally stopped because it was destroying the quality of my life. | F | 70 | 2 years | 2/24/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | after taking the second of a 2 day dose- I too experienced the same flu-like symptoms that others have posted. I ached like a truck ran over me. That was my first time taking this and my last- how awful! | terrible side effects- women should be warned of this! | F | 58 | 2 days | 2/23/2009 | 1 | Borderline osteoporosis | I took my first one month dose on the morning of 2/19 and by 6:30 that evening I had the worst flu symptons I'd ever experienced. I could do nothing to get warm, had difficulty breathing, a terrible headache and an aching body. I live alone and was too sick and weak to reach for the phone to call anyone. The next morning, while I didn't have the chills, my body felt like it had been hit by a truck - I ached everywhere and could barely get up to go to the bathroon. In addition, I had non-stop diarrhea - even with drinking water. I had the worst headache and now I have a terrible ache in my right shoulder joint. Needless to say, I have not been able to eat and can only tolerate a few liquids. I'm sure I've lost about 5 pounds. Today is Sunday, February 22nd and I'm still weak and can barely sit up and have an ache on the right side of my head. | I would not recommend this drug to anyone. Although the literature says that the symptoms may not happen after the first does, that is a chance I am not willing to take. This medicine should be taken off the market! | F | 52 | 1 days | 2/22/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I am 45 years old and took Actonel for the first time on Feb. 14th around 9am. Around 4pm, I stared to feel the worst flu symptoms I could ever imagine. I was running 103 degree fever, heat was coming off of my body. Every joint, bone, muscle and even my skin were screaming in pain. I was crying I was in so much pain. I had trouble breathing. My chest hurt everytime I took a deep breath. I had horrible diarrahea and stomach pains and by Monday I had dropped 5 lbs. My right wrist, ankle and knee hurt when it has never before and that is my dominant side. I have constant stomach pain all day long and heartburn into the night. I spoke to my doctor who was upset that I had these pains and could offer no other solution but to never prescribe one of these meds again no matter how bad my hip and spine are. I will now see an Orthopedic Surgeon to get an MRI and hopefully begin some form of Rehabilitation Physical Therapy. | I would never take Actonel again even one of their counter parts. Even though the Side Effect notes state that any side effects that you may feel the first time are not likely to occur again, I would never take that chance. | F | 45 | 7 days | 2/20/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis and osteopenia | I have lower back pain and muscle and joint pain, especially in my hips and knees and my upper back. I also have some tingling in my hands. I started taking the drug in December, 2007 and stopped taking it on my own late December, 2008. I was taking the 35mg, once a week version. I think it took a while for the side effects to build up but I began to notice them about 7 months after I first started. It wasn't until December that I connected the side effects with the Actonel because the only side effect my doctor emphasized was the one involving the esophagus and digestive problems. I never had any of that. However, I am quite uncomfortable with the joint and muscle pain. I | I have been off the drug for almost 8 weeks and my symptoms have lessened but they haven't gone away. No one seems able to put an exact time on when they should go away completely. I have decided to manage my osteoporosis on my own with increased walking and more calcium in my diet. I will not go back on any drug for my bones right now. In all honesty, I think some of this osteopenia/osteoporosis is being hyped by the drug companies because they have come up with a cure we can buy. It doesn't cost me anything to walk and very little to add more calcium to my diet. | F | 54 | 12 months | 2/19/2009 | 3 | Osteopenia | This is so weird... I'm 50 and just started taking monthly Actonel last Thursday (the 12th) and have been having some issues; I was wondering if maybe Actonel is the culprit (so I Googled "Actonel side effects" and got this website). Took my 1st monthly dose on Thursday, the 12th. Was very tired Friday evening, and went to bed early. Had chills most of the night, and discovered Saturday that I had a low-grade fever. Had little appetite Sat. or Sun.; Diarrhea all day Sat. and part of Sun. My knees have been bothering me more than usual... Tuesday evening started getting bad heartburn; continues off and on - I keep a water bottle with me constantly to help soothe the burning. Don't know whether I should try to wait it out, or when/if I should call my doctor... Has anyone's symptoms completely gone away? | Too soon to know yet if it will help. | F | 50 | 6 days | 2/18/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | The day after taking my once a month dose (the first one), I developed lower back pain, in the sacrum area, and also had mild heartburn the first night only. After about 10 days, the lower back pain got much worse, and my doctor told me to take aspirin, which did help. I am still experiencing lower back pain, but not as bad and hope it will go away completely after the drug exits my system. My doctor told me not to take it again and to try calcitonin, a nasal spray. He also wants my Vit. D levels checked to see if they are 32 or higher. I will definitely never take this drug again!!! | F | 50 | 1 months | 2/17/2009 | 1 | early osteoporosis | After about 4 months of taking Actonel I experienced extreme pain in both ankles and discomfort in both wrists. Then began to experience muscle pain and spasms. After stopping on my own against the doctors orders all of the symptoms went away over a period of about 2 months although I still feel like I tire more easily and have that feeling of just not feeling like my old self. | The doctors told me it could not be the Actonel and I should start taking it again. I know my body and am convinced it is the Actonel. I will try alternative ways to treat my Osteoporosis now | F | 32 | 4 months | 2/13/2009 | 1 | unexplained premenopausal osteo | I took my first dose of monthly Actonel and the next day every bone and joint in my body ached (including my top teeth), I had stabbing pains in my stomach and I felt exhausted and chilled. I saw in the literature that bone/joint aches and "mild, flu-like" symptoms are common side-effects of Actonel, and that they are supposed to get better the longer one takes the medicine, but I would deem what I experienced more than "mild." The bone/joint aches and chills were gone the next day and I felt much better. The stabbing pains in my stomach have continued on and off - they seem to come in waves (perhaps when the medicine is released?). I'm also headachey and tired, and have an increased sensitivity to light. | Learning that others have had the same reaction (including the light sensitivity, which wasn't on the list of side effects) is a relief, since my doctor only warned me about the potential for stomach pain. He wants me to try it again next month, but I don't know if I want to risk it. If anyone out there has unexplained premenopausal osteoporosis, I'd love to hear from you. | F | 46 | 1 months | 2/11/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Took the first 75mg pill and within an hour had awful chest pains. This was followed over the next 12 hours by severe pain in my lower back which has lasted for over a week and preveted me from sleeping, intermittent pain in my jaw and also the worst headache that I have had in years. | Stay away from it. | F | 51 | 1 days | 2/11/2009 | 1 | Ostopenia | I took my first dose Saturday morning following the directions to the letter. In the evening hours of Saturday I felt a bit achy and tired so I went to bed to rest. I woke up in the wee hours of Sunday morning with severe flu like symtoms. It is now 4:13 p.m. on Sunday and my body is still sore, run down, my back and hips ache and feel tender. I'm hungry and tried eating, but the food is not appetizing at all. I'm sitting here with a heating pad on my back and hips waiting for the aching to go away. | Any "medication" that causes severe reactions should not be taken. Your body is trying to tell you something! I will search for natural methods to increase my bone density, including weight bearing exercises. I would not recommend this medication to my worst enemy. I suggest the doctors and pharmaceutical company executives be forced to take medications they even think of prescribing and be the guinea pigs first. I bet this junk would never be prescribed to anyone. | F | 56 | 1 days | 2/8/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Started once-a-month Actonel 150 mg. in September '08. After the 5th dose in January '09 had sudden onset of horrible muscle and bone pain involving left hip, femur and knee. No response to numerous over the counter pain meds. Got so bad I consulted my physician who agreed Actonel was probably the culprit. Pain syndrome increased in severity requiring narcotic-strength meds with only slight improvement. It has been three weeks now and pain is slowly letting up. In retrospect, I formerly used Fosamax and also had joint stiffness and pain and developed hypertension. All symptoms went away when I quit taking it. Along with the bone pain my hypertension returned while on the Actonel. I will start bioidentical hormone replacement soon. | It should be banned. | F | 70 | 5 months | 2/8/2009 | 1 | Recommended by doctor | Severe diarrhea and nausea - 36 hours, bad headache for 48 hours, joint pain and aches for 3 days + | After taking the first 150 mg. dose, I developed the "flu-like" symptoms. I was miserable for 24 hours, then better. I took the second 150 mg. as directed at 6 am Monday, and by 4 pm was vomiting and had to leave work. The nausea worsened overnight and diarrhea started. I was up vomiting every 20-30 minutes for 24 hours, then it lessened to every few hours. It took 4 doses of immodium to almost control the diarrhea. Through all of this, I experienced the worst abdominal cramping I've ever had, and had a migraine level headache. I don't think this dosage should be kept on the market. At the VERY least, the patient info on side effects needs to be much clearer. I, too, will explore natural ways to improve bone strength. | F | 56 | 2 months | 2/5/2009 | 1 | F | 64 | | 2/5/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | upset upper stomach, severe pain on my spine, pain accross my back shoulders, severe pain on my rib cage as if I'm having a heart attack, muscle pain on my arms and legs, severe neck pain that gave me a headache, pain accross my lower back. I hurt when I sneeze or when I'm taking a deep breath. | I would not recommend this pill or wish the pain I felt to any human being. My doctor said we'll try again next month and see if I'll feel the same side effects again. I said no way, I will not take a chance on this pain and suffering again. She said we can try Boniva next time. I looked Boniva and its side effects on the internet and guess what, this is not any better from Actonel. The side effects seem even worse. If anyone can find a better replacement please put on the blog. Thanks. | F | 53 | | 2/5/2009 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Severe foot pain | Since 1998, I have been taking calcium, Vitamin D and prescription drugs (first Fosamax and then Actonel) for osteoporosis. I switched from Fosamax to Actonel around 2002, and have been taking weekly Actonel, 35 mg. Starting in April 2008, I began to have severe pain in arches of both feet that persisted no matter what shoes I wore or whether or not I rested my feet. I had been exercising to strengthen my bones (i.e., walking) but even had to temper that. Because of reports about jaw necrosis and femur problems, I decided to take a drug holiday from Actonel starting two weeks ago. Surprise! The foot pain has gradually vanished! I'm shocked! | F | 64 | 7 years | 2/3/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Six hours after taking the once monthly, 150mg, Actonel, I experienced a migrane type headache. Over the next two weeks, I experienced: gripping chest pain, severe cramps daily, disabling joint pains for three days, gastrointestinal problems and later eye spasms, pain and pressure. | I was diagnosed with slight osteopenia and my gynocologist suggested increasing vitamin D to 1000mgs/day. She also prescribed Actonel. I was not in agreement with the Actonel, but I decided she is the expert. WRONG! She suggested the gains outweigh the negatives. When I called and explained my symptoms, she stated this was not caused by Actonel, she only knew about jaw pian. She said to contact my general practitioner. I had not referenced the side effects literature beforehand to avoid influencing my symptoms. I thought I was having a heart attack or a gallbladder attack. My husband had to help me with all daily functions since the join pains were so disabling. As the month progressed my symptoms waned and I thought I would try the second month. HUGE mistake! How quickly one forgets the pain. I feel as if I have been in a brain fog. Within 24 hours, I was experiencing every side effect again and more. Crushing pains in my rib cage and my eyes feel swollen with spasms and pressure. | F | 55 | 2 months | 2/1/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe muscle pain in back, neck, rib cage, some pain in legs, collar bone area, belching, lethargic. Feel sick. | I had been on Fosamax for 4 years and began the once a month Actonel in July. I began feeling lower back pain at the end of Sept. The pain increased up my back and into my abdomen, rib cage, legs. I began belching. I continued the medication until November. After my internist and rheumotologist could not diagnose my problem I began suspecting the Actonel. My gynecologist and rheumotoligist did not think it was the Actonel but I still disagree. I took 5 pills total and have not had a pill since November 1, 2008, but still feel sick. I hurt even when I am totally still. I have never felt this bad constantly in my life and wonder if I will ever get my good health back. Does anyone know how long it takes to get this medication out of your system. Does anyone know if this pain will ever go away? | F | 59 | 5 months | 1/30/2009 | 3 | osteoporosis | Have been taking 35mg for several years tolerated it well, but it has not really improved my bone density. MD gave me a sample of the once monthly, and had severe reaction to it. It seems too strong - needed 911 that evening, chills, pain and short of breath. | Went to doctor today and he does not accept my feeling that my discomfort was caused by the actonel once a month, but I disagree strongly. Everyone knows their own body. I will go back to the 35mg. and hope for the best. Bone density in June will decide what might be next. | F | 77 | 4 years | 1/28/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Extreme pain in ankles which I never had before taking the medication. Could hardly bear to walk it was so painful. | Took the medication for about a year after a spinal fracture, which is when they discovered I had the start of osteoporosis. The pain in the ankles started after about 5 months on the tablets but at first I did not attribute it to the tablets. It got worse and worse until in the end I looked on the internet and found whole pages of peaple who were suffering the same thing. Stopped taking the tablets straight away, doctor not interested and needless to say does not think it was the tablets. In limbo at the moment taking nothing, still in pain 3 months on, don't know quite what to do next to be honest as I don't want my bones to get any worse, but afraid to take anything to stop it. Does anyone else have similar problems ? | F | 52 | 1 years | 1/25/2009 | 1 | ostopenia | lower back pain, ringing in ears, asthma starting up after years of great breathing, tightening in jaw, starting to have sleep difficulties, upper GI discomfort, like heartburn. Also hair loss. But that is probably due to taking DHEA. Just discovered that bit of news today! | F | 28 | 5 weeks | 1/24/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Day 1-Severe upper back pain. Arms and legs ached. Stomach cramps and diarrhea. Whole body ached, weak & lethargic like the flu. Neck and chest tightness. Day 2- stomach cramps all day and diarrhea. Day 3-some cramping, still not feeling up to par. Day 4- finally back to myself | This is a horrible drug. My dr. wants me to try boniva next month, but I'm scared to. I don't want to ever go through this again. | F | 51 | 1 days | 1/22/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | after taking one pill in the morning following directions -chest pains, back pains, flu like symptoms, muscle aches, cramps in my foot - I had all of these symptoms before I read your website | I thought this would be the easy way - as I kept forgetting to take calcium supplements - I won't be so lazy again - I would love to get this out of my system but can only think of drinking lots and lots of water. | F | 64 | 1 days | 1/19/2009 | 1 | Low bone density | Back pain, abdominal pain, frequent UTI. | I recently developed high blood pressure which is listed as a potential side effect as well. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DANGEROUS DRUG. | M | 32 | 7 years | 1/17/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis and problems w/Fosamax | Osteoarthritis in both knees worsened (maybe Fosamax caused that in the first place?) New side effect: after about 7 years on Actonel, I started to have right thigh and hip pain about a year ago, mostly at night, more with lots of walking or climbing. | Didn't notice at the time, but switching from Fosamax to Actonel resulted in T scores of -2.5 and less for the spine L1-L4, worse than I had had using Fosamax. Up till then the osteoporosis diagnosis was only for the femur. Scores for left total femur remained about the same using Actonel as they had been using Fosamax(around -2.5, some years a little better, some years a little worse). For most of the eight years on Actonel, I took the daily dose of 5 mg; for the past 2.5 years I have taken the weekly dose of 35 mg. Never any problem with gastro or esophogical symptoms with either regime. Those were the problems, which manifest as unexplainable chest pain, despite many medical tests, that led to discontinuing Fosamax after 6 years of use, and using Actonel instead. After learning about research studies suggesting that unusual low impact femoral fractures might be related to long-term Fosamax use (not sure if there are similar findings for Actonel as well), some of which were pr | F | 66 | 8 years | 1/11/2009 | 3 | osteo-pena | I am almost 55, and been on Actonel for a few years now. Was diagonsed with osteo-pena after going into an early menopause (thanks to chemotherapy for breast cancer)at 43. I've taken both the weekly and daily Actonel. The weekly dose upset my stomach within a few hours of taking it, and I had abdonminal cramps and diarreha for a few days actually. The same thing happened when I tried weekly Fosamax. Had no problems with Actonel daily except couldn't eat/drink for the 30 minutes every morning. It became a routine. My Dexa scans still show a gradual decline in bone loss, but I guess it would be worse if I didn't take this drug. | I am concerned with effects of being on this drug for a long time. | M | 54 | 5 years | 1/10/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Took monthly Actonel according to the instructions. Fine the first day until nighttime when I awoke with the chills but had so much pain in my body that I had to force myself out of bed to find socks and a sweater. Had some joint aches the next couple of days. I had more severe side effects the second month (second dose). I once again awoke with the chills and muscle and joint pain. Had severe diarrhea 24 hours later and also noticed a red rash (with blisters) on both of my thighs, plus one lone blister on my stomach. Joint pain is still with me 12 days later. It is particularly intense at night when I feel as though someone is tugging on my ankles or wrists. The pain seems to travel up and down my legs and arms; sometimes I feel the pain in my elbows and knees. | My gynecologist (who had prescribed the Actonel in the first place) says I am apparently having an allergic reaction. He told me to call him back in two weeks to let him know how I'm feeling. I think he intends to put me on Evista. By the way, I also had a urinary tract infection a few weeks after the first dose of Actonel. The UTI (which is listed as a possible side effect) was found during a routine urine culture. I was surprised because I had no symptoms. As I told my doctor, even after experiencing some side effects after my dose of Actonel, I did want to give it a fair try. I could tolerate an attack of the chills and flu-like aches and pains if they only lasted a day or two. Unfortunately, the side effects of the second dose were much more severe. I have sensations in my arms and legs as I type this. I think it's my joints, but maybe it's radiating along the muscles. Remember "Indian burns" from when you were a kid (when you'd place your hands on someone's arm and twi | F | 52 | 2 months | 1/10/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | After taking the first pill (wkly dosage) I had flu like symptoms. Second week I had severe joint PAIN and all my bones HURT BADLY. The third week's dosage left me feeling like I would be crippled for life! I could barely get out of bed, my legs shook and trembled when I stood up in the morning and my back hurt so much (NEVER EVER HAD BACK PAIN BEFORE) that I thought of the possibility of permanent damage, I WAS TERRIFIED. I don't know how I made it to work. I stopped taking it and it took over one month to regain steadiness on my feet and not feel so much back pain. HOWEVER I FEEL I HAVE RESIDUAL HIP PAIN, NEVER HAD THIS BEFORE EITHER! I would not recommend this drug to ANYONE! | Stronger warnings concerning contraindications should be made known. As a patient, we place a lot of trust in what is given to us, we need to be TOLD specifically what to look for. I WOULD HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE THIRD DOSAGE HAD I KNOWN HOW SEVERE THE PROBLEMS COULD BECOME. | F | 60 | 3 weeks | 1/8/2009 | 1 | recommended by doctor for pre osteo | extreme chest pain the night after taking my first dose. 3 days later feeling lethargic, hip pain, headache, upset stomach. i will not take it again, especially after reading about other women experiencing the same side affects | F | 58 | 1 times | 1/6/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I was on Evista for about a year because of low bone density. I had nightly leg cramps but did not attribute it to the medication because I have an auto-immune disease. I just thought the disease was getting worse. Then my doctor put me on Actonel since Evista was not showing to improve my bone density. Within a short time the leg cramps got much worse. It was so bad that my neurologist was testing me for other diseases such as MS. After talking with a neighbor that had leg cramps brought on by taking actonel, I quit using it. It has been three months now and I am finally back to normal. I will never take any of this type of medication again. My doctor said she has never heard of a reaction like this so I will be eternally grateful to have heard someones story | There needs to be a stronger warning about the side effects of this drug. | F | 58 | 3 months | 1/6/2009 | 1 | bone scan showed osteoporosis | Took the once a month dose. That night started chilling. Next day had temp with flu-like symptoms. Was weak and couldn't eat. Had headache. Bones ached. Eye ached. Next day had backache. | Won't take this medication again. Think the once a month dosage is too large an amount to take at one time. The weekly dosage might work better, but I don't plan to find out. | F | 64 | 1 days | 1/4/2009 | 1 | bone density was low | I've taken two pills, monthly doses, and after taking the first dose I experienced severe rib cage pain and leg cramps. About a week later I experienced the worst case of lower back pain I've ever had. My husband had to help me dress, go to the bathroom and walk. We went to an immediate care facility where they treated me for the pain which enabled me to walk on my own. I asked the pharmacist about the leg cramps in association with the actonel. He told me it only occurred in 1% of people in a study so I didn't think more about it. After taking my second pill and now experiencing severe back pain for the last three weeks, I began to think it may be the actonel which caused me to google actonel side effects. I was literally shocked to read many of the same symptoms and now I am very angry at my dr and the pharmacist for not warning me. I'm now wondering how long will this debilitating back pain last and I will certainly not take my 3rd dose which I was due to take tomorrow. Thank God I | F | 54 | 2 months | 12/31/2008 | 1 | osteoporsis | I was taking the once a week pill. First time I took it, I had chest pains and muscle and joint aches. Second week, I had muscle and joint pains. I was determined to give it a try and took it for two more weeks with some minor muscle and joint pain. After the fifth week within hours of taking it, I had pain in my eyes, sensitivity to sunlight and then swollen eyes the following day. the pain was so bad, I could not focus and had to keep my eyes closed. Thankfully, since I stopped taking the drug, my symptims have gone away. I think that this pill is very dangerous for some people. | F | 56 | 5 weeks | 12/29/2008 | 2 | Osteopenia | I had an upset stomach for a week after I took the monthly Actonel. | I have been on weekly Actonel for about 4 years and have had success with the medication. Bone density tests have either improved or stayed the same. No side effects to speak of except within the first hour. I decided to try the monthly and I was very uncomfortable for a week after eating. Had gas pains and a stomachache off and on the entire week. Spoke to a Nurse and only relief was to take lots of Rolaids, Tums and Gas-X and modified my diet to small meals and no vegetables or beans. Problems finally started to go away after a week. I will not take the monthly again. | F | 53 | 1 times | 12/22/2008 | 1 | osteoporisis | Aches, pains, heartburn and a broken arm that didn't heal correctly. | After reading all the side effects on those taking this 'drug' only days, weeks and months.... I wanted to add my two cents. Don't take it! I stopped after being on it for 4 years, and it's been a year without it. While on it for 2 years I fell and broke my arm. After the 6 week healing period I was still in excruciating pain and after an x-ray was told there was no new bone growing. My arm never healed correctly and I blame it on the Actonel - but I'm sure the doctors wouldn't agree. Then I started with heartburn. To the dismay of my doctor I stopped taking it. Felt I needed supplements so started on a multivitamin and within 7 days I thought I was having a heart attack. Stopped taking the vitamins and the pain went away. Then started on Vitamin D (3,000 units a day-recommended by my doctor) and ended up in the emergency room with symptoms (again) of a heart attack. Figured out the damage that was done to my stomach/esophagus was being irritated by the vitamins. It's call | F | 63 | 4 years | 12/21/2008 | 1 | found bone lose | When the doctor told me to try the sample Actonel, I had asked about whether the once a month 150 size would cause more side effects, because I already have some pain in my joints and they said it's a small number of people who get the problems. WELL, seven days after the first pill I started to feel pain in my chest and back and thought I was having a heart attach. I felt a terrible pressure and couldn't get a deep breath. Then I got bad chills. I took a hot shower hoping that would help, but by then I could barely stand without collapsing, feeling my back bone either popped a disc or was broken. After a horrible night I am still having trouble moving, getting up, sitting, standing,everything. The rest of my joints are also painful and my finger is swollen. I have a busy holiday coming up and then vacation and have NO idea when this will go away. At first I thought to go to the hospital, but after reading this site I realize there is no point! I would like to know how many other | F | 56 | 7 days | 12/20/2008 | 1 | Osteopenia | Doctor has prescribed Actonel because last bone scan showed bone loss. After reading this site I am afraid to take it and afraid not to take it. I don't want to risk fractures but don't want to be sick like all these people. CONFUSED | F | 44 | 0 days | 12/17/2008 |